Sharing the true water of life, one well at a time.
Sharing the true water of life, one well at a time.
We want to give a big thank you to Moses International and the young people around the US and Belize that came to help us for a couple of weeks of Dental, Health, Mechanics, Hair cutting, Children’s programs, Bible worker training, Evangelist meetings and more. Your enthusiasm for reaching others with the Gospel was life changing to the people we serve.
Sharing the true water of life, one well at a time.
We have an opportunity for PRAYER, our driller wrote to our work group tonight because he is very discouraged. He says, “Today was a bad day. I was working with the cable machine in the Nueva Colorada village and the drilling hammer got stuck and I felt bad because now it's two machines that are passing by for a bad time” It is true, both of our drills are now stuck in wells and not serving the people we are here to serve. But we serve a God that is bigger than all our problems. Please pray for our driller, that this might strengthen his faith, and pray for all of us here in Guatemala that we might continue to effectively share living water.
Sharing the true water of life, one well at a time.
A big problem that changed lives, that’s exactly what the importation of this bus was for us. Back in January we (the Lingenfelter family) were asked to drive this bus down to Guatemala. It will serve as lodging for our drillers in some of the more remote villages we work in. A bus is a good option here as they are well built and parts are available because they are widely used for transportation. But we have had months of delays and now the time was coming that we had to get it imported as the temporary permit was expiring. We contacted a company who we had been referred to and paid for the import. Nothing happened. Ten days went by, we got reports back but nothing happened. Finally Huberto, one of our workers who is a struggling Adventist, and I drove to the border where the import is processed and did some checking. The company we hired didn’t have an import license, was charging a much higher price and then was trying to hire an agent to complete the process. Once we met the agent and figured out what was happening she said what they did wasn't right. She called the company and told them they were being very unethical, and we should have them prosecuted. Within 20 minutes the money was fully refunded and by the next morning our bus was imported by this agent. But the amazing part was the impact on Huberto. He has gone around telling everyone we meet how the Lord is working on our behalf. And He has been singing hymns as he works. He even got another former Adventist, who works for one of the municipality’s, to sing with him on a recent two hour car ride to a remote village. My heart was singing too as I had a wonderful private gospel concert from the most unexpected people. What a reminder that our trials may be just be blessings waiting to happen.
Sharing the true water of life, one well at a time.
We are profoundly thankful for the ever-expanding community of supporters who have joined the WFL family, bringing hope and transformation to countless lives in Guatemala. Your generous contributions have a ripple effect, creating lasting change for families and communities, particularly through initiatives like our recent evangelical campaign in San Carlos Poptun, supported by the Central Church. This campaign has been a beacon of light, fostering spiritual growth, unity, and resilience among the people. The impact of your support extends far beyond the moment, providing clean water, hope, and a foundation for a brighter future. Visit www.guatemalawells.com to see how your gift can continue to make a profound difference.
Sharing the true water of life, one well at a time.
New Water Well Dedication Brings Hope to San Carlos, Poptun
In San Carlos Poptun, Guatemala, a new water well dedication marks a significant milestone for local families. Organized by Water for Life (www.guatemalawells.com), the event celebrates access to clean water, a vital resource transforming lives. The gathering features speeches from local leaders and organizational figures, emphasizing the well’s impact on health and opportunity. The community comes together with food, music, and shared moments of gratitude, while the Word of God is shared, and Bibles are distributed, fostering unity and hope. This well represents more than infrastructure—it’s a lifeline for Guatemala families, reducing waterborne illnesses and easing daily burdens.
Clean water means children can attend school instead of fetching water and much more. The dedication reflects the power of collective support, showing how targeted efforts can create lasting change. WFL Agua de Vida continues to partner with communities to provide sustainable water solutions. You can help amplify this impact with your financial support to drill a new fresh water well. Visit www.guatemalawells.com to learn how your contribution can bring hope and clean water to more Guatemala families, creating ripples of positive change for generations to come.
Sharing the true water of life, one well at a time.
