African Well Project (July-Aug 2007)

Brian Vandergraff, Director of Sales for STL Distribution, visited Kenya, Africa in October 2006.  The purpose of the visit was to meet with various projects that were beneficiaries of the STL Trust & to represent STL during the dedication service of the St. Luke’s Church, which was funded by STL. 

During this time, the STL team found that there was a desperate need for a well in the village.  This is the purpose of the “Africa Well Project”.  With your help, we will be able to raise funds to help provide clean water.  People will travel from other villages to Ciangera for clean water which will also give them an opportunity to hear the gospel at St. Luke’s Church. 

What struck you most about the living conditions there?
Most families of 5-8 shared one “house” that was about 10’ x 10’.  What struck me the most was the villager’s resourcefulness.  The houses were constructed entirely of scavenged sheet metal, scrap wood, wire, tree branches, mud, tires and other materials.  

Do you think the people there are happy, despite their obvious poverty?
The Christians that we met in the projects were all very happy and thankful for what they had.  You could truly see the joy of the Lord in their faces.  They knew that we were fellow believers and we forged immediate bonds.

How do they respond to strangers coming to their little town?
We were treated with the utmost respect every time we visited a project.  Children would chase the vans as we entered.  The adults would prepare a meal for us and almost everyone rushed up to talk with us.  Many kids would say, “How are you?”, but when you responded they did not know what to say.  They had learned to say these words, but had no concept of what they meant. 

Are there any churches in the area you visited?
The first Sunday in Kenya we visited the project of Ciangera to attend church.  The church building was constructed using finds from the STL Trust.  The villagers were extremely grateful to have such a nice building to worship in.  The church service lasted five hours and ministered to the 500+ villagers in attendance.  

Is the church staffed by missionaries, or do the members contribute their time and talents as well? 
The Ciangera project is run by missionaries with local volunteer support.

Do the children there attend school? The Ciangera Project has a Christian school that allows the local children to get a quality primary education. 

The people that are employed in this poor area, what kinds of jobs do they do? Many local villagers have “shops” in a nearby town.  They make and resell things like charcoal, clothing, and crafts.  Others raise cows for milk, chickens for food and grow assorted fruits and vegetables. 

Do the people there seem to understand about God and who Jesus is?
Most of the villagers we met with were Christians.  There is, however, an opportunity for the local Christians to reach out in their communities and spread the Gospel message. 

Describe in one sentence the attitude of the people you met there.
The Kenyan Christians are a uniquely gracious and caring people in spite of their oppressive poverty and lack of chance for advancement. 

What did you find most interesting about their culture?
Their giving spirit.  When we visited they would have a meal prepared ahead of time.  We were given more food than most of the villagers would have eaten in a week.  If you did not eat everything they presented you it was a sign of disrespect. 

What was the most moving sight you saw in your visit?
It was shocking to see small children being raised in such horrible conditions.  One slum we visited, called Kiebera, is the second largest slum in the world.  Over 50% of the children die in Kiebera before reaching the age of five.  Most of the deaths are from disease due to the poor sanitation.   

How will this well project affect this village?
The Africa Well Project will provide villagers with clean, safe drinking water to help prevent disease.  The wells will also draw more people to the Ciangera church and give workers the opportunity to lead more souls to Christ.


If you would like more information on how you can help support the Africa Well Project, please contact Beth Lizzio at 423.282.9475 x265 or beth.lizzio@stl.org.  You may make checks payable to STL/Distribution, Attn: Africa Well Project, 522 Princeton Rd, Johnson City TN 37601.   


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