The morning weather is chilly, and the atmosphere is condensed. We are descending rapidly from the top of the Rift Valley escarpment. The entire trip, although planned, has left many of us in the car peering through the windows uncertain about the terrain of the area. Despite the meandering rough road and the driver’s need to be cautious to avoid a collision with huge rocks that topple down during heavy rains, we are grateful that we offered a prayer for safety before starting our journey from Eldoret.
The scenic escarpment and the landscape, beautifully blended with maize plantations along the road, keep our eyes busy and distract us from the bumpy ride. Observing the maize plantations that extend to the peaks of many escarpments, I am left wondering how farmers can afford to climb so high and cultivate on such steep lands. We left Eldoret in the early hours of the morning with the intention of reaching Kalwal in Elgeyo Marakwet County on time. Today, we are armed with the message of preaching reconciliation through the provision of a drilled water well.
At exactly 10 a.m., we arrive at the compound of Kalwal Christian Church Family. This is where our journey to dedicate a borehole, drilled by the Christian Relief Fund, is scheduled to take place. A few brethren are already present in the area, with the church pastor leading the way and welcoming us into the compound. Soon enough, we get down to business to witness and dedicate the water well, which was drilled by Hope Water Africa.
For many years, Hope Water Africa, with the help of CRF, has been traversing various areas in Kenya to provide communities with access to clean water. Despite the thriving green vegetation currently seen in the region, one can be deceived into believing that the village has a clean source of water. On the contrary, the people of Kalwal Village have been drinking dirty river water for many years, which is primarily available during the rainy season.
When Francis Bii took the stand to address those present, his message was, “We should use this water to glorify God. Each one of us is aware that many people in the past have used issues of clanism to exclude certain individuals from the community. This water should be used to reconcile with every member of this community because it is a miracle from God. All the gates should be left open, and everyone who wants to fetch this water should be able to do so because it belongs to God.”
According to Mr. Korir, who stands on the right, “My cows come running each morning to drink this water, and if you are not careful, they can run you over as they make their way to the church compound. I was among the last people to migrate here, and I have faced difficulties, especially with my neighbors blocking two of the shallow wells I had dug to obtain water for my animals. I am grateful that this water is now accessible and free for all.”
We extend our thanks to CRF for ministering about reconciliation and making it possible for everyone to access a clean and reliable source of water.
