Albert and Ellen, prior to the service, had strategically positioned themselves. Albert by the outside door with a Miracle Water rain barrel and Ellen immediately after entering by two banners of Mpilo Foundation.

Miracle Water is a partner of Mpilo Foundation and was set up by Arjan Bijker and Bouwe Bril. Miracle Water is an initiative to sell rain barrels in the Netherlands. From every rain barrel sold, part of the proceeds go to Mpilo Foundation. (https://mpilofoundation.com/partners/)

The Baptist congregation was well represented with about 200 people, including a good number of children. Much attention was paid to the children in a children’s service with activities depending on age.

Prior to the collection, Mpilo Foundation’s introductory video was shown. The proceeds of the collection will go to Mpilo Foundation. (Introduction film on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyOdC9J3ifw&)

Water was the common thread in Arjan’s story. From personal stories of the family trip to America (Los Angeles and Owens Lake that ran dry after only 9 years) to Biblical stories, including the story of the Samaritan woman, who came to fetch water from a well and met Jesus. Arjan also showed a photo collage of Mpilo Foundation.

After the service, many conversations ensued with ‘old acquaintances from the past’ and ‘new acquaintances’.

Mpilo Foundation thanks the Baptist Church for the offered support of Mpilo Foundation’s work. And Albert and Ellen will report back in due course on how the proceeds of the collection were spent.