Meet this beautiful soul from Guatemala, joyfully reading her Bible! In a land where clean water is scarce, the thirst for God's Word runs just as deep. People here are eager to learn and grow in faith, finding hope amidst challenges. This young girl’s early interest inspires us all! At Water for Life, we’re committed to bringing both physical and spiritual nourishment. While providing clean water through wells, we also support communities in their hunger for scripture. In Guatemala, faith shines bright—over 60% of the population identifies as Christian, and many embrace the Bible when they have the opportunity to have one. Join us in making a difference! Your support helps drill wells and share God’s love. Every drop of water and every word of hope counts. Visit www.guatemalawells.com to donate or learn more. Together, let’s quench their thirst—both for water and the Word!
Sharing the true water of life, one well at a time.
Picture this: A vibrant Guatemalan sun bringing heat and thirst, while at the same time kids are splashing in clean water, with smiles lighting up the dusty village. That’s the scene we’re chasing at Water for Life. We’re a crew of dreamers and doers, drilling wells to bring safe water to rural communities. It’s gritty work, but those smiles and giggles? Worth every drop of sweat.
Jesus had a soft spot for kids, saying, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14). We take that to heart, ensuring every child we serve has a shot at health, hope and life eternal. Join us on this journey by simply visiting www.guatemalawells.com to help this mission. See, when we give kids clean water, we’re not just quenching thirst; we’re sparking joy and futures that have a better chance to shine bright.
Sharing the true water of life, one well at a time.
Water for Life: A Closer Look at God’s Call to Bring Clean Water to the World
At Water for Life, we believe every drop of water tells a story—a story of hope, transformation, and God’s unending love for His creation. This collage tells the truth in a powerful way, snapshots of communities touched by the gift of clean water. Pause a moment, zoom in, and see the faces of those whose lives have been changed by something as simple, yet profound, as a sip of safe water. You are invited to look, reflect, and respond to God’s call to love our neighbors through action.
The Bible reminds us in Isaiah 41:17, “The poor and needy search for water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. But I the Lord will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.” God’s heart beats for those in need, and He calls us, His people, to be His hands and feet in answering their cries. For millions around the world, access to clean water isn’t a given—it’s a daily struggle.
Contaminated water sources lead to illness, keep children out of school, and trap families in cycles of poverty. Yet, through the work of Water for Life, we see God moving, bringing wells and hope to villages that have prayed for change.
As Christians, we are called to reflect Christ’s love in practical ways. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 25:35, “For I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink.” Providing clean water is a tangible way to live out this command. At Water for Life, every well drilled is a declaration of God’s love and a step toward fulfilling the Great Commission. Clean water opens doors to share the Gospel, as communities see the love of Christ through the actions of His followers.
But the work is far from done. Over 700 million people worldwide still lack access to clean water, and God is calling us to respond.
This is where you come in. We challenge you to take three steps this week to join Water for Life in this mission:
Watch and Share a Video or Image: Take five minutes to let the stories sink in. Share it on your social media or with your church group to spread the word about God’s work through Water for Life. Your voice can inspire others to act.
Pray for the Thirsty: Commit to praying daily for those without clean water and for the work of organizations like Water for Life. Ask God to provide resources, open hearts, and guide our efforts to bring water and the Gospel to those in need.
Give Generously: Consider making a donation of your time, treasures or talent to Water for Life. You can also organize a fundraiser with your church or small group to multiply your impact.
Sharing the true water of life, one well at a time.
It's hard to fathom that many globally still do not have clean water. This little one is experiencing something many dream of. Clean, fresh water. Water for Life has partnered with many organizations, donors and locals for nearly 4 decades to provide a resource some have never seen. We try to make this one idea clear. Water for life contracts with a village to dig a well. We trust that it is only God that will provide water-for-life!
Sharing the true water of life, one well at a time.
In the Book of Ecclesiastes, work is portrayed as both a profound gift from God and a meaningful endeavor that brings purpose to human life. Ecclesiastes 3:13 states, “That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God” (NIV). This perspective underscores that work is not merely a means of survival but a divine calling, imbued with significance and the potential to reflect God’s creative and redemptive purposes. For Water for Life, an organization dedicated to providing clean, fresh water to communities in Guatemala, this understanding of work as a gift from God resonates deeply, connecting our labor to the urgent needs of those in dire circumstances.
