Hey folks,

I'd like to share a little about a potable water project for a refugee community in Colombia that I've been involved in for the past half year, and to ask you each to consider being a part of the solution. Villa Clemen is a shanty-town of about 8,000 people, built of tarps and sticks and cinderblock, with no clean water, no waste or sewage system, and unreliable electricity. The number two killer for children worldwide is unsafe drinking water, and the current conditions in Villa Clemen are a slow pitch for bacteria and parasites, putting these children at great risk for serious illnesses and even death. A clean water solution is crucial, and we're nearly there. We have the first and most expensive phase finished, a deep bore-hole with a 6-7 liter per second flow. But we need to make that flow accessible by purchasing a pump, building a tank, and putting a distribution system in place, which we're hoping to do for around $15,000-20,000.

Thanks to a Christmas drive we had, we have now collected about half of that estimate. I appreciate the sacrifices that many have made in this tight economy, recognizing that the need we may feel is still far less acute than many of our global neighbors. A great piece of news I received just before coming to visit the US is that the community of Villa Clemen has now officially been recognized by the local city government, so this investment is of greater worth than ever, as it will now be part of a long-term solution. We hope to have the remaining funds raised soon and to inaugurate the water system in February, opening a door to share the meaning of Christ's living water with the community.

Those interested in giving may do so through YWAM, PO Box 3000, Garden Valley, TX 75771-3000. The checks should simply be made out to "YWAM" and a separate note should be included stating that it is for YWAM Medellin's water project. Also, please send an email notice of the amount and date sent to jon_captain at yahoo.com. Thanks so much for your consideration!

-Jon Captain