Living Water In Dry Places

A MESSAGE FROM MATT DURKEE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

“For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring.” – Isaiah 44:3 (KJV)

My first years in missions were spent operating FIA’s water well drilling rig in West Africa, and my experiences there shaped everything I believe about water ministry. One moment from that season came when we were chasing a well in a desert region where hope was scarce and water even scarcer. After drilling 290 feet with only 300 feet of drill rod available we had found nothing but dry, dusty cuttings. We paused the drilling, beginning to feel discouraged but not defeated. The village around us, once full of excitement and anticipation for what was to come, had quieted in resignation that this would end in nothing. As the dust settled around us from the drilling, all we could do was pray over the final drill rod and trust.

Then we pushed forward.

At first, nothing changed. Dust continued to spit from the borehole. But in the final two feet—just before the drill string bottomed out— water burst from the ground with astonishing force. More than 2,500 gallons per hour of cold, clean water surged upward. In one instant, God transformed a barren place into a wellspring of life.

Moments like that are why water ministry matters so deeply in missions.

Water is woven through the story of Scripture: God brings streams into deserts, calls His people to drink freely, and sends His Son to offer living water to the thirsty. Throughout the Bible, water symbolizes renewal, hope, and the presence of God. And in communities today, it still does. When clean water flows, hearts soften. Suspicion fades. Relationships form. People begin to ask questions about the Source behind the provision.

This is why serving people through practical means is not separate from evangelism. It is often the very thing that makes evangelism possible.

FIA exists at this intersection where technical service becomes a pathway for the Gospel.

Drilling a well may look like mechanics, geology, and logistics, but it creates daily touch points for local pastors and missionaries. It builds trust in places where trust is earned slowly. And it communicates, in tangible ways, the love of Christ.

Our work is deeply technical. Drilling in remote areas means adapting to unpredictable formations, sand, granite, basalt and sometimes working without formal hydrological surveys. We watch the cuttings, feel the pulse of the rig, fight collapse zones, and build wells designed to last for decades. Excellence is not a luxury; it is an act of love.

Partnering in West Africa, Nicaragua, Vanuatu, Bolivia, and Mexico, clean water projects continue to accelerate the work of church planting and discipleship. Each well, pump, and pipeline becomes a reminder: God sees you. God loves you.

This year, FIA finds itself centered on water projects as catalysts for Gospel impact  the kind of practical service that builds trust, restores dignity, and breaks ground for spiritual transformation. I am deeply grateful for how you journey with us. Your prayers, generosity, and steadfast support are woven into every water story and every changed life.

May God continue to deepen our wells of faith as we bring both clean water and the Living Water to those who need it most.