Building a Vibrant Community
This year we’ve seen a multiplication of good through: running water, electricity, nutrition, clothing, and community building through discipleship.
One of the highlights of this year was the big celebration of partnering with the local community to raise funds to provide fresh drinking water to the homes of more than 3600 individuals. The community sacrificed much to raise as much as they could for the water project and we were able to assist in covering the remaining funds. More than 3600 individuals for the first time were able to open a faucet only a few feet away from their casas to receive fresh, cold drinking water. This eliminated many families from walking up to five miles to the local well to raise up gallons of water to carry on their backs as they returned to their huts.
By eliminating this hurdle, families were given an opportunity to reallocate their time for education, entrepreneurship, rest and community.
In conjunction with the water project, we were able to partner with the local community to also provide electricity to families living in the dark. Since the electricity project, there has been an influx of micro enterprises that have sprung up because of electricity.
Women have begun selling handmade popsicles and other frozen goods from their casas after being able to purchase a small freezer. Other micro enterprises included tailors, seamstresses, and bakers.
Over the course of this year children in San Nicolas were consistently fed nutritious meals for the first time ever and hospitality began to flourish. By partnering with the mothers of the community, we created a safe haven for them and their children. These mothers rotated responsibility in preparing food for their children learning cooking, cleaning and nutrition skills learning not only how to care for their children but to also care for one another, the art of hospitality and compassion. By fostering an environment of hospitality, these mothers broke down walls and learned what true service and care for another looks like.
Some other smaller projects we were able to partner with the community with…
Purchased shoes from the local shoe man coupled with donated shoes to give away more than 600 children and their families
Provided assistance to families in need of help for children’s uniforms and school supplies through benevolence ministry.
Introduced a discipleship program for new and existing believers to grow in their faith and learn more about the Bible.
We’re so grateful for all our OneLife Partners who have made this year possible!
