Earlier today a Marq Caughell and Pete Ward,from our church, traveled to Haiti to put the finishing touches to an idea that started many years ago.

It has long been a calling of Cypress to not only partner with our sister school/church (Shiloh) in Saint Louis du Nord, Haiti, but to help them develop in areas we take for granted. Clean Water. Last year when I traveled to the school, Pastor Dutson’s response to his greatest need was the request for clean water.

Disease from the water not only has ill health effects (not to mention even deadly) but also keeps kids out of school, keeps families from working their jobs, and makes the families spend money on medicines to cure the results of drinking contaminated water.

So today it stops! Today is the day where we can start to turn the page, turn the tide against the ills and pains of bad water – and give some of these people a chance. The chance to go to school without any stomach issues, a chance to go to work feeling good, a chance for the young children to live past the age of 5… a chance in life.

A few years back the leadership of Cypress and Shiloh wanted a water system that could be used to serve 3000 people a day – it would become a micro-enterprise. Over the course of trying to make that plan happen, we encountered numerous hurdles. Some hurdles felt so high, we almost felt like giving up. Then one of the team members suggested a new plan. Work this on a smaller scale, using in-home units.

At first the plan was a let down – lets face it we had to give up on the “Cadillac of ideas” and resort back to one that was more economical. It’s not as fancy, lacks a cool factor – but the result? the result is the same. Clean water, less stomach issues, less sickness, less death. In short – A WIN!!!

So – the plan is this:  in stalled this week – 20 fast flowing water systems for the school and for use by the students during the day and teachers. Then we have arranged for a company called Gift of Water – to come in a set up a program, where there is training for the community on the use of the filters and how to avoid contamination. In early December there will be 100 in-home units distributed as a test pilot. If within a couple months it proves to be a workable solution, there will be more added. There is a technician in the community that will be hired to maintain these units and that will help with any issues which arise. The in home units clean 5 gallons of water in about an hour.  - By Christmas, 100 families will have clean water at home and over 500 people will have clean water at the school

We realize these units are a short term solution – they will last about 2 years. To get new filters for an additional 2 years is very inexpensive however, we are also working on a long term track – where we still need to drill a well. Getting a sustainable source of water is one huge reason the “Cadillac plan” had huge hurdles. If a well can be drilled on Shiloh’s property – then a very large hurdle will be cleared. There is still money set back for this program.

So thats our update – Clean water by Christmas.  Looking back, I wish we had been able to get to this place a couple years ago – but then again I am reminded, sometimes our plans are not His, and all the time we need to follow His.

Well done Cypress – Thank you for your patience and support

Tim Walters