Our day started with an introduction to the GAiN Benin staff team. GAiN was launched in Benin by the GAiN Canadian in 2005 and since then this partnership has resulted in 1756 wells. Their work with local churches has resulted in 78,919 people indicated decisions for Christ. GAiN has assisted in helping build 591 village churches.  In rural Benin, 25% of the of the population are drinking water from wells provided by GAiN!

It’s one thing to hear numbers, quite another to see first hand what is happening… We visited two villages today. The first was a village where the well was provided in 2016. This particular well was a memorial to Helena Louise Leyenaar. It was significant that the legacy of this women had provided live giving water for the past 7 years!

When we arrived, women were lined up to fill their large bowels with water. Our team took turns pumping to help fill the many bowels. The women enjoyed the watching our efforts.

It was truly amazing to watch the women leave carrying the water on their heads’. They sang an song as a way to share their appreciation. An elder from the village told us before this well they had to travel 15 km for water!

The second village was a well that was a 72 meter well that had a hand pump but the work of pumping from that depth was difficult. GAiN provide a storage tower and solar panel to serve this village.

There was steady stream of women and children coming to get water. They lingered and through translation enjoyed conversations and questions. To express appreciation, we were given a bag of oranges and pineapples. Benin is an agricultural country with agricultural products as their main export.

What an incredible experience to see the results of kindness and generosity of so many Canadians who have given to the work in this country. Clean water saves lives and transforms communities! Here’s one last photo.