In a year of global economic hardship, Project Milagro made considerable strides towards providing water for 10,000 people in the hills of Las Delicias, El Rosario, and Las Animas. As 2009 closed, stage four (of seven) was near completion in which the first 100 families will receive access to clean water! It has been quite a journey, and here are some of the miracles that brought us this far…
- Cornerstone Church (Simi Valley, CA) contributed a significant gift in February and provided the necessary funding to begin construction of the first pipeline of the project.
- ANDA (the national water company) donated over 1 mile of piping and provided technical help for the installation.
- Starting in March, over 80 people from the various communities worked on a daily basis to dig the piping by hand. Within six weeks the piping was installed. (see video)
- The Orange County (CA) chapter of Engineers Without Borders helped fund, design and construct a large water tank in Maroquines (between Rosario and Las Delicias).
- Willow Creek Community Church signed on to provide the filtration system (to be completed by March 2010) which will clean the water supply of iron and manganese.
- The necessary infrastructure has been built at the well station.
- First pumps installed
- Electrical system installed
- First re-pumping tank constructed
- A number of U.S. churches and organizations have come alongside the project this year including the following:
- San Diego First Baptist
- The Crossing (Costa Mesa, CA) see video
- Crossroads Church (Temecula, CA)
- Meadowbrook Church (Champagne, IL)
- Foothill Christian Schools
- Engineers Without Borders
- Samurai Enterprises
- Vanguard University
- AJA Charitable Fund
- Cornerstone Church (Simi Valley, CA)
- Willow Creek Community Church
- Approximately $250,000 was raised in 2009 from U.S. partners and individuals.
LOOKING AHEAD
In 2010 there is still a huge hill to climb. In the coming weeks we will describe in more detail the goals for moving forward. We hope to raise at least the same dollar amount as 2009 and begin construction on stages five and six.
God continues to perform miracles in the communities of Las Delicias. Please continue to pray for more miracles and for the protection and provision of all the incredible people in the three communities who press forward in their goal for clean water.