Wells of Life Bring Far More Than Water
by Courtney Ellis
A few years ago, as the Director of Family Ministries at First Presbyterian Church, Fullerton, Michelle Danly helped her congregation prayerfully choose their annual mission focus. They decided on Wells of Life, a ministry that helps bring clean water, health education, and the love of Jesus to rural areas of Uganda.
“We hoped to raise enough money to purchase one well,” she said. New wells cost $8,000 apiece, and refurbishing faltering wells – those often left behind by kindhearted but poorly equipped short-term mission teams – runs $4,000. She ended up completely floored by her congregation’s enthusiastic response.
“We raised enough money for two wells and two Healthy Village Programs as well!” said Danly.
As Wells of Life began its initial ministry in 2010, founder Nick Jordan quickly realized that water wells alone wouldn’t be enough to revitalize rural villages. Communities also needed training in public health, disease prevention, and sanitation. Thus began the Healthy Village Program, an addendum to each well that Wells of Life creates or repairs. The program typically begins right after a well’s completion and runs for around six months. Led in partnership with local Ugandans, Healthy Villages covers everything from basic sanitation and hygiene to building latrines. It also includes a spiritual component and showings of The Jesus Film.
Today, Danly has left her position at Fullerton, First and serves as the Programs Director for Wells of Life. “I was volunteering and helping in that capacity, slowly checking them out before I agreed,” said Danly, “and I believe it’s an honor to be called into this. I’ve worked with local churches for many years and I believe God called me to a bigger global ministry right now.”
Seven years ago Bruce Birkeland, a member of Presbyterian Church of the Master, felt God tugging at his heart. He heard the stories from rural Uganda about how often only boys were able to attend school – most girls were busy helping their mothers gather water. Even that hard-earned water was often of a poor quality and from very far distances. This lack of education had wide-ranging effects on both those girls’ futures and the strength of the Ugandan nation as a whole.
Today, Birkeland, a member of Presbyterian Church of the Master in Mission Viejo, serves as the Board Chairman of Wells of Life.
“Previously, up to 50% of the children under five were dying of communicable diseases in these villages,” said Birkeland. “With the wells and the training, that number goes down significantly. The girls can go to school, so they have a future. It’s just so powerful.”
Danly shared that she loves to educate people of all ages about this ministry. “I have a special presentation I have put together for youth groups,” she said. “As well as one for preschoolers. I bring props! Our heart is to develop the servant heart in [children and youth.]” Back when she served Fullerton, First, they even themed an entire VBS around water, raising money for Wells of Life and talking about all the ways God has created us to need and depend upon water.
If congregations or individuals are interested in partnering with Wells of Life, there are many ways to get involved, from raising money for wells or the Healthy Villages Program, funding the Legacy Program, which helps cover the overhead necessary to raise up in-country leaders.
“I’ve been so encouraged by the Presbytery’s support,” said Danly. “It’s beautiful to see everyone working together.” In addition to support from First Presbyterian of Fullerton and Presbyterian Church of the Master, Laguna Niguel Presbyterian Church has also partnered with Wells of Life.
Birkeland shared that the success of the ministry – 1350 wells completed to date, each serving an average of 1,000 people – has energized him for the continued work ahead. “$8,000 for a well is nothing compared to the lifesaving impact of it!” said Birkeland. “It is estimated that 15 million people in Uganda still lack clean water.”
If you or your congregation would like to learn more about Wells of Life or get involved, you can are invited to contact Birkeland or Danly directly or visit WellsOfLife.org.
Courtney Ellis, Associate Pastor at Presbyterian Church of the Master in Mission Viejo, is an author and storyteller. Courtney will be reporting over the next few months on the presbytery’s mission partnerships.
Courtney’s latest book is Looking Up: A Birders Guide to Hope Through Grief, published by InterVarsity Press.