You’ve probably been wondering about the progress with the repair of the previously dug well on the Global Care property. Following is a run-down of the project currently underway:
16 meters is nuthin’! We’re now past that and right about at 17 meters! We dinked around this morning, with me trying to let the guys do things their way and thus wasted most of the morning trying to get the hole moving again. First they insisted on putting all 5 pipes on to try to pull out the water and mud that had settled in the hole over the weekend; that didn’t go so well, as they kept ramming the open pipe into the mud at the bottom of the hole. Finally, I convinced them that the way to do it was little by little and thin the muck so they could get some drilling mud moving up the stem. Then they insisted on putting on the “rocket” (which is what they call the drill bit), so of course once it was on, they started slamming it down into the bottom of the hole . . . and of course stopped it up again. So, finally after pulling the entire rig about 4 or 5 times, they agreed to try it slow and just allow the rocket to barely touch the bottom and pump it quickly. As you know, it finally started working great.
By the time we got past all the preparing, it was nearly one o’clock before the real drilling started again. We get about 6 inches an hour, pounding through really fine light-colored sand. We’ve used over 2 bags of bentonite now, but they see the value in the clay over the poly-sal “snot.” Everyone here is stunned at how deep we’ve gone; the village borehole (coming in at over 15 million Ugandan shillings) is at about the same depth as we’ve now reached.
Everyone is encouraged; everyone is hopeful and all the neighbors are beginning to take notice. Today we started something sort of interesting . . . one of the guys Joe really liked is named Omiat Solomon. He’s the one who produces music here in Soroti. I asked if he could take a verse of scripture and make a song of it, so we are now singing and memorizing Joshua 1:8 in Ateso! These guys get the verse within minutes, so for a couple of hours this afternoon, we were singing and learning Joshua 1:8. They seemed to like it, so I think I’ll see if we can continue!
Hey Rick,
This is such good news looking forward to seeing some photos when you get a chance and the internet/electricity is willing!
The next verse is a good one too:
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
-Paul
We have been thinking about you and wondering how the work is developing. This is a word of encouragement and we are grateful for the progress that you see. it behooves us to continue interceding for you. It’s amazing how neighbors so quickly notice a new project. When i consider our neighbors, they are all so busy that it is difficult to even make contact with them.
Blessings to you and Sherry. Please keep us posted.
Ken and Bonnie Brown
Sounds like it is going well and that you are making good progress which is always a blessing. Looking forward to seeing pictures and hearing more.
Bless you guys
Love Chuck and Nancy
Rick, thank you for the update. Sounds like you have the people to help do the work. Congrats on being able to get the one well down to the 17 meter range. By now I expect you are doing even better. I really like the idea of putting Bible verses to music and singing while you work at drilling the water well(s). I look forward to your next update. Hope you and Sherry are doing well. Lord Bless, Dan & Marcia
Rick, this work you are doing is awe-inspiring. I love hearing about the technical details involved with carrying out God’s work in Africa. I would love to witness this work in person at some point.
I am so happy that you are finally getting to it. I heard from Sherry that you were having trouble finding equipment and supplies when you first arrived there. I know once this well you are working on is finished you will have the villagers lined up asking for your help. I think of you and Sherry constantly and am concerned a little about Sherry’s struggles but with your support and her strength you will both find yourselves doing what you were meant to do. Just trust in the plan as you would tell me. I love and miss you both.
How fun it would be to “hop” over and see you. I have a two week break March 11 – 29.
Rick & Sherry,
We are sure that it must be so encouraging to see every centimeter of progress. But, knowing you, you must be even more encouraged to be able to draw these people closer to God’s Word. The patience and grace you are showing them is doing the trick. Our prayers continue.
With much love, Kent and Willina
Sounds like a great day’s work–thanks for keeping us updated!
That’s so wonderful. I want you to know that, in my desire to be supportive of what you are doing, I am on a constant look out for “gigs” that are the right fit for your copy writing skills. In fact, I may have something coming up in the next couple of weeks that may be of interest to you.
BTW, I really dig what you’re doing
Harushi
praying for you and tender goats!
You and Sherry are in our prayers and in our thoughts! It was good hearing about the good progress you are making on the well. That is so neat that you are singing scripture together as you work! How about Sherry? How is she doing with her nursing and other things?
We’ve become friends with two Africans, Peter from Uganda and Timothy, from Nigeria. We took them to the Grand Canyon. They are seminary students here and have enriched our lives so much.
We love you and miss you, and we are so proud of how you are serving the Lord.
Love,
Susie
Rick and Sherry,
Just wanted to thank you for your updates. We are praying for you. May God give you the strength and perseverance that you need for today. God Bless
Grace and Peace,
Adam