Education

From the very beginning of our ministry, my wife Joan and I have made education a priority, investing in men, women, and children of all ages and affording them an education. To date, Water Is Life has invested in the lives of 15 students through higher education. Of those, three have earned Doctorate degrees, four Masters of Divinity, Bachelor's degrees, and Bible school. One student graduated from nursing school, and presently we are supporting one who is currently in school to become a nurse. 

As an example, in 2004, Joan and I took our first mission trip to Tanzania. We both taught at a Bible school, and I had one particular student that was very impressive. This student had few resources. On our departure, we asked the principal to recommend a student that we could support. He recommended this same young student in my class. As a result of Water Is Life's support, this student completed a bachelor’s and master’s degree and became an instructor at the Bible School where she was a student.

As a single woman, she took in four children that needed a home. Water Is Life has invested in these children's education and continues to do so. The oldest son, who was called a street boy at eight years old, came to live with her. His father had abandoned him, and his mother could not care for him. He was an excellent student and graduated with a bachelor's degree in accounting. He is now 24 years old and currently oversees the day-to-day operation of "The Lord's Children" (orphanage). He does the budgeting and manages staff and oversees any work done by others. 

"Your Word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You." We are told throughout the Scriptures to study and meditate on God's Word. How can one do that without the ability to read? Frederick Douglass wrote, "Once you learn to read, you will be forever free." Nelson Mandela once said, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." 

Throughout history, we have seen our world impacted by great men and women who came out of poverty or were persecuted in hostile environments. They had the fortitude and desire to satisfy those hunger pains for education and would have done anything to achieve it. Education is an essential key for the "Water Is Life" mission. 

Education is the closest thing there is to perpetual motion. As with this one student becoming an instructor, hundreds of other lives have since been impacted as a result of their being educated. Education is powerful, it's essential, and it truly does change lives.