Manny Soetaert 2021
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Child Legacy International, Inc is a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, click here for documentation. Donations are tax-deductible and designated to Child Legacy’s Clean Water program.
I was born in Belgium and grew up in Burkina Faso (West Africa) as a missionary kid. I grew up knowing about God but made the decision to become a follower of Christ when I was 15. I went to Toccoa Falls College with the desire to go back to Africa as a missionary and finally had the opportunity to do just that from 2014-2017.
My favorite ministry that I got to be a part of during that time was drilling wells. I can’t describe the fulfilment and joy that comes with not only supplying a village with a source of clean water, but in pointing them toward Jesus in that process. The women that had to walk for hours each day to the nearest well, having to carry all the water for their family back to their home; the villagers that got sick as a result of the hand dug wells (as the surface contaminants just washed into them each time it rained); the women that waited in line for hours at an adjacent village in the hope of being allowed to draw the needed water for the family to survive – All these people were dancing, clapping and shouting with joy the moment the water gushed out of the hole. Words can’t convey that moment.
I now have the opportunity to go back to Africa as part of Child Legacy International’s Clean Water Climb, to both raise money and be part of repairing wells. I really like the idea that anyone can join me in this effort by supporting me in prayer and financially and look forward to teaming up with you. Since I am paying all my trip expenses, your gifts will go 100% to the clean water ministry.
One of my favorite quotes is by Jim Elliot. He said, “He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose.” Jim Elliot was a missionary to South America and ended up giving his life for the gospel before he turned 30.
When we are given the opportunity to partner with others to give (some of our temporary, fleeting wealth) to further God’s Kingdom, we are investing in eternal value.
I’m excited and grateful for this opportunity to go and share God’s love in such a practical way, and to be part of an effort to raise money to repair wells, impacting communities physically and spiritually through life-giving water.