It all started when I saw others in my company go to Guatemala. I received a message intended for the volunteers by accident. But I asked to be part of the next trip... and then I went! I enjoyed getting to know the other members of my team, and the members of the Living Water staff. What really impacted me was the first part of the Good Samaritan story: "who is my neighbor?" Jesus tells us, "do this and live." It's so important to love God and our neighbor, or "live to give, give to live."
It all started two years ago when I was a freshman. We had a Living Water chapel one Friday calling people to go on a mission. However, I was too young at the time. Last year, as soon as the team left for their trip, and registry was open for 2018, I signed up. I enjoyed getting to know the Living Water staff in El Salvador. Our drillers became friends and our hygiene coordinator became family. The children in the village were tentative with us at first. By the last day though, we had handshakes, jokes and nicknames. Getting to know them was a blessing.
I used to live in El Salvador, working in a different capacity. A friend of mine from church told me of this guy he knows who goes on a trip to El Salvador every year, and invited me to join them. God has laid El Salvador specifically on my heart, and I am so grateful for any and every opportunity to love and serve this tiny country. I enjoyed getting to know how Living Water works, the people on my team, and the in-country staff! The staff are some of the most gracious, loving, and Jesus-channeling people that I have ever had the joy of meeting.
I agreed to co-lead a trip to El Salvador. This was my second trip there. I enjoyed getting to know the kids in the community. Communicating with the kids, because I do not speak Spanish, was challenging. But I was amazed at how happy, thankful, and grateful the community was. I will never forget a little 9 year old girl. She stole my heart with her big personality and her joy, despite not having a father, and her mother was in prison.
My wife went on a drilling trip four years ago, and she told me that I had to go at some poin
It all started when... I completed my undergraduate studies and joined Triumph Insurance Group of TBK Bank. My father grew up in a village without clean water so I immediately knew that my goal would be to apply for our employer's LWI mission trip. I enjoyed getting to know... LWI staff in El Salvador and citizens at the village. Things that challenged and changed me...
It all started when... New friends of mine talked about their experiences and commitment to LWI and that they were heading on a mission trip to El Salvador in the summer. We held an evening of praise and Christian comedy to help raise the remaining funds needed for the trip. I said to my friends, "Next year, I am going with you!" And then in February, my friend and I were having coffee and conversation. He said, "March 2017." I asked, "What about it?" And he said, "That's the date for our mission trip! Get your passport!"
It all started when... Our church hosted a training day for Water Ambassadors and we went on a trip to Guatemala and half of team was from Living Water. This drill was our fourth trip and we are are addicted! I enjoyed getting to know...
It all started when... My employer sponsored a well and I was honored to get to be a part of it! I enjoyed getting to know... The culture in El Salvador, the employees of Living Water, and the beautiful people in the community in which we served. Things that challenged and changed me...
I went to... El Salvador It all started when... I was blessed to work for a company that sponsored a well, Kilgore Industries. I enjoyed getting to know... The team in El Salvador. Things that challenged and changed me... The overall experience is something that I can describe, but you will never understand unless you go. I will never forget...
It all started when... What led me to sign up? I had given to Living Water as a fundraiser with Love God Greatly online Bible Study and felt it was a perfect fit for my husband and I to get involved with. I enjoyed getting to know... The staff in El Salvador, and seeing their love for Jesus was inspiring. Sharing time with others from America and bonding as a team was a beautiful opportunity. Spending time immersed in another culture sharing Jesus was priceless.
It all started when ... Earlier this year when Living water came and spoke to my school about living water and what y'all are all about. I've always wanted to go on a mission to trip. El Salvador with Living Water happened to be my first mission trip. When I found out my school had a chance to go I couldn't say no.
It all started when ... I have been a member of a small men's group for several years. We study scripture and fellowship with one another, and overall, it has been a genuinely rewarding experience. Nonetheless, I would be lying if I didn't say that things had grown a bit rote and stale. We decided to kickstart this LWI trip as a means of getting us out of our rut, and out of our comfort zone. To be honest, a year out, it seemed like no big deal; sure I'll do it, whatever. We've done simple mission type things before, this is just another version of the same.
