Where's the Water?

What would you do with 139 kids and the possibility of no water for them to drink, to use for bathing, or to have for basic sanitation? That very real possibility has been front and center at Iris over the past couple of days after the government suddenly announced that Antananarivo was on the verge of completely running out of water due to a serious lack of rain. 

What we have heard is that there are five reservoirs that feed the city, and three are completely dry. The fourth is almost dry. The fifth is low but unaccessible due to the fact that one of the government officials apparently sold the water pump and used the proceeds for himself (at least that's the word on the street). This water shortage has actually been long in the making. There is some concern that the rapid deforestation of the highlands may have changed the climate enough that rain is not attracted to the region the way it used to be. We've heard that the government has been trying to seed the clouds, though the effect seems to be minimal. 

Since we arrived last week, the water and the electricity have been on and off (they just now cut off as I am typing these words), and yesterday we were told that the water was going to be cut for four days starting Thursday. Today, however, the government seemed to backtrack a bit and say that the water will last longer because they were able to find another source. It is unclear what this means and whether this is actually the truth. Time will tell.  

This water problem has, humanly speaking, left Iris in a rather precarious situation. A lack of water is simply not an option when they have so many kids in their care. Today they began to dig a well at their new property, which will take four days to complete (assuming water can be found). Then the water has to be allowed to settle for a couple of days before it can be used for drinking. The water will still not be clean – but will be much better than drinking from the rice paddies! 

Yet despite this potential crisis, what was their response today? They gathered all the kids together to pray! The kids prayed that God would bring rain to their land and provide water for them. They have already seen God provide for them over and over again in so many different ways. So why should this situation be any different? 

The Iris kids singing "Let It Rain" in Malagasy 

during their prayer gathering.

We in the West, in truth, have very little understanding of lack or need. Until we went out on mission, we didn't understand how much we really have. Because of our 'full storehouses', it is more difficult for us to be fully dependent upon God. It is not that we should desire poverty so that our faith and dependance might increase. Rather, we need to remember with thanksgiving and praise that to whom much is given, much is expected.     

Iris truly runs on prayer and faith. The obstacles and challenges they face daily are beyond human ability to overcome. But they, and we, have an overcoming God! He is the Lord, the Almighty, the King of Kings. No obstacle or challenge is too great for Him to overcome. In and through Him, all things are possible. 

So we ask you to join Iris, and us, in praying for God's abundant provision of water for Antananarivo and the surrounding region. Pray with the same faith as these beautiful Iris children that God will provide - because He always does!