Clean Water Training in Benin Opens Doors to Share Living Water

May 26, 2015

Clean Water Training in Benin Opens Doors to Share Living Water

May 26, 2015

(May 26, 2015 - by Laura Rescorla) As the Bariba people till the earth and plant their seeds, they listen to the uplifting beats of local music. Fulani men and boys can also be seen herding their cows toward the best grazing land, listening to audio programs to help them care for those animals—their greatest assets.

Every few weeks, their portable MP3 players are loaded with new programs. But the programs don’t end with breeding tips and dance tunes. Over a period of months, God is introduced. As people’s hearts open to the gospel, Christ is proclaimed.

This is a part of the ministry of Soleil D’Espoir (Sun of Hope), a ministry in the West African country of Benin that Reach Beyond has partnered with in recent months to provide training on clean water projects.

Founded in 2013, Soleil D’Espoir is a small but growing organization with lofty goals. In its small radio production studio in Parakou, the organization produces audio programs in local languages. Using their expertise in both media production and veterinary care, staff members demonstrate Christ’s love to their neighbors in ways that build trust and display compassion.

The villages where Soleil D’Espoir works are made up of members of both the Bariba and Fulani people groups. The Bariba are generally farmers while the Fulani are typically herders.

Traditionally, the Fulani have been closed to the gospel with less than 1 percent committing their lives to Christ, according to the Joshua Project. However, acts of love are changing that situation.

In one unreached community where Soleil D’Espoir recently distributed audio programs, there are now 11 believers. In another community, land was donated for a new church that is now attended by about 20 people.

As staff members from Soleil D’Espoir travel to these rural villages, distributing MP3 programs and connecting new believers with local pastors, they have gotten to know the people. One of the biggest concerns is water that is dirty and oftentimes scarce. With this basic need going unmet, staff members recognized another opportunity to demonstrate God’s love to their neighbors.

Because of Reach Beyond’s shared vision to touch people for Christ via media and community development, staff members made their skills available to Soleil D’Espoir to help facilitate water projects in rural villages.

With a history in sustainable water projects and a faithful base of ministry supporters, Reach Beyond offers technical expertise and financial resources to drill wells. This, combined with Soleil D’Espoir’s knowledge of local languages and culture and their relationships with villagers, allows their staff to make the connection between the need for physical water and Living Water.

Reach Beyond missionaries Laura and Andrew Rescorla, next to Adeline McCartney, pose with the 10 students who took clean water training from Reach Beyond in April.

Reach Beyond missionaries Laura and Andrew Rescorla, next to Adeline McCartney, pose with the 10 students who took clean water training from Reach Beyond in April.

Last month, Reach Beyond’s community development team based in Ghana traveled to Benin to train 10 of Soleil D’Espoir’s staff and volunteers in this new area of ministry. Though clean water is an important part, successful water projects also include hygiene and sanitation education.

As a result, Soleil D’Espoir is equipped to help rural communities visualize the way disease travels and learn methods to prevent its spread. The organization is also prepared to train villagers to care for their new wells and to collect money for maintenance and future health-related projects.

In addition to the audio programs about agriculture and the Christian life, Soleil D’Espoir plans to produce short episodes on water and hygiene, further promoting health in remote communities.

Together, by loving the Bariba and Fulani peoples, the two organizations are working to demonstrate the voice and hands of Jesus.

Sources: Reach Beyond, Joshua Project, www.sim.org/index.php/content/fulani

Director of Church & Donor Partnerships

Position Summary: The Director of Church & Donor Partnerships strengthens Reach Beyond’s ministry by cultivating purposeful, trust-based relationships with churches, pastors, donors, and mission-minded individuals. Serving as a storyteller, encourager, and connector, this role invites the Body of Christ to join in God’s mission to reach those with little or no access to the Gospel.

Working closely with the Mobilization and Development teams, this person helps raise up new workers, strengthen church partnerships, and resource strategic ministry initiatives—always with a posture of discernment, prayer, and long-term stewardship.

Location: Colorado Springs or remote

Employment Type: Full time with employer-paid benefits, including medical coverage, retirement plan, and paid time off.

What This Role Does (Core Responsibilities)

1. Church Partnership Development

This role serves as a relational bridge between Reach Beyond, churches, and missionaries.

The Director:

Maintains strong relationships with existing partner churches and develops 2–4 new church partnerships annually
Shares the vision of Reach Beyond, helping churches understand and engage with the needs of the unreached
Equips churches with resources that support missionaries and foster long-term, healthy partnerships
Collaborates closely with missionaries as they engage their sending and supporting churches

2. Donor Ministry & Stewardship

This role views donor relationships as ministry and discipleship, not transactions.

The Director:

Manages relationships with approximately 12 key donor accounts
Walks alongside donors with discernment—guiding them through education, cultivation, solicitation, and appreciation
Communicates clearly about ministry priorities, impact opportunities, and project funding goals
Maintains accurate, timely records in the donor management system to ensure thoughtful follow-up and accountability

3. Representation & Engagement

This role serves as a public voice and relational presence for Reach Beyond.

The Director:

Represents Reach Beyond at 3–5 regional or national events annually, with intentional follow-up for every connection
Communicates the story of God’s work in Reach Beyond through stage presentations, small groups, and media opportunities
Participates fully in staff meetings, chapels, retreats, and organizational prayer rhythms

4. Reporting, Collaboration & Administration

This role balances relational ministry with faithful stewardship and teamwork.

The Director:

Provides quarterly written reports tracking progress toward mobilization and development goals
Works closely with the Mobilization and Development Directors to align efforts and communicate organizational priorities
Upholds organizational policies and maintains healthy, proactive communication across teams

You must be authorized to work in the United States.

We participate in the federal E-Verify program. See more information at:

https://reachbeyond.org/e-verify-right-to-work.pdf
https://reachbeyond.org/e-verify-participation.pdf

Why Join Reach Beyond? At Reach Beyond, we cultivate a culture rooted in relationship, collaboration, and dependence on God. Our mission is to see unreached people transformed in Christ through media, healthcare, and community development. As the Director of Church & Donor Partnerships, you’ll play a vital role in advancing God's mission and have the opportunity to grow personally and professionally while making a lasting global impact.

All applicants must be able to sign the Reach Beyond Statement of Faith.

Apply Now: Join us in fulfilling God’s calling to bring hope and transformation to the unreached. Complete the application here. Contact [email protected] if you have questions.