It all started when ... Several guys that are in various small groups I participate in have been on previous Living Water trips so I had become familiar with the program. Then, an opportunity came to participate in a group through Priority Associates. It had been way too long since my last mission trip (2007) south of the border. This was also the first chance my wife and I had to go on a mission trip together. To top it off, I believed this opportunity was something I needed in my life to help reignite some passion that had been waning.
It all started when ... I was getting close to the end of my semester of school and I really was wanting to go on some type of adventure. I have always wanted to go on a mission trip and when I mentioned this to my dad he told me to look at Living Water International. I decided to browse the website and see what it was all about. When I was reading people's stories and looking at the dates, the El Salvador trip seemed to work out perfectly! Going on this trip was a last minute decision. I was so lucky that I was apart of this experience, it was the best choice I have made!
It all started when ... My daughter expressed an interest in going on a mission trip with me.
It all started when ... I felt the call to serve as a missionary a few years back, but I made a number of excuses (money, time, safety, etc). One day I just felt like I had to there was no more time to wait so I went online and signed up. I enjoyed getting to know ... Everyone on the team and the people in the community, especially the kids.
It all started when ... Pastor Fred Dallas asked me to join a team in El Salvador to serve our AMAZING God!!! I enjoyed getting to know ... All the team members that worked with Living Water and especially Karla. She gave me joy to serve with her.
It all started when ... Our church has been raising money and drilling wells for a few years now and I've always been intrigued and wanted to go. Timing was usually an issue as we have 4 young children. But this time, everything fell into place. I enjoyed getting to know ... The team from Living Water, the volunteers from the other stages and my team from the church.
Good morning from Norfolk Nebraska. Hola to Aqua Viva in El Salvador. You are all greatly missed. I have been trying to get myself together, or rather keep myself together, since leaving El Salvador on Saturday. There are so many emotions that are hard to describe and keep track of as they zing explosively through your heart and mind and body as I enter back into everyday life. And that's just it, every day life is now different and new and crazy and heartbreaking and loving and...amazing.
A group of employees from California Water Service was able to play a small part in the transformation of the water source for the Lirios Del Coronado community, in Genova, Guatemala. Their shallow hand-dug wells had very little water. If a neighbor was in need of water, only a gallon of water could be spared. More often than not, families were forced to fetch water from a river near by. The river was contaminated by activity upstream and was used to wash clothes.
It all started when...When I received an email with an invitation to go to Guatemala, I was ecstatic! I had always wanted to go to Guatemala in particular and the chance to drill a well for clean water sounded super rewarding and exciting. I was glad to be able to serve the Lord and the people of the community in this way.I enjoyed getting to know...The people in the community. I knew that relationships would be a wonderful part of the trip but I never dreamed how much my heart would be changed.
It all started when ... My uncle told my family he would sponsor any of us who wanted to go on this mission trip to Guatemala with him. My Granddad had done a trip with Living Water before in Guatemala and when he came home and shared his stories; I had really wanted to go on a trip to Guatemala with Living Water. I enjoyed getting to know ... All the people in the village, and the in-country Living Water team.
It all started when .... When I was approached at Church because I had expressed an interest in doing a mission trip. I enjoyed getting to know .... The in-country team were amazing, we shared our belief in GOD, food, hard work and lots of laughter. The people in the community were awesome as well, very welcoming and accommodating. Lastly, the team of volunteers, I think we will forever be connected because of this experience.
"The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'" Matthew 25:40 NIV In this Lenten time of introspection, I am reminded of these words from Jesus in Matthew’s gospel. But if you are like me, I tend to put myself in the shoes of the ones who DO for the least of these brothers. I seldom put myself in the role of the LEAST of these. Let me explain…
It all started when ... A friend said they needed another woman on the trip. I'd been to Honduras before so I had some experience. I was hesitant at first - the timing wasn't ideal but I felt the tug on my heart to go so I said "yes!"
