God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
[Excerpted from “Water in the Desert” by Katie Harmon-McLaughlin, Mar/Apr 2025 Herald, pp. 20–21]
In the early 2000s, Mike Wilson was an indigenous pastor near one of the deadliest border crossings in Arizona, USA. Temperatures would climb as high as 117 degrees Fahrenheit. An estimated 1,500 migrants were crossing Tohono O’odham tribal lands daily, and many were dying from lack of water. Wilson had served in the US Army Special Forces in Central America, witnessing firsthand the sacred humanity of those he now saw thirsty and dying in the desert of his home country.
Wilson began putting gallons of water in the desert. He placed them strategically along trails where migrants were most likely to travel and die. For twelve years, he walked into the desert with gallons of water, offering the literal living water of Christ to those seeking refuge and safe passage.
Because of the political complexity of immigration issues and policies of deterrence in the USA, he faced pressure from his church, tribe, and the government to stop putting out water. Confronted by the elders, he summoned his courage and responded:
Is God concerned with inhumane laws or more concerned with universal justice? I wish that I could do both. I wish that I could agree with you and honor federal immigration laws, but when people are suffering and dying…when our sisters and brothers in Christ are dying within five miles of here, there is only one law I must obey. —What Side Are You On, p. 133
A unanimous vote prohibited him from putting out water, and Wilson left his position as pastor. He did not stop his water ministry.
Lent is the season of clarifying what vision of this world we will choose—the powers of death or the promise of new life in Christ. Sometimes it’s not that distinct, and sometimes it is. What does belief in the Worth of All Persons require?
Imagine being in your own desert moment. Imagine your deepest thirst. Imagine that someone who does not know your name or story brings you water, literal salvation, because they believe you are of worth. Imagine watching as a drink restores life to your children, grandchildren, family.
Drink deep, beloved. This is the living water that sustains us for the journey ahead. This is the hope of new life in Christ. God is making a way in the wilderness, streams of life-giving water in the desert. Will we join in God’s restorative movement in our world?
Prayer Phrase
“Happy are those who observe justice” (Psalm 106:3).
Healing and Reconciliation
Gather a small mound of stones. Meditate on the stones as symbols of differences and destructive acts that continue to separate and wound the human family. Name and anoint each “stone wound” with a drop of water or scented oil. Offer them to God in a prayer for healing and reconciliation.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.