“Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.” (Isaiah 12:3, KJV)
Returning to Bocoyna
360 feet deep in the ground, and no water was found. The team had to walk away without water for the local Bible camp and conference center, the local church, and the medical clinic in the village of Bocoyna, Mexico. A heartache like this could make one feel defeated. But Dean later reflected, “We were reminded of God’s good sovereign hand that we can trust. We know that He is good in spite of the practical challenges we faced.”
Five months after this failed well drilling, FIA team leader Dean Block and volunteer Fred Nugteren returned with the Mexico Medical Mission team to try again.
The vision behind this well had always been bigger than the well itself. Victor, who manages the property, hopes the water will open doors in a community where the gospel has been slow to take root. His prayer is that the people of Bocoyna, drawing water for the first time from this well, would also be drawn to Jesus, who is Himself the Living Water.
The team began their work by setting up over the same hole they had left months ago. At first, the process was running smoothly, but before they could reach their original depth, they started to experience some serious difficulties. By God’s grace, those problems were resolved within a few hours, and drilling pushed deeper than before.
The water well drill rig set up in Bocayne, Mexico
Dean Block, FIA Mexico Team Leader
A community member filling a water jug.
A community member (left) and Dean (right).
Victor, MMM property manager.
God Provides
At 420 feet, the team hit clean water. This was where the Lord had water waiting for the church, the camp, and the village. The team continued another twenty feet for depth, finishing at 440 feet with a good supply. By the next night, the hole had been lined with quality PVC, and after a day of rest, the team returned to install the electric pump. As the Mexico Medical Mission staff joined the install, more problems arose than the team had ever seen on a routine job. Pipes that should have threaded easily refused to thread. The lifting device malfunctioned. Some pipe lengths sheared off before they could be installed. None of it should have happened, and yet every problem was overcome by God’s grace. When the pump was finally turned on, clean, clear water flowed from the new well.
There are no other wells in this area; this is the first. Before, the church had to hire a water truck.
Today, this well stands as physical evidence of God’s provision and a gift for the church to share with their neighbors, trusting that this physical water will draw hearts to the wells of salvation.
FIA volunteer holding a drilling rod with other team members.
Pray With Us
Pray for Victor and the people of Bocoyna, that the well would become a place where the gospel is heard for the first time. Pray for the church, the Bible camp, and the clinic as they share what God has provided. Pray for Dean, Fred, and the Mexico Medical Mission team as they continue this work. Lord willing, this well will be a source for far more than thirst.