It all started when ... I heard an announcement at our church regarding a staff Living Water trip and this was something I had wanted to do for quite some time and so I immediately texted the pastor who made the announcement conveying my interest. I enjoyed getting to know ... Both Nestor Cruz and Rudy were PHENOMENAL! They were incredibly skilled, patient and led us well. We felt that there wasn't even a language barrier!
It all started when ... My daughter Anne (23) approached me and told me she wanted us to go on a foreign mission trip together. I had been on trips over the years, including to Honduras with LWI a few years ago. In our group, there were four family units - father/daughter, father/son, father/son, and grandfather/grandson. As we talked one night while in-country, it came to light that - in each instance, the child had initiated the idea to go on the trip to their parent or grandparent.
It all started when ... My 16 year old daughter prompted both my husband and myself that it was time to get serious and sign up for a mission trip! I enjoyed getting to know ... All the Living Water Reps as well as the others from our church, most of which I had not met before. Things that challenged and changed me ... Bathroom accommodations challenged me and getting to know the people of the village changed me!
It all started when ... God was calling me to venture out of my comfort zone and attempt to make a small difference in a big way. I enjoyed getting to know ... my fellow team members. It was heartwarming beyond belief to see us bond immediately and know that we all are seeking God.
It all started when ... Growing up in India without running water made me really appreciate the need for pure water. When I heard of the work LWI does to help in this area it really struck the importance of this need!! Things that challenged and changed me ... was trying to learn Spanish , as I would love to be able to interact more with the local villagers! I will never forget ... How grateful the people were. The leaders really communicated to us how thankful they were and how badly they need water!
It all started when ... I served previously as director for World Vision and was introduced to LWI through them. On a vacation with my friend, we discussed the impact of clean water to those who don't have it at their disposal. Since we both live in Houston, I began investigating LWI and by late 2014 we both looked into taking a trip with them. We engaged a 3rd member of our church to join us.
It all started when ... My wife and I were making wedding plans. We didn't need gifts as we were both previously married and had enough "stuff". We decided to do something for others and asked our guests to make donations to one of two charities, LWI being one of them. The donations received helped send us to do God's work with our hands.
It all started when ... My church supports Living Water International through Advent Conspiracy. I have been a huge clean water advocate since I was a young girl, and now as a health care professional in laboratory medicine I understand how important clean water is! To be apart of this team was a wonderful life experience to me.
I enjoyed getting to know the hearts of the team and the Haitian staff. It's amazing what God can do when you get 20 like-minded people who are passionate for the Lord and His work under one roof. I was challenged by the Haitian way of life. The compassion and love their community has for one another is astounding. As the Church, that is what our land, our world, should look like. There is so much we can learn from our Haitian sisters and brothers about love and compassion and servitude.
Thinking about Spring Break plans as a Junior in college tends to lean towards a few options on my campus: going skiing, finding bars, or going on a booze cruise. None of these options sounded appealing to me, and brought about a sort of anxiety when my friends started to brain storm their plans. In His great style, the Lord provided the Living Water trip my church was planning to go on during the time my peers started to finalize plans for Spring Break.
Why did I sign up? Pretty simple - my friends who had been on a previous mission trip with Living Water asked me to go. I loved getting to know more about Living Water and why there is such a need for clean water in this day and age. I enjoyed learning more about the people and country of Haiti. Seeing that level of poverty is hard to come to grips with. But what is awe-inspiring is the love the people of Haiti have for God.
Our church has been sponsoring wells since we launched in 2014. We have sponsored 6 wells so far, but we wanted to actually see and be a part of the process for this 7th well. I enjoyed getting to know the beautiful people of Haiti. From the moment we landed, we were welcomed with open arms and hearts by the Living Water staff. We loved getting to know each of the wonderful staff members. We also loved getting to know the children and the staff in the school where we drilled.
I grew up in a home where we hosted missionaries that were visiting our church, and I was always fascinated by their stories. This instilled
It all started when ... The earthquake hit back when I was maybe in high school or middle school my heart broke for the Haitian people. It really broke my heart because some of the people in my family are from Port-a-Prince, Haiti. I never truly prayed about going especially since I was not a Christian and I did not believe that spending thousands of dollars to help some people would make a difference.
