As beautiful as the view from the sky was, the real beauty began once our feet hit the ground in Sirende Ward, just outside Kitale. Today was our first day of ministry on the ground with our missionary team, and already we’ve seen God move in powerful, personal ways.
We began by visiting families who had previously received water filters through The Filter Project. These follow-up visits help ensure the filters are being used correctly—but even more, they open the door for conversations that change lives.
One of the most moving stories came from Mary, a mother of two. As we discussed her physical health, we also asked about her spiritual condition. When we asked where she would go if she died today, she replied, “Heaven, because I pray.” We gently walked through the Scriptures with her, explaining how salvation is a gift through faith in Jesus, not something we earn. By the end, Mary realized her need for a Savior and joyfully prayed to receive Christ. She will be baptized this Thursday and receive her very first Bible. Praise God—we now have a new sister in Christ!
Then we met Annette, whose family had battled typhoid over three times this year. Each time left them too sick to care for their children or to farm. Each hospital visit drained their finances. But since receiving her filter, Annette and her mother have been healthy. “We thank God and the people who donated for this gift,” she said. The clean water has truly brought restoration and relief.
Elizabeth shared a similar story. Her family constantly dealt with stomach issues before the filter. Now, those problems are gone. “We can get clean water anytime,” she told us. And as a mother to Ezra, her 9-year-old son with severe autism, this filter has lifted a major burden from her household.
Finally, we spent time with Catherine, a Christian woman who had never owned a Bible because she cannot read. Today, she received an audio Bible and was filled with joy at the opportunity to hear God’s Word in her own home. After learning about baptism, she also asked to be baptized this Thursday. Her courage and faith deeply inspired our team.
Each of these stories reflects a truth we’re seeing again and again here: clean water opens the door, but Living Water transforms the heart.
We’re so thankful for the opportunity to be here. Thank you to everyone who has prayed, given, and supported this mission. You are part of every changed life in Sirende Ward. And we ask you to continue lifting up Mary, Annette, Elizabeth, Catherine, and the many others we will meet in the days to come.
The view from the sky was beautiful—but the view from the mission field is eternal.