The labor of Water for Life’s staff, volunteers, and supporters—whether drilling wells, fundraising, or teaching—seeks to mirror the Ecclesiastical view of work as a gift. Each task, no matter how small, contributes to a larger purpose: restoring hope and health to those in dire need. The satisfaction derived from this toil, as Ecclesiastes describes, comes not only from the physical outcome (clean water) but from knowing that these efforts align with God’s heart for justice and compassion. By working diligently, Water for Life (WFL) participates in God’s redemptive plan, bringing life-giving water to those who thirst, both physically and spiritually.
Water for Life’s mission in Guatemala exemplifies this truth, as our dedicated labor provides clean water to those in dire need, addressing both physical and spiritual thirst. Giving water acts as a spring board to reach others with the gospel. As we view this work through the lens of Ecclesiastes, efforts become a powerful testimony to the transformative impact of God-given toil. Each well drilled, leads to many lives changed, and reflects the joy and purpose of work as a gift—one that flows like water, bringing life to the weary and hope to the hopeless.
Sharing the true water of life, one well at a time.
Join the Wave of Change: Volunteer with Water for Life!
Hey there, Changemakers! Picture this: a group of big-hearted volunteers packed into a mobile clinic, bringing smiles to those in need with free dental care. That’s the vibe in the photo above—and it’s exactly the kind of energy we’re looking for at Water for Life!
These incredible folks rolled up their sleeves (and fired up their dental tools) to make a difference, one bright smile at a time. But now, we’re turning the spotlight on you. Yes, YOU! We’re on a mission to not only bring clean, safe water to communities who need it most, we need passionate volunteers to dive in and help us make waves.
At Water for Life, we believe that access to clean water is a game-changer—it’s the foundation for health, education, and brighter futures. And just like our dental care heroes, you can be part of something truly transformative. Whether you’re a pro at logistics, a whiz with community outreach, or just someone with a big heart and a can-do attitude, there’s a spot for you on our team.
Imagine being part of a crew that brings life-changing resources to people who need them most. You’ll meet amazing people, share some laughs in a converted bus like the one above!, You will leave knowing you’ve made a real impact. Plus, you’ll get to see the ripple effect of your efforts—clean water means healthier families, happier kids, and stronger communities.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s make a splash together! Dive into volunteering with Water for Life today—sign up now at www.guatemalawells.com and be the change you want to see in the world. Every drop counts, and we can’t do it without you!
Let’s flow together, The Water for Life Team
P.S. Don’t let this opportunity slip through your fingers—join us now and help us bring the gift of clean water to those who need it most!
Sharing the true water of life, one well at a time.
Check out this amazing moment that will become a lasting memory—a young girl drinking clean water straight from a new well for the first time! No bottles needed—just pure, fresh water from a well drilled by our Water for Life team. We love the smiles from her and others. The laughter, the excitement, the celebration—it’s what clean water brings to these villages! Join us in making more moments like this happen. Donate, volunteer, or share this post to help bring clean water to more kids! #WaterForLife #GuatemalaWells #PureJoy www.guatemalawells.com
Sharing the true water of life, one well at a time.
In an overcast and rainy village where laughter faded due to 50 years without water, a thrilling adventure began as Water for Life rolled into town! Armed with a mighty drilling rig ready to strike gold… or rather, fresh water! The villagers helped and gazed upon the process as the machine roared to life, as pipes danced with muddy excitement. After days of thrilling twists and turns, a gush of crystal-clear water erupted—smiles erupted too! This life-changing well now brings joy, health, and hope to all. But the mission’s not over—more villages need this magic! Join us! Your generous support can fuel more rigs, more water, more smiles. Donate today at guatemalawells.com and be part of this splash-tastic journey! Together, we're quenching thousands of Guatemalans thirst, one well at a time!
Sharing the true water of life, one well at a time.