It all started when ... I wanted to experience the joy of making a difference and being a blessing for those in need in a third world country. I also wanted to encourage my oldest son to get involved in missions. When our church formed a group, I felt the Lord tugging at my heart that this was the perfect opportunity for us to do a mother/son trip since both our professions compliment the work we would be doing. I had no idea then that the people of Haiti would be the ones making a bigger difference and being a blessing in my life!
It all started when ... I was asked back in the spring of 2013 by my Dad who was leading the trip to Haiti, and after some thought and prayers, I decided to join the team. Our trip for October 2013 was postponed due to political unrest in Haiti at the time, but we rescheduled for April 2014 and it was the most amazing, rewarding experience of my life. I enjoyed getting to know ... my team members and form closer bonds with them, The Living Water team in the Cap Haitian and the people of the villages we worked in outside of Cap Haitian.
It all started when ... I had seen the well display at our church before and thought to myself, "Wow, now that is something I would love to do." I asked about the upcoming trip to Haiti and a leader from my church told me there was one spot left, so I prayed and went for it. I enjoyed getting to know ... The kids and people in the community, the Living Water staff, and more about the members of my own team.
Three years ago I jumped in on a trip to El Salvador with a group made up of mostly Californians. It was great and I was deeply touched. Still am. I needed that trip for me. Our church had just come off a very trying time. I needed time to get away, to not be The Leader. I needed to be the guy in the back of the bus who was told what to do and when to do it. As pastor, I came back and shared my experience and people saw how deeply I was moved by the whole thing. Some wanted to go with me. And even though them going meant that I had to st
My husband and I recently went to Honduras with a group from our church to drill a well in a community that didn’t have running water. Upon returning home from our trip, everyone’s first question was: “How was your trip?” the second question, “Did you get them clean water?”
It all started when... I heard my sister talk about her mission trips! I enjoyed getting to know... The Living Water staff and all the people in our group! Things that challenged and changed me... The language challenged me some. The people and kids changed me as well as the thankfulness and dedication of the staff and relationships that were formed within the group as we worked and shared together! I will never forget...
Things that challenged and changed me ... As a busy pastor, drilling a well has been a great escape for me. No calls. No meetings. Not having to make decisions. Just sweating it out, getting dirty, with a purpose. This time was to be no different.
It all started when ... Back in November I got a mailing from a charity I never heard of. I set the envelope by my laptop to check it out. A week later, I had a vivid dream about an old woman standing in a small mucky river frying chicken pieces using the river water. She was tasting the liquid as she cooked, dumping some out of the pan and scooping up more water as she cooked. Upstream from her was a flock of ducks in the water, and upstream from them were more women washing clothes in the river.
It all started when ... I was first introduced to Living Water International in 2004, attended a drill training, and participated in trip to Central America. From that time I have been on many trips with each one being different and special in their own way. Honduras was no exception.
It all started when ... I was appointed to a new church and heard there was a trip planned with Living Water. I knew I wanted to go because this was my third well to work on, but my first in Honduras.
It all started when ... Traveling on many previous trips to various countries and working with water purification/filtration, I really wanted to "drill a well" and LWI allowed that opportunity. I enjoyed getting to know ... The local Hondurans and those associated with LWI (both locally in the US plus those in Honduras).
When I first began to talk to the church about going on a trip, I said I was too old, too weak, and I knew nothing about drilling a water well. But I was told, "that's okay, it's not about the well." The first night in-country, the hygiene coordinator shared her belief that we needed to find a way to involve the men of the community spiritually, in addition to just the physical drilling of our well. Our last day in the community, one of our team members shared the gospel, with the hygiene coordinator interpreting.
I have wanted to engage for some time. My church has promoted Living Water and I wanted to be more hands-on, versus just sending in money. I enjoyed getting to know the people and the culture of Nicaragua, along with new friends from our drilling team. We had some challenges with air travel, and some road blocks when we hit rock while drilling. The biggest change from me came from the smiles and warmth of the community. I received much more from them than I could ever donate.
