• Added Benefits from Well Sinking
  There are countless stories like this, of hardship and social problems for hundreds of thousands of people in villages like Badwan. Although this story is not of a village in Orissa, the same is true.
  
  'Where their daughters have to suffer great hardship, parents are reluctant to allow them to marry. Men in a remote Indian village plagued by shrinking water problems are hoping they will now be able to lure brides, thanks to a new well. Badwan village in Bihar state got its first hand-pumped well last month, sparing villagers a 5km trek in blazing heat,' Hindustan Times reported.
   
  'Residents in neighbouring villages were reluctant to allow their daughters to marry men from Badwan because they did not want them to have to undertake the daily walk for water, priest Madan Mishra told the daily.'
   
  'Unmarried men in the village also blamed their bachelor status on the village's water woes.'
  
  
• MLC Students Embrace The Cause
  Marion, a teacher at Methodist Ladies’ College (MLC) found herself unexpectedly watching the Jacob’s Well DVD. She was struck by the implications of illiteracy specifically in reference to health. If villagers were able to access to medicine, they wouldn’t know the correct dosage. Driving home, she pondered the use of pictograms. The next day she emailed Jacob’s Well her thoughts and shared the Jacob’s Well message with her Year 9 students. The students decided they would find ways to raise funds, aiming to sponsor the purchase of a computer specifically dedicated to printing medicine bottle labels with pictogram instructions. One student’s mother offered the class a partnership- if they raised $250, (half the amount needed), she would contribute the additional $250. Within the class deadline $250 was raised. Ellie’s mum contributed the promised balance.
  
  In addition MLC generously gave Jacob’s Well the opportunity to present to the class a sponsorship certificate at their school assembly. Thank you to Methodist Ladies’ College, Kew Term Practical Christianity Class Term 2, 2007 (Marion’s Class), Marion and Ellie’s mother.
  
  Together we can make a  difference.
  
  
• India Time
  (Excerpts from Wendy Erhard’s Travel Diary)
  
  Our first afternoon out at the children's home was unforgettable. We pulled up in the car to 2 lines of children. (22 little kids plus helper and house parents live here) a line of boys and a line of girls, holding a welcome sign. The 2 littlest put a garland of flowers around our necks and we then were given the most heart touching concert of singing and dancing, and actions. After that we broke the ice with some mad modelling balloon making fun and got them all equipped with a sword and a dog. Their eyes are so shiny and bright and faces so radiant. We played games (What's the time Mr Lion etc ) and then as it got dark cracked those glowstick bracelets and we all had them on and sang and danced the night away! Being here watching them has made all the effort of getting here so worthwhile.
  
  The kids are all so nice to be with, No shouting or fighting they live in harmony and peace. Big helping small. They sit quietly chatting or giggling as they do things, soft voices. They are sharing everything and look out for each other as second nature. I was sitting on the edge of the concrete porch watching the sun sink behind the mountains, the big red globe as it is here...most of the children playing ball with Julia and a little girl comes up quietly and sits by me, snuggling up. Every now and then looking up at me with a radiant smile. I am so happy.
  
  
• HCJB Radio Interview with our Founder and CEO Joan Roose
  The International Friendship Program is broadcast throughout Asia and Asia Pacific region. Thank you to Jean and Eric Skattebo for their  support and friendship. Listen here (dial-up  low speed connections) or listen here (high speed connections with stereo/higher audio  quality).
  
  
• Jacob’s Well Streaming Video DVD
  You can now view our DVD online View Video. (Flash Player required.)
  
  
• Turning Darkness Into Light
  According to United Nations statistics there are 2 billion people around the world who live outside of traditional power grids, with most living in remote areas of the Third World.
  
  By utilising the sun's energy, solar power can be used to improve general health and quality of life, especially for those in remote areas. A light in a village can assist in keeping away predators and enable safer movement in and around the village after dark. Electricity can enable the pumping of clean water into water tanks, power water purification systems, power mobile phones and run refrigerators. Villagers could listen to a solar powered radio that transmits vital information and educational programs. It also enables the sterilisation of operating equipment and the refrigeration of vaccines at health clinics.
  
  Just as clean water is essential to life, light is important for quality of life. Jacob's Well aims to supply a village not only with a bore well but with solar power and its associated benefits. To help us realise this aim we require assistance with expertise, supply and implementation of equipment and sponsorship funding. If you can provide assistance in anyway or would like more information about our solar energy project please don't hesitate to contact Joan Roose joan@jacobswell.org.au or phone 61 3 9803 6115.
  
  
• STOP PRESS! Jacob's Well Fundraising Fun Filled Trivia and Games Night Friday 2nd November.
  Accept the Jacob's Well Challenge and start to organise a table of 8 people for you and your friends. Kew RSL, 63 Cotham Road, Kew. Cost $10 per head. Booking essential please contact either Joan 0403 280 632, joan@jacobswell.org.au or Vicki  0417 037 234, vicki@jacobswell.org.au
  
  
• Print Version of Living Water Issue #4
  Download PDF

Please join us and help break the poverty cycle. Download and complete the donation form 83kb pdf. Either fax +61 3 9803 6115 or post to PO Box 680 Glen Waverley Australia 3150. Cheques made payable to 'Jacob’s Well India'. 100% of your donation goes directly to India*.

On behalf of the villagers we thank you. Donations are fully tax-deductible.

 

 

* If a tax receipt is not required. Expenses are covered by generous partners volunteering their time and resources (even bank charges).

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