Friends of Sweetwater,
God has richly blessed Sweetwater with its first international trip. From April 22nd – May 2nd, I will represent Sweetwater Research in the Philippines to aid the formation of an aquaculture training and discipleship program for prison inmates. May God be glorified in it and may this visit across the Pacific yield expanding opportunities for Sweetwater to fulfill its mission to deliver clean and Living Water.
Dr. Fred Hogue, director of Oyan Mission, is a fellow partner with Servants of Christ International. He is a retired professor, a Gideon with a passion for ministry to children, and our primary contact on Negros Oriental, an island in the Central Visayas. In December he read a Sweetwater brochure and instantly proclaimed “How fast can David get here?”
Dr. Hogue has requested my expertise on a proposed project that aims to reach prison inmates for the Gospel by discipling them in the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and training them in aquaculture so that they can enjoy the dignity of work and the support of local Christian families. During my stay I will strategize with Dr. Hogue and our partners in local churches, Negros Oriental State University (NORSU), and government agencies to create a fresh paradigm for inmate rehabilitation while also developing local economies in a God-honoring, environmentally-sustainable manner. Referencing my peculiar blend of water science, discipleship, and international experience, Dr. Hogue called Sweetwater “the missing link” that will tie together the diverse sectors of the project and center them on Christ. He and I are optimistic that Gospel opportunities will abound as we interact with university faculty and students, government officials, and inmates.
We have short-term and long-term objectives in the Philippines. Our immediate concern is rehabilitating an aquaculture facility on the Bayawan-St. Catalina campus of NORSU so that it can serve as a training ground. During my initial visit this April, I will assess the existing aquaculture infrastructure, meet with prisoners, university presidents, government officials, and churches, and ascertain the natural and human resources that are available to build the training program that will utilize the aquaculture facility. Upon my return to the U.S., I will be in regular contact with our project partners to design an aquaculture program that is sustainable and Christ-honoring. Even at this early stage, Dr. Hogue is optimistic that our concept of Christ-centered, science-informed skills training could produce a country wide paradigm shift regarding inmate rehabilitation.
If time permits, I will also be visiting private aquaculture farms, wells, and water projects on the island. These visits will educate me and possibly lay the groundwork for additional projects in the archipelago.
Opportunities are abundant to partner with brothers and sisters in Christ in the Philippines.
Will you work hand-in-hand with them to deliver clean and Living Water?
Prayer is the most valuable investment you can make.
- Pray that God will open doors for the Gospel among prisoners.
- Pray that God will hear the prayers of His people in the Negros Oriental churches for water that doesn’t make them ill.
- Pray for wisdom, knowledge, and discernment as I work to link project partners that represent diverse sectors of Negros Oriental society.
We anticipate many future trips to the Philippines. Get your hands wet with us! If God has blessed you with specific skills that could benefit the project or you simply wish to see the project first-hand, contact Sweetwater and we can pray about ways to plug you into the work.
International travel is expensive. So is research. When you invest in Sweetwater financially you are improving our ability to research Jesus-exalting solutions to specific water problems. Give as you are able with cheerful joy, knowing that your investment is in the riches that moths and rust cannot touch: souls! All labor at Sweetwater is currently volunteer. Your donation will go directly to the work of bringing clean and Living Water to those on Negros Oriental who need to hear the Good News that the blood of Jesus can wash them completely of sin and guilt and that the Holy Spirit can be in them a spring of Living Water.
If you wish to invest your time and resources in this Philippines project, in the development of Sweetwater’s research capacity, or in myriad other creative ways, go to our website and click “Volunteer” or “Donate”. You can also contact me directly using the information below.
May the Lord make your offering fruitful for His glory!
Soli Deo Gloria!
David Pendergrass
Executive Director & Lead Scientist