The challenge
In the rural hills of Rwanda’s Ngoma District, 61-year-old Pastor Alexandre leads SDA Murwa Church alongside his wife, Eliane, a dedicated deacon. For years, their congregation faced a costly challenge: water. From cleaning the church and washing garments to small on-site construction projects, water was essential – but a challenging expense.
“We used to spend 270,000 Rwandan Francs ($187 USD) every year just to buy water,” Pastor Alexandre explains. “We dreamed of installing a water tank, but the cost was always beyond our reach.”
The solution
Their prayers for a water solution were answered when the church received a 10,000-liter Rainwater Harvesting System (RWHS) – thanks to the support of World Relief and 20 Liters.
“This system has been a crucial resource for the church,” Alexandre says. The harvested rainwater is now used for cleaning the church and to support small projects. One of the most unexpected outcomes has been financial. The money once used on water is now helping people in real and tangible ways.
The impact
As the church no longer needs to pay for water, these savings have been used to cover school fees for two students, provide school supplies for 10 children and cover medical insurance for 33 people. The impact is reaching beyond the church walls and into their community.
Before the rainwater system was installed, community members had to walk an hour round-trip to collect water from Sake Lake – a source that was often unsafe. Now, families living nearby can fill their containers directly from the church’s tank. With access to clean water close to home, people are saving time and energy – resources they’re now using to improve their incomes and livelihoods.
To ensure fair access, the church appointed a deacon to manage water distribution. He opens the tap daily from 11:00 a.m. till 6:00 p.m. and receives a small monthly stipend for his service.
The church’s generosity hasn’t gone unnoticed. Its relationship with the surrounding community has grown stronger, and seven new members have joined the congregation – moved by the simple, powerful act of offering “a cup of cold water in Jesus’ name.”
“We are truly grateful to World Relief and the 20 Liters initiative,” Alexandre says. “The training, the water filters, the support – it has all made a difference. We raise our hands in appreciation. May God bless them abundantly.”
***Added note: today in Rwanda, a church must have a rain water harvest system or other source of clean water on site in order to stay open. Your support of 20 Liters helps keep churches open and active in their community.
