Pastor Guillermo and Surveys

On Wednesday, July 11, our 2nd team took the subway to the Palermo barrio to conduct surveys with the International Missions Board (IMB). We split up into teams of 3 (1 was a translator). Some of us were nervous about approaching strangers, especially since we did not speak the local language. Others took the task as a challenge. A few others LOVE talking to people and are very charming and approachable. Several of the pedestrians were hesitant but answered because we asked in our broken Spanish. Many said they were too busy or working. A few answered very willingly. After 2 hours, we felt good about our accomplishment. We have all grown from the experience. Back at the hotel, we met up with Pastor Guillermo and took his family with us for a pizza dinner. Howard Compton had worked with Pastor Guillermo for 4 years in improving water quality in a very remote area in the north where Pastor Guillermo has had his church for 11 years. We listened to how the clean water greatly improved the health and lives of the native people in his church and nearby area. We learned that due to bacteria in the water, 98% of the people had diareha; then after the clean water filters and tanks were installed only 2% of the people had diareha. Before, they had no clean water, no hygene, no concept of germs. He spearheaded the effor to get water filtration, education, and outhouse with the leadership and support of the Saddleback Church Clean Water Ministry. His work at that church is a calling from God. Pastor Guillermo´s passion and persistance has saved lives and souls. Now he has people trained for maintenance and education He feels his work there is done. Pastor Guillermo and his family are looking at other opportunities to work for God in Argentina. We felt blessed to meet Pastor Guillermo and to hear about the results of a real implementation of the Clean Water project.