Sudan Water Project
Living Water for Southern Sudan
January 2010
Dear Friends in Christ,
James Akol, a member of our congregation and one of the “Lost Boys of Sudan,” has brought to our attention the living conditions in many villages in southern Sudan. Since arriving in the Omaha area he has obtained his GED, completed an Associate’s degree, and has become a citizen of the United States. He has made two trips home to his village, most recently to be married, though his wife has been too ill to travel back to the Bellevue area with him. Many of the villages, including his home village, are currently served only by an open well, and consequently many people in the region have been afflicted with illnesses such as dysentery and cholera. Sadly, many villagers have succumbed to their illness. To address the need for clean and safe drinking water, Living Water for Southern Sudan has been formed at Thanksgiving Lutheran Church.
Our vision will be multifaceted. We will be formulating short and long term goals. Once we provide a village with an ongoing source of safe water, we hope to also address the need for food, medicine, sanitation, and hygiene.
Our first project is to replace the existing open well in James’ home village of Panthou with several closed deep-water wells accessed by hand pumps. This project will have three goals.
1. Research, survey and gather facts and details that will guide the project in an informed and effective manner.
2. Drill the first wells.
God has also introduced us to Mr. Dale Leuck, of Leuck’s Drilling Company in Papillion. Mr. Leuck had been looking for such a project to share his expertise and to make a difference in the world. The first phase of the project is to send Mr. Leuck and James on a fact-finding mission to Sudan in February. Mr. Leuck will be able to survey geography, topography, and take soil and water samples. This will allow us to plan the scope of the project, to purchase the most appropriate drilling rig and supplies, and create a detailed budget for the project.
The last phase of the well project may someday be to transfer the knowledge and equipment to the Sudanese people so that they can continue to provide sustainable sources of clean water at other sites and villages.
At this time we are asking for donations to cover the cost of the fact-finding mission for James and Mr. Leuck. This will include airfare & ground transportation, accommodation, food and miscellaneous expenses, estimated at approximately $10,000. This is a rather long and tedious journey to a very remote part of the world that has desperate unmet needs. We ask you to pray that the necessary financial resources will be raised, as well as prayers for safety and good health.
Thank you for your prayers, time, and consideration!
Living Water for Southern Sudan Team
Will Ackermamn, James Akol, Mike Cameron, Laura Flynn, Siri Harless, Susanne Harless, David Lempke, Alene Schlange, Jenni Schliesman, Pastor Glenn Harless
Our Mission: Bringing hope to people of southern Sudan,
by providing them with living water, food, and medicine in Jesus' name.