The prophet Isaiah declares that God’s people will neither hunger nor thirst. But for those living near Merille, in Kenya’s Marsabit County, hunger and thirst were a daily concern as water scarcity is a huge problem in this arid desert region. Obtaining water was once a crippling daily challenge, especially for the women and children responsible for walking long distances in search of streams and ponds. Even when they found precious sources, the water they brought home was contaminated, often making their families sick.

Between illness and the sheer amount of time it took every day to find water, families were caught in the vicious cycle of increasing hunger and poverty. That was the situation until our partners and the community drilled a solar-powered borehole well and installed a water system.

Water kiosks like the one in Merille function like small shops, where people pay a modest fee for clean water. That money covers the operating and maintenance costs of the water system, ensuring it will be around for a long time to come, and available whenever they need water.

In addition to the 2,850 community members who use the kiosk, it also serves two schools, the local livestock market, and a health center which serves more than 4,800 people! Namanu still walks from her home to retrieve water, but now, the entire journey is less than one-third mile to the kiosk and back. “I can leave my food cooking, fetch water, and be back on time,” she says.

The new water system in Merille is a huge step forward in the fight against hunger,

illness and poverty in the area. For Namanu and thousands of her neighbors, it means freedom and peace of mind.

How far are you willing to go so that people in water-scarce regions no longer need to walk twelve miles to receive God’s promise of a life without hunger or thirst? The journey begins with One Great Hour of Sharing. Your generous gift supports life giving water. Let your love flow.