I first went to Honduras in 2011, and was so impacted, that I have organized a team to Nicaragua every year since. This was our sixth trip to Nicaragua. The people of Nicaragua are wonderful! I enjoyed getting to know the people of the community. They were so eager to get to know us, to share in the work, to pray for the work, and to have fun.
It all started when... I have always wanted to go on a mission trip but life seemed to always throw me a curve. This time it didn't and everything fell into place for me to go. I enjoyed getting to know... everyone on my team, the people of the Pheonicia compound, our Living Waters hosts, and the villagers of La Ceiba.
It all started when... I wanted to get to experience the life change that spiritual and physical water could bring to people in another country. I enjoyed getting to know... the people in my group better and the spiritual gifts that God has given to me. Things that challenged and changed me... were definitely the language barrier but I ended up surprising myself and I understood the majority of the conversations had.
I went on my first international mission trip this past March to Nicaragua with Living Water International to drill a water well for a community without reliable access to clean drinking water. I had absolutely no clue what I was stepping into.
It all started when... I signed up to chaperone so my daughter could go. She has a heart for mission trips but this was the first time out of the USA, so I told her she could go if I went with her. Little did I know how much it would impact my own heart forever!!! I enjoyed getting to know...
It all started when... Some friends mentioned that they were going to go on a well drilling trip in December (this was in November). The desire was to actually do something, not just send money. He asked if anyone wanted to go with him; two of us decided it sounded like a great opportunity. I enjoyed getting to know... The countryside, the people, and the community. Things that challenged and changed me...
It all started when... I've longed to go on a missions trip for quite some time, but because of my busy teaching schedule and raising a family, this dream had to wait... until Liquid Church put this opportunity within my reach. I enjoyed getting to know... Although new, the Living Water International team we worked with were a genuine, hardworking, accommodating, blessing to us all! Things that challenged and changed me...
It all started when ... I've a passion for third world/developing countries, especially when it comes to water, health & hygiene. When my church asked for well drillers, I jumped at the chance, thank God I did. I enjoyed getting to know ... All the local community leaders + the kids. WOW!!! These people opened their homes & hearts to us as if we'd been there many times before. What love & joy they have in their lives. Sometimes I wish their enthusiasm would rub off on us here at home. God bless them.
It all started when ... I signed up because I had wanted to travel internationally and I had never been on a foreign missions trip. After a year or so of being on Liquid's waiting list for a clean water trip, I was selected for the August trip. I knew this was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I feel like God confirmed that I could go on the trip because I was available to go and I received a generous scholarship from my church (liquidchurch.com) to go on the mission.
I enjoyed getting to know.... The community members and the new incountry staff. Things that challenged and changed me.... The community and the joy they have. The example they set with there community and family. I will never forget... The kids and and having a great time drilling with the men of the community.
It all started when..... A friend from church shared her experience with Living Water. I was really touched by her testimony and it began to really weigh on my heart. After a lot of prayer, God was directing me and my husband to join them on this trip. I had no idea that this trip would be as life changing as it was.
It all started when ... A few years back....a chance encounter with Jim and Tedde Reid--we shared our hearts for providing clean water to those who are not as fortunate. My wife Jane and I had been supporting World Vision water projects and were interested in learning more about Living Water.Living Water made it easier for us to actually "go" and get our hands dirty serving others.
It all started when ... I met a man by the name of Jerry Wiles who works at Living Water International. We were attending a conference together and he began telling me about sharing the Gospel through story telling and also about the Living Water International. For the next several months I could not get the conversation out of my head and I knew without a doubt that the Lord was calling me to go.
It all started when ... I never knew that people in our world were living with dirty water. I've been fortunate enough to have clean water all my life and when my pastor preached a message on giving and the concept of drilling wells, I was totally caught off guard but I knew this is something I had to do. It took me quite a few years to be able to go on a water trip due to personal reasons but I believe God brought me to Leon for such a time as this.
It all started when ... Alex and Ani Charity By Design Team had a management competition to be selected to attend the Living Water Trip. We were tasked with joining a non profit board, organizing a team give back event and donating to a charity. I enjoyed getting to know ... The country's way of living, the in-country staff, the community children and adults. And most importantly getting to know myself and work colleagues forming a bond that will change us forever!
