At the commissioning

The play staged at the commissioning of the well told the story: searching in the dry bush for water, sharing what little water they came across, or, sometimes, fighting over it. That was life for Fulani villagers in Shiyidna before CBN Nigeria installed a well.

"The provision of good drinking water to them was like the coming of the Savior," said a missionary in the village.

Located in the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja, Shiyidna is about 25 kilometers from the main road down an untarred path. For years, villagers tried to convince the local area council to provide a well. Meanwhile, they hiked two kilometers each day to fetch dirty water from a pond where animals drank.

Ina Omakwu, CBN WorldReach regional director

Chief Overwhelmed
The local chief was overwhelmed with joy at the commissioning. "For ten years I struggled with my people to get good drinking water," said the chief. "But today my heart is filled with joy for the good done unto my people by CBN and Family Worship Center."

CBN partnered with Family Worship Center in Abuja in providing the well. It was commissioned by Bishop Courtney McBath of Calvary Revival Church, Virginia Beach, Va. CBN Regional Director Ina Omakwu also attended.

Villagers danced, sang and organized a salute by gunfire to celebrate the construction of the well. The Family Worship Center enhanced the celebration with new clothes for the children and toiletries for the adults. The children donned their new clothes on the spot. The chief was also given two blankets from Operation Blessing.

After the ceremony, CBN conducted a hygiene lecture for villagers.

The dedication plaque

In addition, about 150 people were exposed to the Gospel through the showing of the film Muzika. Because the village is predominantly Muslim, most villagers just sat in front of their homes and listened to the audio of the film. Some of the youth attempted to distract villagers from the film, but God prevailed. 21 people gave their lives to Christ.

Donate a Well
Donors can designate their gifts for the wells. The cost is $1,000. Donors receive a specially dedicated well, a wooden plaque, a written report, and a photo album from the dedication ceremony.

To sponsor a well send a check for $1,000 to Wells Project, CBN Center, 977 Centerville Turnpike, Virginia Beach, VA 23463. Write "Well Project" in the memo field. Donors can also call 1-800-759-0700.