Living Water

The pediatric ward filled with the sound of wooden chairs scooting across the concrete floor. Our audience of women cradled their children in their laps, bouncing them gently to keep them quiet.

“Habari za asubuhi?” I asked loudly to get the attention of the room. This literally means “what is the news of the morning?”

A chorus of happy voices replied, “Nzuri!”

Anna, Alaina, Kellum, and I introduced ourselves, explaining who we were and where we came from. Soon, all eyes were on us, and we began our class.

“Have you or your babies ever had vomiting and diarrhea?”

I looked around the room to see many heads nodding. In fact, most of the mothers bring their children to the hospital because they have diarrhea and vomiting.

One of the leading causes of death in children in areas of poverty is dehydration. It seems crazy to us who live in the United States, but a case of vomiting and diarrhea can actually kill a child. However, a simple drink  mixture known as oral rehydration solution (ORS) can save the lives of these children who are so sick with dehydration.

“Today we want to show you a way to take care of your babies when they are sick with diarrhea and vomiting. This could even save their lives.”

Alaina demonstrated how to mix a cup of water with a three-finger pinch of salt and a palm full of sugar. For flavor and additional electrolytes, a lemon, lime, mango, or orange can be squeezed into the drink. “Whenever you or your baby has vomiting or diarrhea, the body loses water.” Kellum explained. Alaina held up the special ORS drink. “But drinking this cup can save a life!”

Our class included colorful pictures and additional demonstrations. We let a volunteer fix another cup of the ORS and pass it around for the mothers to taste. After we answered questions at the end of the presentation, the real teaching began.

“We want to tell you a story about life-saving water. It is a true story about a woman who was very thirsty. She went to a well to draw up some water, and she met a man there. The man asked her for a drink, and so she gave him some water from the well.

He said to her, ‘If you knew who I was, you would ask me for a drink, and I would give you living water. When you drink this living water, you will not be thirsty anymore.’ The man at the well was Jesus, and the water that he was talking about was not a physical water that comes from the ground or from the sky. The water he was talking about was a spiritual water for the heart. Our hearts are very thirsty, and only Jesus can truly satisfy. Just like Jesus offered the woman at the well living water for the spirit, He also offers it to you. We know this Jesus, and He is the best thing that has ever happened to us. In fact, it is because of Jesus that we are here serving you.  We want you, also, to know our Jesus because in Him you can have living water that truly satisfies.”

Anna then stepped forward and presented the story of the gospel, inviting the women to come to Jesus.

I looked around the room at the group of women. Some come from the city, and others come from the mountains. Some claim Christianity, and others claim pagan religions. Some wear T-shirts while others wear traditional jewelry because they are from a distinct African tribe. Some will go home today with happy babies, and others will stay in the hospital until their babies pass on. 

As I observe all the women with their similarities and differences, I wonder. I look at the woman in the corner. Does she know Jesus? How about the woman with her hair in tight braids. Does she know Him?  There is a woman staring at the floor. Does she know that Christ loved her and died for her?

Who knows? Maybe this was the first time some of these women ever heard about Jesus. Maybe others have heard of him before, but are thinking about him seriously for the first time due to their states of crisis and vulnerability. Some may be questioning Him. Many are probably  pleading with Him to save the lives of their children. 

While here in Tanzania, I have memorized Psalm 86. One verse in the middle says, "In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me." This is the time for these people to call out. And this is the time for God to hear and answer. 

This is the time for seeds to be planted.

Please join me in asking God to make them grow.