For this month's CONNECTION:
- Read the story from Togetherness Village, Rwanda
- Listen to an update on where the community is today from a Living Water staff member
- Reflect on the story through prayer and discussion on your own, with your family, or church community
For many reasons, there were conflicts between members of Togetherness Village after it was established. Years of residual hurts – both physical and emotional – continued to fester as a result of the trauma from the genocide. The overwhelming and desperate struggle for water was one issue that caused even greater rifts in an already divided community.
Because of these deeply rooted wounds, hostility over a vital, yet limited resource such as water often led to fights and even loss of life. Long, arduous walks for water often ended in only the strong claiming the scarce prize. It seemed as if the history of hate that had existed between neighbors would continue.
When Living Water Rwanda in partnership with other organizations drilled a water well within Togetherness Village, the fissures of conflicts began to mend.
The ripple effects of safe water access began to take place. Members of Togetherness Village began to collectively sell the safe water at reasonable prices to neighboring communities. The funds were invested back into their development, financing the purchase of additional livestock, and even the construction of a kindergarten school with employed educators. In the spirit of togetherness, children from all nearby communities were welcome to attend.
Water is the foundation of life. Though we often associate water with only the physical foundations; for Togetherness Village, water is the foundation to healing, restoration, and reconciliation so that new life can begin.
CONVERSATIONS
CONVERSATIONS
Aubrey: Where are they now?
Hear from a Living Water staff member as they provide an update on where Togetherness Village is today.
REFLECTION
Read the scripture passage, pray for the people of Togetherness Village, and reflect on their story on your own or with a group.
PRAYER
READ: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:12-14, NIV
PRAY: Dear God, we thank you for your gifts that brought restoration and healing to Togetherness Village, Rwanda. We pray for their hurts to continue to mend, relationships to continue to grow, and for their community to continue to flourish. Thank you for your provision of safe water and the true living water that only you can give. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
DISCUSSION
- Reflect on the times in your own life where you’ve struggled to move past deep hurts. How did you seek out the Lord to mend those wounds?
- Discuss the ways that water access is a foundation in your own life and consider the transformation that took place in Togetherness Village once a water well was drilled.
- How might God be leading you to create a more unified and peaceful future – both in your own life and around the world? Look for opportunities within your church, small groups, and organizations like Living Water International to partner alongside.
