ETHIOPIA — Pastor Eliso* remembers that Christians and Muslims in his community used to be at odds with one another. But that all changed for the better when local Open Doors partners helped his church to build a water well in Ethiopia.

Pastor Eliso* – name changed for security reasons:

“So before this water project, Christian people couldn’t even converse freely with the community. They considered Christians ‘Kafirs’ or unholy.”

Eliso has been a pastor in this part of Ethiopia since 1993 and well remembers the insults and isolation that Christians have faced. In years gone by he himself was targeted just for carrying a Bible alone.

Eliso:

“They asked me why I was walking around with a book that contained false teachings. They said it was a cursed book. How dare you walk with this out in the open. I was holding a small New Testament Bible. They beat me up and took it out of my hand.”

In more recent times, the region has seen tribal conflict in which Christians were displaced after their homes were burned. But when Open Doors, local partners visited this remote area, they saw a way to help to improve community relations.

Eliso:

“People were having difficulty getting water. So we talked about the importance of digging this water well here, generating this source of water and discussed what the value of this water would be. This water would bring reconciliation if we gave it without anybody, us without any payment, if we offered clean water, we could do big things.”

So with funds provided by Open Doors, a water well was dug and a solar powered pump installed. Now the gates of the church compound are open for both Christians and Muslims to come and collect water.

Abdela* – local Muslim resident. Name changed for security reasons:

“Our children were sick. We were sick as well. It was almost every week that we had burial ceremonies because of the number of people that died. Now, our children are, well, adults are well, are elderly are well because of the provision of clean water. We don’t have to pay anything. It’s all free. We thank the organization for this.”

Eliso:

“The Water Project has two benefits. The first one is that it’s created a way for strong social interaction between people. And the second one is that it’s helped the church’s economy to recover well.”

The church benefits financially because their land can be farmed more effectively, no longer reliant on rainfall alone. Private farmers are also helped. They can diversify their crops and make more profits.

Lema* – local Christian farmer – name changed for security reasons:

“On this farm where I’m standing before the church starts providing water. The only thing we planted and harvested was corn. But now, because God is good, we have harvested beetroots and had a very pleasing income . We used to have a problem getting clean water. But now the community has abundant, clean and healthy water.”

Since this water project started, the community has reconciled and everything is going well.”

Eliso:

In short, this water well has brought reconciliation between the church and the community. It’s brought reconciliation.

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