“Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you” (Habakkuk 1:5, KJV).
Two to three hours. That’s how long it takes for families to collect clean water in the villages across Espiritu Santo Island in Vanuatu. With the island’s mountainous terrain, the journey becomes especially challenging. Each village has a freshwater tank to store water, but due to little maintenance and the large population, the water tanks are easily contaminated.
The Water Project
Dreaming of sharing the gospel with his people, Ni-Van Pastor Gaby approached FIA’s executive director at the time, Tim Johnston, with a vision to direct clean water from a spring in the mountains to each of the surrounding villages.
“ Pastor Gaby said, “If we bring water into those villages, every chief out of appreciation will invite us to come share [the gospel] and teach because they’re so thankful for the water.”
Since 2018, FIA has been working to achieve this vision of providing clean water to the Ni-Van people, and more importantly, the Living Water. However, the project experienced several delays: the global COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2021 halted travel and operations, a major typhoon damaged FIA base operations in 2022, and a significant earthquake the following year created a lake over the intended water source, forcing the team to identify a new plan.
Change Of Plans
Needing to find a new way to advance the project, FIA leadership took another assessment trip to Vanuatu this summer, praying to find a new reliable source of water to get to the people. With the help of Christian engineers Jim Boyer (civil engineer) and Doug Jarvey (water systems specialist), along with project supervisor Randy Schnieders, field leader Levi Pitman, and team leader Tim Johnston, God provided resources and equipment for the team to find several underground aquifers, creating an open door for the project to advance.
“I have never come here on a mission trip where God didn’t show up, Tim reflects from this past trip.” “And He does. I mean, it can be a big way, small way, but He always shows up”
New Doors Are Opened
God Answers!
From engineers and water technicians volunteering their time, to the Vanuatu government placing a drill rig on the island, to government officials approving the project and equipment exemptions, God has been providing everything needed at the right time for this project to advance.
Most importantly though, He has been preparing the hearts of villagers to welcome our teams.
Now, the project is advancing with a new plan involving five wells serving approximately 3,500 people across 25- 30 villages, plus schools and clinics. Two 75,000-gallon storage tanks are ready for installation, with FIA teams preparing to begin construction in spring of 2026!
Invitation
Today, we invite you to join this kingdom work through prayer and partnership. Pray for safety and security for teams working in the challenging mountain terrain. Pray for continued government favor and qualified personnel. And pray especially for the spiritual breakthrough Pastor Gaby envisions—that hearts would be opened to the gospel as clean water flows to these remote communities.
Matching Funds Campaign: Your Gift x 2
From September through December, your gift will be doubled for projects like the Vanuatu Water Project and other vital ministry work around the world. Join us as we seek to share the gospel with those in desperate need!
