(February 24, 2012- by Ralph Kurtenbach) In a recent visit to La Bruyere, Haiti, an engineering team from Ecuador measured a spring's flow evaluated a leaking reservoir tank and set plans to return for work on a clean water project, according to César Cortez of HCJB Global's Community Development department. After two prior visits in 2011, Cortez accompanied HCJB Global's Hermann Schirmacher and Francisco Caiza to the community near Cap-Haitien Jan. 17-23.

Their central aim, however, was not as measurable as the flow from a spring or a leak. Relationships with La Bruyere leaders topped their priorities, as did strengthening ties with project partners Lifewater Canada (Lifewater.ca) and One Mission Society (OMS). OMS considers clean water just one way to offer people holistic ministry as the gospel is shared. Lifewater volunteers train and equip the rural poor in both Haiti and Africa.

A clear understanding of responsibilities is foundational, according to Cortez. "The idea is that they will build the water system so that they create ownership," he said. "We are there to help them." He was delighted that La Bruyere's leaders had acquired written support (via a signed petition) from community residents. This newest petition reiterated the message of an earlier one: project completion will rely upon community involvement.

"We really were excited about the readiness of these people," said Schirmacher, finding the local people eager to work on rehabilitating a water system established decades ago. "We make sure they understand that it is their project and that it's not us doing it."

The same model of community buy-in has seen sustainable clean water systems installed throughout Ecuador. This is where HCJB Global's Community Development began and where missionary engineer Bruce Rydbeck has worked extensively. "When a community decides that 'we're going to do this,' you'd better not be standing where the trench is going to go," Rydbeck said. "Or you're just going to get knocked down!"

A decades-old system presently serves just 14 of La Bruyere's 300 families. Schirmacher said he anticipates residents grasping the importance of a pricing structure and metered usage to help cover future system maintenance as they work with him, Caiza and Cortez.

Schirmacher said Le Bruyere embraced the pricing structure (including those families now receiving water now at no cost) "but in reality we will know this after we've concluded the first phase." He said he's confident that what the Haitians have pledged will be carried out.

Interviewed in Quito, Cortez and Schirmacher cited as prayer concerns their safety and security for the next trip to La Bruyere. They also are praying for continued good working relations among all those involved in the project.

Source: HCJB Global