A New Hope in Maai Mahiu
On this World Water Day, Chariots is celebrating the story of transformative care and provision in Maai Mahiu!
Maai Mahiu, meaning “hot water,” is a town rich in history but plagued by water scarcity. Nestled near a dormant volcano and on top of a hot spring, the area’s unique geology makes drilling for water nearly impossible.
Since the establishment of the Children’s Home in 1980, water has been a constant challenge. Initially, water was piped miles from a distant stream to the home, but as the town grew over the last 20 years, shared pipes became overwhelmed. Breakages, theft, and vandalism left the community struggling for weeks without water. The dusty environment and dry climate only worsened the hardship.
The Maai Mahiu Project.
Chariots knew someone had to step up to solve the growing water crisis. The original plan—buy land in the mountains, pipe water down to the home, and invest $250,000 into a sustainable solution—felt overwhelming. Not only was the cost daunting, but there was a real risk of repeating past issues: broken pipes, water theft, and unreliable access.
CEO Mark Wakeman reflects, “A year and a half ago, this project felt impossible. There was no solution in sight. But then, slowly, the right pieces came together—the connection, the expertise, the funding. God orchestrated a beautiful plan to provide water for these children in a way we never expected.”
Thanks to God’s provision, a generous funding partner, and your support, Chariots was able to partner with an international water drilling ministry. Together, they successfully drilled a sustainable well right on the campus of the Maai Mahiu Children’s Home—ensuring secure, reliable water access for both the children and the surrounding community.
The original plan called for drilling 270 meters deep. In a surprising blessing, water was found at just 170 meters—and the entire project came in under $50,000. What felt impossible became a miracle.
With the well on campus, the piping is now secure and protected from theft and damage. For the first time in decades, the children’s home and nearby community now have consistent access to clean, life-giving water. It’s a powerful testament to God’s faithfulness and provision.
This World Water Day, will you join us in completing the final steps—installing pumps, storage, and water tanks—to ensure this blessing becomes a lasting reality?
Your generosity can help turn this miracle into a legacy of hope for generations to come.
