Water Team to Share at Learning Conversation

Dear Presbytery of Los Ranchos Family Members –

A few years ago, the church I serve as Senior Pastor – Grace First Presbyterian Church of Long Beach – discerned our call, as disciples of Jesus Christ, to address the global water crisis.

The Problem

So many communities of God’s people throughout the world do not have access to clean, safe, healthy drinking water. Because of this, too many of God’s people die every day of preventable waterborne illnesses.

God’s Faithfulness

In January 2020, a small group of hope-filled church members at Grace First visited a community in central Peru (Pacro Yuncán) – in the department of Huánco. While the COVID-19 Pandemic slowed us down, in 2022, a small church in a village of 300 people signed a covenant to work with us – in partnership with Living Waters for the World – to install a Clean Water (Filtration) System. This summer, the community in Pacro completed the building, which will house the water filtration system and bottling center – serving their whole village.

God’s Hope

This small community in Pacro, Peru have embodied their faith in Jesus Christ – seeing how this water system will help bring clean, healthy, and safe drinking water to a whole generation of God’s people.

The Learning Discussion

At the time of this Learning Discussion (available via Zoom), the Water Team members present will be freshly back from their mission experience in Peru. While they will be excited to share with you their experience, they will also share information about the Living Waters for the World’s relational ministry that connects churches in the US with churches, schools, and orphanages in the developing world to bring safe drinking water to their communities. They’ll share how you and your congregation could become involved, partnering with our church if you are so moved by God’s spirit. This water mission and ministry is not only a ministry of Grace First Presbyterian Church of Long Beach. There are many Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and other churches involved in this ministry, and this could be a wonderful Presbytery-wide mission for you to consider.

An Invitation

I hope you may find the time to attend this wonderful opportunity and Learning Discussion. If you are unable to attend, I hope you may have a member of your Mission Teams, Peace and Justice Teams, and any one of your church family members or church leaders who may attend and relay the information to your leadership teams and/or Session.

God’s peace and blessings,

Rev. Dr. Jonas Mark Hayes
Grace First Presbyterian Church