Living Water Drill Donation

Posted by Mercy Ships staff on Jan 20, 2012 at 10:47 am

Ten years ago, short-term Mercy Ships crew members Bob and Maggie Atkinson donated a well-drilling rig to the Caribbean Mercy in honor of Bob’s mother. Since that time, the rig has been used to dig dozens of wells in Central America and West Africa.

On November 25, 2011, Mercy Ships held a ceremony to celebrate the donation of the drill rig and associated equipment and supplies to Living Water Sierra Leone. This Mercy Ships partner organization equips local people to implement water projects – including shallow well drilling, pump repair and hygiene education.

Living Water has been in Sierra Leone for over four years, and each year Robert and Ruth Search have included a well-drilling rig in their proposed budget. But because of financial constraints at Living Water International, which works in 26 countries, they were unable to purchase a drill. A drill would have allowed them to dig more wells that would last twice as long as the hand-dug wells they currently provide.

“It’s an answered prayer,” said Robert. “We’ve been praying for this, and all of a sudden Mercy Ships has a rig that they can donate to us. I just give testimony to God. I give God all the glory.”

The donation ceremony took place on the dock in front of the Africa Mercy. Several representatives from both organizations were present, including Living Water Sierra Leone Vice President Robert Search, his wife Ruth Search and Africa Mercy Managing Director Donovan Palmer.

 “The donation of this drill rig is a symbol of something we feel very passionate about – partnership,” said Donovan. “God created a wide variety of cultures and organizations that are diverse, and He loves it when there is unity among them.”

            Mercy Ships is dedicated to improving access to clean drinking water and reducing the incidence of water-related disease in the developing world. This donation will ensure that the drill rig continues to be used for its intended purpose, while allowing Mercy Ships to focus its water and sanitation efforts on hospitals and clinics.

Living Water plans to use the rig to extend their operations in the four districts where they have been operating for the past four years. “We plan to saturate the areas where we are already working – providing clean water, sanitation, health and hygiene training,” says Ruth Search. “That’s how change will happen in this country through the next generation.”

It is estimated that half of the hospital beds in the developing world are occupied by patients suffering from water-related diseases, 90% of which are the result of unsafe water supplies and inadequate sanitation and hygiene.

“Clean water makes a world of difference in the lives of communities and the health of the people,” said Africa Mercy Programs Administrator Keith Brinkman. “We’re very excited that this equipment will be used by Living Water to benefit the people of Sierra Leone.”

 “We’re sad when we leave,” said Donovan. “But we feel blessed to leave a token of our ongoing commitment to the people of Sierra Leone. With Living Water, we genuinely believe that this drill will be in very capable hands.”

Story by Catherine Cooper

Edited by Nancy Predaina

Photos by David Peterson

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