NPMI Brings Fresh Water to Esteli Prison

Managua, Nicaragua - April 10, 2007

Nicaragua Prison Ministry, Inc. first learned in November of 2006 that prisoners in Esteli Prison were ill with intestinal problems and plagued with skin irritations. Lab tests confirmed that the water supply was badly contaminated. The prison doctor was begging for help. By late February, NPMI sent that help in the form of a small team to supply the prison with safe, pure water.

The plan centered on a McGuire Water Purifier, which was provided by an anonymous donor. These devices, capable of purifying 55 gallons per minute, chlorinate water using only salt and a 12-volt battery. Combined with two new water tanks and new pipe, the new system provides water for over 600 prisoners.

Prior to their trip, two NPMI team members trained with Edge Outreach, a ministry that specializes in water purification. These team members, in turn, equipped the prison staff in the ongoing operation of the system.

The first phase of installation took only two days with help from several prisoners and a pair of local plumbers. This phase bypassed the contaminated system and connected to the most essential areas of the complex, including the kitchen. Completion of phase two, which will extend the system to all areas of the prison, is currently planned for late 2007.

Officials from the Nicaragua Department of Prisons were present - as well as a television crew - to witness the moment when team NPMI member Josh Smith and the prison warden, Alcaide Urbina, took the first sips of pure water. From inside the cells, cheers rose up from watching prisoners.

By providing clean water, the doors of Esteli Prison - where NMPI had no previous experience - have now been opened wide for ministry. In John 4, a well gave Jesus the setting to tell a Samaritan woman of water that can spring up to eternal life. Today in Nicaragua, fresh water again brought that message of hope.

NPMI is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in the USA. Its mission is to bring hope to those incarcerated in Nicaragua through relationships with Jesus Christ and to demonstrate the love of Christ by meeting the physical and spiritual needs of prisoners and their families. The mission is accomplished by encouraging, equipping, training and supporting volunteers.

Contact Information

Ben Goerz

Media Developer

NPMI

Contact via E-mail