When determining the next location for a distribution event, an assessment of the area is conducted. Today, we visited Kawangware, a large slum of nine zones with a population of approximately 700,000 people in an estimated 150,000 households.

First, the area was surveyed using drone imaging. Then we completed a walking tour of the area and a rendering of a map.  There are no existing maps or plans for slum areas so they must be created during the assessment process.  Once the various zones were demarcated, we then identified and introduced ourselves to the the highest ranking leader, or elder, in each zone. This is an important step in the assessment process to understand the chain of command and find favor with leaders.

After meeting with the local leaders, the team paired up and visited door to door throughout the zones. Teams go out in pairs and knock on every door to determine: (1) the number of households, (2) the number of people in each household, (3) the source from which they get water, (4) their spiritual beliefs, and (5) their health condition. This step is critical in determining exactly how many people actually reside in the area. This determines the size, cost, and duration of the project, number of filters needed and the support team that will be dedicated to the area. During the assessment process, local churches with sound doctrine were identified to host future distribution events and disciple new believers as they come to Christ during the follow-up period.

While assessment is a critical step in the overall process, there’s typically not much time for witnessing or sharing the Gospel due to the fast paced nature of this stage. But we know that God uses every moment for his purpose and you never know when those divine appointments might take place. As I collected information from a man named Henry, he asked me “what is the Gospel that you are talking about?”  I shared the Gospel with him and he read Romans 10:9-13. What would have otherwise been a routine day of data collection became a life changing moment, Henry accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. What a blessing to be witness to such a poignant moment in Henry’s life. It is truly an experience I will never forget.

It can take up to two years from the assessment phase to distribute filters through an area the size of Kawangware. The Filter Project will begin filter distribution in Kawangware in January 2025.  At $53 per household, this mission will be a four year project with an estimated cost of $8,000,000. Jesus calls us meet the physical needs of others without stipulation. Help us bring clean drinking water to Kawangware.