During its construction phase, a township church faced an urgent need for groundwater to meet both immediate construction demands and future daily usage. To address this, the church hired three well-drilling teams and a professional hydrological survey team to locate a viable water source. However, the survey team was unable to detect groundwater at the designated site, and despite drilling three deep wells in succession, all efforts failed. At one point, the drilling equipment even fell underground, leaving the teams to return empty-handed.
The absence of a water source made it impossible to proceed with construction, and the church would not be functional upon completion. Despite the high costs, the church decided to hire a fourth drilling team with the thought that "a generous reward attracts the brave." After the new team arrived, another hydrological survey was conducted. Yet, when drilling began at the new site, they soon encountered a hard and massive rock formation, making it hopeless to drill a well for water.
The church leader chose to place his trust in God. Leading the congregation to the construction site, he walked around the land while singing a hymn: "Who is, and who was, and who is to come, rivers of water of life flow from the throne. Rivers of water of life nourish thirsty souls." As the song ended, he asked everyone to stop, then pointed to a specific spot and instructed the well-drilling team, "Drill the well here."
The head of the drilling team shook his head and expressed skepticism. "The hydrological survey found no water anywhere, and now you want to dig just because you finished singing? If you find water here, it would truly be a miracle." Despite his doubts, the church leader replied with conviction, "Just dig here. Trust me."
Though unconvinced, the drilling team began their work. After reaching a depth of about two meters, the drill hit solid rock once again, and the team decided to abandon the effort. The team leader ordered the equipment to be reloaded onto the truck and even waived the fee, firmly declaring the job over.
Church members pleaded with the workers to continue, but the team remained unmoved. In desperation, believers climbed into the pit and began crying out in prayer. Their tears and unwavering faith touched the drilling team leader. With a sigh, he relented, saying, "Alright, I'll trust you this time." He then ordered the equipment to be unloaded and the drilling to resume.
As the book of Proverbs says, "When a king's face brightens, it means life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring." A miracle then unfolded. As the drilling team directed their equipment back onto the rock and resumed drilling, a sudden gush of clear, abundant water burst from the ground. Together with the drilling crew, the congregation cheered, "We succeeded!"
The leader of the drilling team turned to the church leader and exclaimed with excitement, "Your God is truly the living God!"
Originally published by the Gospel Times
- Edited by Katherine Guo, translated by Poppy Chan