Bibles and Wells: Quenching Thirst in Guatemala
At every Water for Life well dedication in Guatemala, people come for a bible. Here at a recent event two boys sat together, their eyes glued to a Bible they’d just received. People from surrounding villages had gathered, not just for the fresh water flowing from the new well, but for these cherished books. Water for Life drills wells to bring clean water to remote communities, yet the Bibles handed out at these celebrations spark a different kind of excitement. Villagers, hungry for hope, walk miles to receive them, eager to explore God’s word. Just as the well’s clear water revives weary bodies, these Bibles offer truth that refreshes the soul—steady and life-giving. Together, they meet deep needs: one sustains health, the other nourishes faith. Water for Life’s mission delivers both, inviting everyone to drink deeply from physical and spiritual renewal. Join us to keep this hope flowing! www.guatemalawells.com
Word count: 150
Sharing the true water of life, one well at a time.
A gentle breeze stirred the dust as the wheels on the bus went round and round. The big yellow dental bus equipped with solar panels, dental chairs, equipment and volunteers rumbled into the small village nestled among rolling green hills. Children ran while giggling with anticipation at this unusual sight. You could see mothers and fathers peeked through doorways, and others waited with excitement shining in their eyes. From the bus door stepped volunteers—dentists, and helpers—greeted by grateful villagers eager for relief from their aching teeth and the simple joys that came with kind faces from faraway places. This is a huge event that most have never witnessed before.
Water for Life’s presence has already transformed the landscape. Thanks to donors who believed in providing clean water, a new well stood at the heart of the village, ensuring fresh water flowed year-round. With the well in place, the focus could shift to another vital need: accessible dental care.
Throughout the day, villagers lined up, talking quietly among themselves, relieved they would no longer suffer through nights of throbbing tooth pain. Children marveled at free toothbrushes, and mothers praised the gentle hands that eased their children’s fears. It was work well done as volunteers stepped off the bus, with big smiles despite long days that pass quickly, their hearts were full.
It was more than providing relief—it about forging connections, lifting spirits, and offering lasting hope and support. You can learn more or get involved by visiting WFL at www.guatemalawells.com
Sharing the true water of life, one well at a time.
From One Child to an Entire Community: The Founder of Water for Life
Twenty years ago, Gary Bartholomew traveled to Guatemala with a heart full of hope and nervous excitement. He was there to finalize the adoption of a young girl, a child whose bright smile contrasted sharply with the harsh realities of her impoverished village. During the adoption process, He witnessed firsthand how difficult it was for families to access clean water, often relying on shallow, contaminated wells. This poignant experience marked the beginning of his life’s mission: to bring safe, sustainable water to the people of Guatemala.
In the early days, Gary worked from home and took them short annual trips, coordinating everything from fundraising to equipment purchases. It was a humble start, defined by long nights and countless sacrifices. He poured his time, talents, and treasures into what would eventually become Water for Life. He had a well drilling background in the USA, and an unwavering belief: every human being deserves clean water. If he had done nothing, the 50,000 people today who have clean, sustainable water would still be drinking from contaminated sources. As it has been said, "Faith without works is dead." Having faith in God to provide resources and open doors has opened his eyes and heart in many ways. This is another story of God coming to the aid of one, who in faith moves forward. So go God be all the Praise!
As with any journey it was not without challenges. Teams of volunteers that were drilling wells faced tough terrain, faulty supplies and unpredictable weather. Funding was a concern, and setbacks easily threatened to stall progress. Still, Gary's vision of saving lives through clean water propelled him forward. He leaned on volunteers, fellow comrades in the well drilling industry, and local communities for support. In time, these partnerships blossomed into a network of advocates, donors, and technical experts who still believe in Water for Life’s potential.
Today, Water for Life stands as a testament to what determination and compassion can achieve. What began as a single act of love in an adoption has blossomed into a global initiative touching thousands of lives. Gary's story is one of unyielding generosity—giving time, talent, and treasure to ensure that children and families continue to have water for life!
Sharing the true water of life, one well at a time.
Every day in the jungle of Guatemala women walk muddy trails, and dusty roads with their empty jugs, to seek muddy streams often a few miles away. They rise before dawn, travel mid day and afternoons with their children for decades. When they hear of an opportunity to have clean water, prayers for relief echo through these little homes, each voice longing for living water in more ways than one. When the new well arrives, it feels like an answer straight from heaven. What some might take for granted, they partake with gratitude. Clear, cool water flows giving strength and hope. During celebrations and days to follow families gather with laughter as children and adults alike taste fresh water for the first time. With hearts brimming with faith, they praise the Lord who always shows up, right on time.
