In a quiet village in the remote mountains of Northern Laos lives a 78-year-old Christian widow named Joy. Behind her warm smile is a story marked by deep loss. Years ago, Joy lost her husband. Later, her only son died in a tragic accident. Two years afterward, her grandchildren’ s mother remarried and left the children behind. Overnight, Joy became sole caregiver to her young grandchildren.
Life for Joy has never been easy, but after her daughter-in-law left, it became almost unbearable. Joy and the boys live in a fragile shelter. Her kitchen is a tarp roof, dirt floor, no walls, and no access to running water. Their only water source was a river one kilometer away, up and down steep hills along the way. Every day, Joy made that journey daily with a 5-gallon container strapped to her forehead, carrying nearly 42 pounds of water back home.
The local church was compelled by the writing of James (1:27) to look after the needs of this widow and her orphaned grandchildren. The church mobilized the equivalent of about $100 to help Joy dig a well—but it wasn’t enough. They wanted to help her, but the cost of drilling and installation was about $2000.
When Pastor Bounleuth told us Joy’s story, our team on the ground with the local church team created a plan driven by a sense of urgency. Through the generosity of New Life International partners, many faithful donors like you helped us immediately fund the remaining cost of drilling a new well just steps from Joy’s house. No more daily one-kilometer climbs. No more hauling 42 pounds on her forehead. For the first time in years, Joy and her grandchildren have water within arm’s reach.
Joy and her grandchildren watched the first clean water pour out with gratitude. What once required hours of exhausting labor now requires seconds. This simple well restored her ability to care for her grandchildren who depend on her. And the impact goes even further—the surrounding community now recognizes the local church as a place of compassion and help. This well has become a doorway for ministry, relationship, and Gospel witness.
Stories like Joy’s remind us why this mission matters. Safe water doesn’t just meet a physical need, it restores hope and expands the reach of the Gospel. If you would like to help us reach more families like Joy’s, please consider making a donation or becoming a monthly partner. Every gift—large or small—helps bring safe water access and the love of Christ to those who need it most. We are deeply grateful for your prayerful consideration.
Laos: Mrs. Joy’s Story
