By Kyle Becker, G.O.D. Latin America team participant; Katie Dunning, G.O.D. Latin America Communications Manager; and Lorena Mejia, G.O.D. Latin America Cooperative
4 Local widows and their families receive newly built showers as a result of G.O.D. Int’l Holiday Campaign
As part of the 2020 G.O.D. holiday campaign, Salvadoran cooperatives, and student interns spent over 152 hours constructing showers for 4 local families. (See the Giving Report and coverage of the first shower project here.) Together they piped water, planned out sustainable water storage systems, built laundry and sink areas, and constructed showers.
Water Access and Safe Water-Storage Issues Resolved
G.O.D. Latin America Cooperative, Lorena Mejia, says: "In our community things are quite difficult because of the shortage of drinking water. Sometimes we spend up to three days without running water, and it is difficult for families to have the necessary water if they do not have a sink to store enough water for their basic household needs."
Water is a precious commodity for rural Salvadorans. The overuse of chemical fertilizers for agriculture, industrial manufacturing byproducts, and untreated sewage are reported to be contaminating over 90 percent of the country's surface water (lakes and rivers). The mismanagement of water in El Salvador is deeply rooted in unregulated water usage. Access to water at home and safe storage practices assist families in practicing proper hygiene. Last year’s COVID-19 cases in El Salvador were directly connected to the water crisis and the inability of communities to practice proper hygiene techniques. At the height of the pandemic, there was a 25-day stint when the nearby city’s tap water was completely shut off. Residents near G.O.D. Int’l ministry campus have also experienced extended periods of time without available running water.
Recipients testify about the impact of service from G.O.D. Latin America team
Mejia explained that the team made considerations for each family’s unique needs. One recipient lives with his 24-year-old daughter and his 3-year-old grandson. He lost both of his legs in the war and needed a more wheelchair-accessible system.
“I never imagined that I would receive this kind of support, I always had plans to repair the washing station and water basin but it was not something I would have been able to do soon, nor would it have ever occurred to me to build the shower in the same water basin, thanks for everything.”
— Felipe
Mejia also reported that working on the shower, sink and laundry area for the Mancia Rivera family was “completed with great joy” and it was a blessing to witness their “gratitude for all who have donated to this project.”
Construction projects do more than meet a one-time Need; They contribute to community development and demonstrate love of neighbor
<img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/514ce42ae4b0d2e6d866511c/1624219204492-36VWR0UKZPS1HK2Y1KHY/12+family+shower.jpg" alt="12 family shower.jpg" />
“God is definitely building good relationships between us and our neighbors. We know the families and their needs better, but also our friendships are already strengthened.”
— Lorena Mejia, G.O.D. Latin America Cooperative
Sources:
"Living without water: the crisis pushing people out of El Salvador,” The Guardian, 2019.
“A populous town in El Salvador with a water crisis amid a pandemic,” Forbes Central America, 2020.
“The fight for water management in El Salvador continues,” El Faro, 2018.
“El Salvadorans Lacked Running Water During the Pandemic. Then Came the Hurricane,” Vice World News, 2020.
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