José Manuel López, a hardworking farmer, and his wife, María Isabel, battled the local water crisis in San Martín Jilotepeque while raising their three children: 12-year-old Ana Sofía, 8-year-old Juan Carlos and 1-year-old Andres. Each day, María Isabel, with baby Andres strapped to her chest, walked over three miles with Ana Sofía and Juan Carlos to collect water from the nearest river, Río Pixcayá. The journey through Guatemala’s mountainous terrain was long, dangerous, and exhausting. 

Water collection robbed this family of valuable time and energy. Ana Sofía and Juan Carlos frequently arrived at school late, too fatigued and dehydrated to focus. The absence of a latrine at their school brought additional challenges. This was especially difficult for Ana Sofía, who often stayed home during her period due to the lack of privacy, which caused her to fall behind in her studies. 

Making matters worse, the river’s water was contaminated by agricultural runoff, animal waste, dirt, rain, and harmful bacteria. This unsafe water led to frequent waterborne diseases for the family, and they nearly lost baby Andres to a severe case of diarrhea. Despite their resilience, this scare marked the López family with daily anxiety. Constant hospital visits drained the family’s already limited income. Even with José’s deep faith, the endless cycle of illness and exhaustion left them struggling to find hope. 

Until one day, everything changed! Thanks to supporters like you, Living Water Guatemala drilled a new borehole and installed a hand pump in the San Martín Jilotepeque community. Their new safe water source is a testament to God’s faithfulness and unfailing love—strengthening residents’ faith. Now, the López family sees how Jesus uses all things for His glory and their good!