Sharing the true water of life, one well at a time.
For fifty years, families endured:
Contaminated streams
Unreliable sources
Endless sickness
Heartbreak
But a new well promises hope, turning despair into celebration. Children dance under the bright sun, picturing safe drinking water and radiant futures. Elderly faces soften with relief, knowing grandchildren will never share the same struggle. This precious gift restores health and unity. To every supporter of Water for Life, your kindness has woven more than water into these lives; it has renewed faith and possibility. Thank you for uplifting this community and granting them a fresh, life-giving flow of hope and prosperity.
Sharing the true water of life, one well at a time.
Collaboration truly makes the dream—and the team—work. At a recent well dedication, we witnessed how unified efforts can bring positive change. Gary received a letter of recommendation and a big “Thanks!” from the local government for this special project, which was different from our usual community-led initiative. Here, the government partnered with Water for Life to provide a desperately needed well, and officials were thrilled with the outcome. We’ve formed lasting friendships and partnerships that will continue to flourish, and we believe nothing done for good is ever wasted. We celebrate every opportunity to bring clean water—and the blessings it provides—to mothers, babies, and families for generations to come.
New to Water for Life? Want to get involved?
Visit www.guatemalawells.com to learn more about how you can be part of this transformative work.
Share our story with friends and family to help us connect even more communities to clean water.
Sharing the true water of life, one well at a time.
In the small Guatemalan village, the sound of laughter and prayer filled the air as families gathered around the newly drilled well. Men, women, children paused to offer their thanks to God during the dedication, blessing the fresh water for safe and abundant use. Leaders from Water for Life, the local village, and the Government were all moved with deep gratitude for this vital resource as well as the free bibles that were given. Although everyone was eager to fill their containers, no one dared lift a drop until the water was committed to the Lord with this dedication. After the ribbon is cut, and carefully given to each participant that was vital for this well to be drilled, the villagers drink, children and women first. They are all smiles.
The celebration was vibrant and reverent. Each dedication is different, however there is always an effort into decorating the water source. Joy seems to be in the breeze, bearing witness to the happiness that radiated from each face. We walked the winding path with a few children and an adult to the old, unclean water source. It was then we really understood the difference a new well will make. The half-mile trek through swampy terrain and cow pastures had proven challenging even without carrying heavy buckets. When the season is dry another source was over a mile away.
Clean water means fewer people will fall ill from contaminated water sources. Entire communities felt relief and renewed hope as gratitude poured forth for the countless hands and hearts that worked together to provide such a transformative gift.
Sharing the true water of life, one well at a time.
A Step of Faith: Bringing Clean Water to Those in Need
Imagine walking 1, 2 or as much as 5 miles to fetch dirty water? With only one option families in Guatemala do what they have always done to survive. It’s a heartbreaking reality for many families around the world. But by God's grace, through the power of prayer, the generosity of donors, and the tireless effort of all involved, we’ve been able to bring new hope to these communities in Guatemala with a life-changing solution.
Thanks to a recent project, we've installed a new style of well pump that makes accessing clean water a reality for so many. It’s a joy to witness children, often accompanied by their parents, working together to draw fresh, clean water from a well that can be hundreds of feet deep. What once was a sometimes grueling task has now become something far easier—an incredible blessing in their daily lives.
This new water pump doesn't just bring access to clean water—it brings life. By providing a consistent source of safe water, we’re helping to reduce the spread of illness and lower mortality rates. In many ways, we’re witnessing a shift from the dread of long, exhausting walks to the smiles of children and families now able to drink freely without fear of sickness.
A transformation like this is possible because we have amazing givers. With each donation, you are not only giving the gift of water—you’re giving the gift of health, hope, and life itself. As Christians, we’re called to love and serve our neighbors, and your contribution can make a lasting impact in the lives of those who need it most. We are grateful for your prayers and your generosity. With each new well, we are seeing God’s love at work. Together we can continue to spread that love to those in desperate need.
Will you join us in bringing the gift of clean water to those who need it most? Every donation, no matter the size, makes a profound difference.
You can learn more at www.guatemalawells.com
