In April 2024, Jaye walked into Congregational Church of the Valley with her mother. Jaye is a nurse at Mayo Clinic and grew up in Kenya, Africa where her mother still lives.

       At the coffee hour, we learned that the village of Ilbisil in Kenya (100 miles south of Nairobi) is in need of a well. People spend half a day going long distances to fetch water to drink and cook. Our people with “world mission” antennas out, said, “Let’s find a way to get a well dug in the village.” 

       We contacted Wells for the World in Michigan. A wonderful Hydro Geologist has been arranging for wells to be dug in Kenya for years. He makes his living in serving corporations here. He exercises his faith by serving the non-profit he began.

       An estimate for digging and getting an electric motor established is about $16,000. Our Hydro Geologist said he has the crew in Kenya and the equipment and will get it done.

       We decided to have two fundraisers under the title TURNING WINE INTO WATER. After two hearty nights of food and wine tasting for our congregation, its friends, and some community members, we have now in hand our $16,000. We have given the green light to get going. They have 3 possible sites and after obtaining all the permits will begin to drill. Most likely this will be a 30 day project to dig 200 meters plus. 

       Upon completion of the well, we will have representatives from the church go to Kenya for the dedication of the well and celebration with the people in the village. 

       A side note: The average person in Kenya needs and uses three gallons of water a day and in this village must drive a long distance to get it. The average American uses seventy gallons a day that is piped into our homes. 

       We are grateful that this need has found the people of Congregational Church of the Valley UCC. Every “need” is our neighbor and provides us with a privilege to serve. 

Rev. Sandi Anthony and Dr. Richard A. Wing, Co-Pastors