Staff Blog

After working in the Nyawa chiefdom for 2 years, Overland Missions has been able to build strong relationships with the headmen and leaders of the area. Through those relationships, built chiefly by Jacob Schwertfeger, Nyawa’s Sector Manager, we were able to locate and designate areas of greatest need. One such area is the village of Siankali. Siankali is located 160 km away from the Overland Missions base. Only 90km of the 160km is “paved,” and 40km of the 90km sends you off road due to construction and detours. It’s a bone jarring, muscle cramping, dust filled, four hour ride and of course, that’s just one way.

The borehole that we were able to drill will serve not only the people of Siankali, but three other villages in the area as well. Over 300 people will have access to clean drinking water for the first time in their lives. Previous to this borehole the people would go to the river to draw water, which is the same place that all of the local animals come to drink and bathe. So, water born illnesses were prevalent due to the fact that there was no other option but to draw from the river. Coming from America, where all I have ever done is turn a tap for access to clean water, it’s difficult for me to comprehend the kind of impact a hand pump well could have on a community. However, upon arriving to the borehole on the day of the celebration, I was allowed a glimpse into the excitement and joy that had over taken the people.

Above is a video of the Siankali borehole celebration. Below are some pictures of myself, Jacob and Pastor Jeff. We, along with some others on our team, were all asked to share from the Word of God during the celebration. This was a great honor to us as well as an insight into the impact Overland Missions has had not just in the natural, but also in the spiritual.