October 26, 2022

Community members of San Antonio de Quito backfill a trench after the new distribution system pipe was installed.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. - Hebrews 12:1-2

The construction of the distribution system in San Antonio de Quito is complete! After starting this process over six years ago, it is wonderful to see the community work so hard to get this project finished. The only remaining item to complete is the pump installation, which will hopefully be done in early November, after the electrical connection to the pump house is completed by the local electricity provider.

The community has been working for over two months to build the tanks, dig and backfill the trenches, and install the system pipe. I have been in an observational role throughout this project, watching the construction on a few occasions to learn the typical process.

It has been great to see this project go from start to finish. This project is also special to me as San Antonio de Quito is a project that was supported by funds from Safe Water in Ecuador, a professional organization I was part of as an engineer in Michigan.

I spent some time watching this tank construction in San Antonio de Quito go from start to finish.

The CODEINSE team is also assisting the community of San Martin Bajo with its existing system. San Martin Bajo did not have enough water to provide for all of its community members in its piped system, but had a dug well located in the community that it could use to supplement its current spring supply. After a day of surveying as well as assessing the existing water sources, the CODEINSE team determined the best solution was to dig the existing well deeper into the aquifer to increase the quantity of water available and build a pumphouse at the well to pump the water to the existing reservoir. Improvements to the well were completed in early October. A new pump house will be constructed and new pumps installed early in 2023.

About two dozen community members came out to help with the work in San Martin Bajo. The earthen well was dug down and meter sections of concrete pipe stacked vertically to strengthen the well walls and protect the water source. All of this work was completed without the help of machinery!

Aside from the engineering and construction work in Ecuador, I was able to spend a few weeks in Michigan during September. During this time I attended an engineering conference in Traverse City, where the aforementioned Safe Water in Ecuador raised over $5,000 to support the work here. I also presented at four supporting churches, three of which joined as a partner in this work after I left in February. It was good to meet with these new partners, share the ministry work in person, and just get to know the people that are supporting and praying for this ministry.

I met with university students and faculty at Calvin University and Hope College to discuss ongoing work, potential future partnerships, and share internship opportunities for students here in Ecuador. It was exciting to converse with these institutions as they provide a different perspective and set of skills that are vital parts of Life Giving Water International’s ongoing success, growth, and development.

Finally, I was blessed to spend time with family and friends camping, attending a wedding, eating good food, and just generally spending time together. After months of video calls and digital messages, it was wonderful to spend time with these loved ones in person.

I am blessed by the support I experienced while visiting with churches and spending time with family and friends during my visit back to Michigan. I am thanking God for each one of you for being the “great cloud of witnesses” that supports and encourages this ministry.

Presenting at the Michigan Section American Water Works Association Annual Conference in Traverse City.

Prayer Requests 

  • Construction started in the community of Azama (288 families) on October 17. Pray for strength for the work. 
  • Thanksgiving for safe travels and times of fruitful connection with ministry partners, friends, and family during my time in Michigan in September.

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