Living Waters reflects on 5 eventful years
In July 2010, Daryl and Mary Jo Oft will celebrate five years since their first trip to Kenya, Africa. It was that trip that inspired them to begin Living Waters International, a ministry that serves the village of Kaswanga on the island of Rusinga in Lake Victoria.
It all began with a conversation at an after-church potluck when ShareHim coordinator Duane McKey told the Ofts, "You should go on a mission trip!" They did, and their lives were forever changed.
In 2006, they started Living Waters International and were immediately faced with Kaswang's overwhelming list of needs. The Ofts began by focusing on how to provide clean, sustainable water; drip irrigation for family garden plots; medical supplies for the local clinic; and basic care, necessities and educational opportunities for local orphans.
After struggling for several years to meet these ambitious objectives, they felt God directing them to focus more on the needs of the 200 plus orphan children in the village. Most were living in homes along with other children, with little or no adult supervision. Many ate only one meal every few days, consisting of whatever they could find. They suffered from malnutrition and a variety of diseases, including typhoid, malaria and infections. Many would not live to see their next birthday.
With the support of individual contributors, Living Waters built and opened a free-standing feeding center in 2008. Each weekday, it provides 135 children with nutricious meals. It also gives them basic medical care and school uniforms.
"The children's lives have been changed, and they are now doing exceptionally well in school," says Daryl. "Their health has improved significantly, and all have learned of Jesus. Many have given their hearts to Jesus and have been baptized."
Living Waters also purchased land for raising fresh fruits and vegetables. In 2009, they drilled a deep water well that now provides an abundance of pure, clean water. Thanks to a solar operating system, the water flows continually. Six full-time staff and several volunteers provide operational support six days a week. Through all of these initiatives, the good news of Christ's love has been spread across the island of Rusinga, as well as throughout western Kenya.
Currently, Living Waters has teamed up with Maranatha and the East African Union to construct 74 One-Day Churches in several regions of Kenya—a monumental undertaking for such a small organization. The events and successes of the past five years, however, reveal how much can be accomplished when two people respond to God's calling at a church potluck.
Watch Episode 11 of ASI Video Magazine to hear the Oft's story in their own words.
Visit the Living Waters International website.