Two villages in Nigeria, long ignored by government officials, are rejoicing in the new bore wells drilled by CBN WorldReach. In both locations, villagers had to go without potable water, relying instead on dirty streams and ponds. The only time they felt the government's presence was during the electioneering campaigns when politicians made promises to provide them with these basic necessities of life, promises that were never fulfilled.

The well is commissioned.

"As we drink from this well, we will begin to feel the presence of Christ in our lives," said Pastor James Bawa, who is in charge of the mission work in Gnape Village.

The farming inhabitants of Gnape are primarily animists. Only 5 percent are Christians.

When the well was commissioned, the whole community showed up for the celebration. The commissioning team was greeted with singing and dancing, and shouts of joy by the villagers.

"Thank you CBN," said Chief Luka Bawa. " We are very happy. May God give you what you want in life. You have brought relief to us. We are so grateful to you and Gary Lewis the donor. We will never forget your labor of love to us."

The chief of a neighboring village said CBN had recognized the villagers "as important people."

Before the well

"We had no one to cry to, except God," he said. "And today you have given us water to sustain us and our children. God bless you CBN International and Gary Lewis for loving us."

One elderly woman in Gnape was especially grateful for the Christian witness of the well. "My people can now understand why I believe strongly in Jesus Christ," she said.

In Ungwan Kanawa, a Muslim farming village, the CBN well represented the 14th attempt to drill a well. Only CBN struck water.

"Thank God that at last we have water," said Chief Mallam Tambai. "We did not know that we would ever get water again. This well has God's hand on it."

Only 2 percent of the village is Christian, but the missionary in the village thinks the well may change that.

"This well has actually opened the door for effective evangelism," said Pastor Nehemiah Sija, "and it has also helped in creating a conducive atmosphere for peace."

These villagers also turned out in large numbers to commission the well with hundreds of women dressed in traditional dancing costumes.

At special events held in conjunction with the commissionings 18 people in the two villages committed themselves to Christ while 17 rededicated their lives to Him.