Safe Water Blesses Patients Suffering from Leprosy

Easter is a time to celebrate the hope of new life that we find in Jesus Christ, but millions of people around the world have never heard this good news. So, at Water Mission, our vision is that all people have safe water and an opportunity to experience God's love. When we build safe water solutions, communities witness us serving in the name of the Lord. These projects open doors to share the Living Water message, often with men, women, and children whom others have forgotten.   

St. Francis Buluba Hospital in Uganda, for example, houses more than 100 people suffering from leprosy. Some have lived here nearly all their lives. Safe water is critical to health and hygiene in medical facilities like this one. The hospital meets its patients’ basic needs thanks in part to a Water Mission safe water solution, as our co-founder shared in her personal account of a visit to the hospital. But most of these people live in isolation. Rejected by family and friends, they suffer from extreme loneliness.

True wellness is both physical and spiritual. So, Water Mission is more than a safe water charity—our team is committed to sharing God's love with these patients. This includes discipleship; equipping local church leaders; ministering to patients; and bringing holiday gifts of food, clothing, soap—and the gospel. The response to our most recent ministry visit was overwhelming.   

When reflecting on Water Mission’s work here, resident Mary Nabirye said, "I didn't know God cared about us! I didn't know anybody could think of coming to visit a leper, but today I feel loved and remembered by God." A fellow patient, Peter, agreed.

"Today is a blessed and a unique day in my life. I received Jesus as Lord and Savior," he told us. "Many people don't spare time to visit people like me. Even our own relatives see us as a burden. May God bless you for thinking about me and loving me." Rev. James Ddembe Izimba leads our Living Water activities in Uganda. He explained that the safe water project at the hospital has built trust and relationships that open doors to the gospel.  "Leprosy patients are regarded as outcasts in their communities and live isolated from others," he explained. "However, because of the ministry partnership that arose from the safe water project, patients are filled with joy when they receive Water Mission staff in their homes.

[We] pray with them, listen to them, and show God's love for them." We are so grateful for our friends who come alongside us to share safe and Living Water that helps transform lives and hearts. As you celebrate the resurrection this Easter, will you keep our friends at St. Francis Buluba Hospital—and all those we serve—in your prayers? Please also prayerfully consider how you might come alongside us to bring safe and Living Water to those in need around the world.