Water for the Widow

Water -- it’s a basic need that’s often taken for granted. But not in the mountains of Gansu, China. Here, water is scarce, and the mere quest for it can bring death. Just look at the case of Mr. Zhang.

All Mr. Zhang wanted was water for his family, but his village in the mountains of Gansu, China was dry. Mr. Zhang already had heart trouble, but he set out on a trek for water anyway. It was the trek that ended Mr. Zhang's life. His wife, Xia Xia, will never forget it.

"I felt like my life was over," she says. "I cried for days and wouldn’t eat anything."

Even as the family mourned their loss, they still had physical needs to consider.

"I was poor, penniless," says Xia Xia . "We owed a lot of money to people."

When CBN found out about this poor widow’s burden, we immediately went to work. First, we built a cistern for the Zhangs just a few feet from their home.

"Now, I don’t have to carry water," says a grateful Mrs. Zhang. "I can get it straight from the cistern."

Next, CBN brought food to the family. Then we found out that Xia Xia had taken on extra farming for her children’s school fees, so, partners, with your help, we paid the Zhangs' entire school bill. Her sons will finish middle school, and her daughter will be able to graduate from high school.

"I know no words to express my feelings," Xia Xia says.

Because of you, these precious children have a bright future. If Mr. Zhang were alive, he’d never have to worry about water again.

"Before, we had no water during this time of the year," says Mrs. Zhang. "Now, thanks to the cistern, that’s no longer a problem."

Xia Xia has a new hope -- spiritually, she’ll never thirst again.

Thank you, CBN partners, for bringing living water to this very special family half way across the world.

"I’m all changed," says Xia Xia . "After a day’s work, I pray to God. I have something to count on now."

As a CBN partner, you do make a difference in the lives of hurting people throughout the world. If you are not a partner, please join today. Your gifts make it possible to provide medical care to those in desperate need, help feed and clothe children here at home and overseas, and broadcast a message of hope around the world. Join today!