Fall 2016 Update

As I write this, it has been one year since our official launch as a non-profit organization. Looking back on all that has been accomplished in our first year, it is amazing to see all that God has been doing through Living Water for the Thirsty. During or first year of operation, we installed and dedicated 40 wells in Nepal, impacting over 2,500 people with access to clean water. This could not of happened without your prayers and financial support, so thank you! We all take access to clean water for granted, a reality that millions in Nepal still lack. We are very thankful for the early successes God has provided, and at the same time we know there is much yet to be done.

In addition to the component of clean water, our work is focused on creating introductions of the local church to unreached villages. Living Water for the Thirsty does not dedicate the wells, it is the nearest local pastor that gives this ceremony and begins to build relationships with people in the community.

We believe the local church is the means God has provided to spread His Gospel to those who have never heard, and our model is built to equip and support them in this goal. We provide discipleship training to our pastor partners, their local church leaders, and new believers that have come to faith through our work. This training helps believers understand what it means to follow Jesus, how to share their faith, how to plant a healthy church, and so much more.

Word about our work and success is spreading. Our leaders in Nepal have relationships with believers in different areas in Nepal. Through communications with these leaders, they are asking to partner with Living Water for the Thirsty so that villages near them may receive the same water projects and discipleship training we have launched over the past year. These leaders love the way we meet urgent physical need through clean water projects, and urgent spiritual need through partnership with the local church.

We feel God is leading us to expand our work into new areas in Nepal. We have prayerfully considered how to best expand, and feel the appointment of new leaders on the board of directors are necessary. Earlier in October, we added Ronald Jenkins and Paul Ledbetter to our board. We look forward to the advice and counsel they can provide along the way as Living Water for the Thirsty continues to grow.

As we begin our second year of work, there are a few areas of opportunity we want you to be aware of. First, we are beginning to partner with churches here in the United States that believe in our mission to meet urgent physical and spiritual needs through clean water projects and the gospel. If you attend a church that supports missional work among unreached peoples, we would appreciate an introduction.

Secondly, we are launching a campaign section on our website. This area will allow individuals who want to sponsor a well, multiple wells, or travel with us to Nepal in March to raise money for their goal. We are currently working to build our very first campaign to help someone sponsor multiple wells in Nepal through an event. This will involve the pooling of resources from friends and family who are looking to come alongside them and support the cause. Other campaign ideas include donating a birthday, doing an athletic event or run, or anything else you can think of to get involved and make a difference. If you have interest in setting up a campaign, please reach out in the campaigns section of our website to begin the process.

Finally, we still continue to covet your prayers. We know that God has been working through the prayer warriors who have been lifting us up on a consistent basis, to which we are extremely grateful. Additionally, the goals we feel God is giving us require continued financial assistance. We ask that you would prayerfully consider what God would have you do.

The last year has been amazing. We can get caught up in the numbers of people impacted with clean water and the gospel. However, the real impact is seen in the difference this is making in individuals, one at a time. When a child and family receives the gift of water, it makes a significant difference in their health and financial livelihood. When that same family hears and responds to the Gospel, the difference is eternal. I cannot wait to see what the next year brings!

Matt MacLean
Founder, Executive Director
Living Water for the Thirsty
www.lw4t.org