St. John’s continues to support Haiti. In August a solar-powered water treatment system was installed by the St. John’s/ChristChurch Living Waters for the World (LLW) team at the JeLA school/orphanage. In February Léonie Tchoconté participated in another LWW water system installation and health training at a school in Blanket, Haiti. They now have clean water to drink and have escaped cholera. Children and adults have been trained to pass this health and basic sanitation training along to others. The water system provides a modest income for the schools, as they are able to sell the water to the villagers —a form of Presbyterian microfinance.
Over time we have developed a sense of the importance of sustainability. On the last trip the two schools were presented with nine young goats, a source of daily milk and cheese. St. John’s money for goats ($300) was raised at the Holiday Gift Market in November and that money was matched by ChristChurch donations. The JeLA School had enough money left over to buy shoes. (See the picture of the children showing off their shoes.) Many thanks to those who made the gift of goats and shoes possible!
Recently our attention has been drawn to the need for clean water in Cuba and to the need to help the Presbyterian churches there. Recent changes in the Cuban constitution have opened the way for religious activity and for outsiders to support that activity. LWW has established a foothold in Cuba and hopes to capitalize on this as it prepares for a water system installation at a Presbyterian Church and seminary in November 2011. Clear Lake Presbyterian Church is joining in this mission.
To become part of the Cuba water installation or learn more about LWW contact John Freeman (713-776-3548; freeman@rice.edu).