It all started when ... Our Church did the Advent Conspiracy last December. During that time our church raised the money to fund a well in Nicaragua. When it was announced that we would attempt to assemble a team I knew right away that I would want to join. I have been earning a living cleaning water for the past 22 years and I had been thinking about doing something like this for a while. It was the Lord's timing that made it obvious that this was for me.
It all started when ... I went to the kitchen sink for a glass of water one day. It was in December 2014. I felt grateful to only have to walk 8 steps for clean water. I had an evening of then feeling extremely grateful for EVERYTHING I have. By US standards, it isn't much, but by a larger part of world's standards I have much. The next week at church my pastor announced we would partner with LWI to raise the funds to donate a water well in the Rivas community of Nicaragua. I understood fully what my evening's stirrings were all about a few days earlier.
It all started when ... I heard about drilling water wells in another country for people in needed. I enjoyed getting to know ... Another culture and people that love Jesus the same as us. Things that challenged and changed me ... Was to be able to make connection with all the mothers and children and help them, but at the end of the week I felt that I did It. This and the first trip changed my life and the prospective of see life. To love Jesus more and to love one and other no matter what. God is good!
Our pastor invited me to come on this trip, and my first thought was one of fear and hesitation. Then within moments I knew the invitation was from the Lord. I prayed and discussed it with my husband, and I responded "yes" on the same day. I already supported Living Water, but had not considered a trip during this season of my life. But the invitation was divinely timed and I am so grateful I experienced this trip to Rwanda.
If you have a trip coordinator, please feel free to contact them directly.
Living Water is currently working in the Acajulta and La Paz regions of El Salvador. Depending on the ground formation, team members will utilize one of two types of drill rigs—a DR100 or a LS400—with our in-country drillers and work alongside our sanitation and hygiene team to teach healthy habits and share Bible stories. Be sure to try the pupusas—a delicious corn tortilla stuffed with a savory filling!
Living Water currently works along the Pacific coast of Guatemala. Team members will use an LS300 or a LS400 drill rig with our in-country drillers and help our hygiene team share proper sanitation techniques and Bible stories. You’ll get to experience the rich Guatemalan culture in Antigua, including a coffee plantation tour and Cerro de la Cruz—a beautiful cross set on a hill.
Living Water has been working in Haiti since 2004, and after the 2010 earthquake, Living Water saw the increased need for safe drinking water and community-based programs. Teams currently work in Cap-Haitien and use a LS300 drill rig with our in-country drillers and work alongside our hygiene team to share vital health education and the gospel message with the community. Start practicing your Creole, so you can interact with the kids!
Living Water works along the North Coast in the Tela/El Progresso region. Team members will drill with a LS400 rig with the help of our local drillers and have the opportunity to share important sanitation, hygiene, and Bible lessons. You’ll see both mountains and beaches and also receive lots of hugs: the people in Honduras are very kind and affectionate!
Living Water is currently working in two regions—Rivas and Leon—so you’ll be able to select which location you would like to work in. With the assistance of our in-country staff, participants will drill using the LS300 or LS400 drill rig, lead hygiene trainings, and tell Bible stories. You’ll enjoy the beautiful scenery, eating the local foods and spending time with our local team.
Trips to Rwanda are structured slightly differently than our trips to Central America and Haiti. Living Water currently works in the region of Ruhango—a two-hour drive from Kigali. You’ll not only drill a new well, but you’ll also be able to participate in pump repairs, Bible storytelling training, hygiene lessons, and a Jesus Film viewing. It’s a long flight, but you’ll fall in love with the land of a thousand hills!
The Living Water Trips experience in Kenya will look different from our work in Central America and the Caribbean. Living Water currently works in Kisumu—a short flight from Nairobi. Due to regulations in Kenya, you will not be able to finish the well you start, but you’ll get to finish a well in another community and participate in many other activities including pump repair, sanitation and hygiene education, and Bible storytelling training. Be sure to bring your binoculars for the drive through Nairobi Game Park!