For this month's CONNECTION:
- Take 2-3 minutes to read and reflect on our global neighbors' stories of resilience. Whatever you're facing today, allow the endurance of their faith to fill you with hope.
- Listen to a 1-minute devotional by Pastor and Living Water staff member Brian Owen.
Pastor Caleb of Karawera, Kenya, and Pastor Henry of Jacob Town, Liberia faced immense challenges as they sought to serve their communities in desperate need of safe water. In Karawera, years of illness from drinking unsafe river water caused many to lose hope, and even Pastor Caleb began to question whether God was still listening. Despite his doubts and his congregation’s dwindling attendance, he faithfully led the church, holding onto the belief that God would provide. When Living Water Kenya arrived to drill a well, Pastor Caleb still rallied people in prayer amid some cautious skepticism, encouraging them to trust God’s timing.
After three days of drilling, water finally burst from the ground, bringing safe water and renewed faith. One Sunday, a young woman named Amina approached Pastor Caleb after the service. “Pastor, I never believed God cared about us, about me. But this well—it feels like He’s been with us all along, waiting for us to return to Him.” Pastor Caleb smiled and responded, “Yes, Amina, God has always been with us. Sometimes, it takes something like this to remind us of His love and care.”
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” -James 1:2-4
In Jacob Town, Liberia, Pastor Henry navigated similar struggles. His community’s only water sources were contaminated, and as waterborne illnesses persisted, residents grew frustrated. Pastor Henry faced increasing distrust from his community, who began questioning his leadership when initial attempts to drill a well failed. “My integrity as a pastor was getting lost, and I nearly gave up,” Pastor Henry admitted. However, he refused to give in to hopelessness. He continued to pray and encourage community members, trusting that God had not abandoned them. Despite their doubts, he worked with Living Water Liberia to keep pushing forward, determined to hit safe water.
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” -2 Corinthians 4:8-9
More than a year later, their perseverance paid off when Living Water returned with a new strategy, and by God’s grace, the team struck water. “Now, life has completely changed in our community,” Pastor Henry said. The journey had been long and difficult, but Pastor Henry’s faith and persistence were ultimately rewarded. This well now stands as a reminder of the strength found in resilience and belief in God’s provision, even in the face of failure, doubt, and opposition.
Pastor Caleb and Pastor Henry’s stories highlight the power of perseverance. Though their communities faced real setbacks and moments of deep doubt, they continued to trust in God’s faithfulness. While your unwavering support and the dedicated efforts of Living Water Kenya and Liberia played a pivotal role, residents’ enduring faith in God’s perfect timing ultimately led to their breakthroughs.
“We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.” -Romans 5:3-5
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the examples of Pastor Caleb and Pastor Henry. Help us to trust you in our trials, knowing that you are using them to grow our faith, develop our character, and reveal Your faithfulness. Give us the strength to persevere and the hope that comes from Your unfailing love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Take a moment to listen to this brief reflection from Brian Owen, Living Water’s Director of Church Engagement and Mobilization, as he shares his thoughts on the theme of “Faith that Endures” and the scriptures that inspire this devotional.
