Fresh Water Wells, Camphor Mission Station

From Bill Reedy, Seville UMC: 16.Feb. 2012,

Camphor Mission Station, Grand Bassa County, Liberia, West Africa.

The fresh water work of 2012 at the Camphor Mission set a goal of 10 fresh water wells. Jack Hopkins has served as the project manager for the well project. By the time we arrived on 12 Feb., two wells had already been completed and dedicated. Since my arrival, I have worked on two wells. The first (#3/10 was in a village approximately 2 miles from Camphor named Wheazon) was completed and is ready for dedication. The second, (#4/10 was in a village approximately 3 miles from Camphor named Nyaneedah), was completed today with the exception of the pumping mechanism. Both dedications will take place on Monday. The pump for Nyaneedah will be installed in two days. This well has 3 meters of water currently and it only took 26 vertical feet of digging. I am very pleased that I will be at the dedication on Monday as the village of Nyaneedah is like a village where Seville UMC in Seville OH. has provided the funding for two wells.

The criteria for the well locations was that a village supplied a total birth attendant (TBA), and they either have children or residents who work in some capacity at the mission station. Since there is more need than ability to supply, the villages who are approved for wells have been identified by Reverend Kulah of the Garfield UMC, located on the campus of the Camphor Mission, in addition to input from Joshua Reeves, the Well Manager - who is Bassa, knows the area and the need.

It has been very gratifying work. In both villages where I have worked, the chief and many others have repeatedly told me "Swo" - which is Bassa for thank you. One chief looked me in the eye and said that you must do this because you love me. I responded that God loved him and was working through Camphor to bring this fresh water. I also told him he was to be commended for looking out for his village and permitting this well to be completed there. As I looked at all the young children playing in the dirt - or carrying water several kilometers from home, I was struck by what a positive step this is for the little ones who will have clean water. They are Liberia's future. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be here, and appreciate the support of everyone who has contributed to the success of the work here at Camphor.