A Well of Hope, Memory, and New Beginnings — Ogberuru, Imo State, Nigeria.

Today, with heavy, yet grateful hearts and tears of joy, we announce the successful completion and commissioning of the Mike & Pam Smith Memorial Well drilled at Ogberuru Secondary School, Imo State, Nigeria.

They tragically perished during the 4th of July flood disaster in Kerrville, Texas. Their sudden passing left an immeasurable void in our hearts and in the life of Relief Network Ministries.

For over five painful years, this school—home to nearly 2,600 boys and girls—has endured devastation from thieves and terrorists. In an environment already broken, students and teachers struggled daily with no running water, no functional teachers’ offices, no laboratories, inadequate desks and seating, and—most heartbreaking—open defecation for both students and staff. Learning continued, but only marginally, and at an unimaginable human cost.

As I prayerfully sought a location worthy of memorializing our late, honorable board secretary and his beloved wife, their dedication and compassionate service, the Lord answered in a powerful way. As President of Relief Network Ministries (RNM), I discovered that this lone public high school in my own village was crying out for help—and we could not look away.

Ogberuru’s geology is notoriously difficult and dreaded by drillers. Wells here often require drilling 350–650 feet through unforgiving rock, sticky clay, and shale. But by God’s mercy, at just under 400 feet, we struck abundant underground water. We went on to properly case, screen, and develop the borehole, ensuring good aquifer exposure for well screens, its sustainable productivity, and safety by proper grouting and well sealing.

Today, we joyfully commissioned the borehole and formally handed it over to the school and the traditional ruler of Ogberuru Autonomous Community. After demonstrating its success, we watched students and villagers fetch clean water for the first time—right beside a 10-foot overhead tank stand we constructed and equipped with a 3,300-liter PVC tank.

This project was not easy. It cost RNM more than anticipated due to equipment failures, contractor challenges, and insecurity on site. Yet we pressed on—because the lives of children, teachers, and an entire community mattered. And now, Ogberuru Secondary School and the nearby Eziama Ogberuru community have access to running water.

This well stands as a living memorial—one that honors the legacy of Mike & Pam Smith by restoring dignity, health, and hope.

To God be the glory.

And to our donors and partners—thank you for giving sacrificially. Your generosity has turned suffering into celebration as seen from these few pictures and video clips.

As we look ahead to year-end and Christmas giving, we invite you to join us again in 2026. There are many more villages like Ogberuru—waiting, hoping, praying. Together, we can bring water, dignity, and life to communities that need it most.

Let’s keep hope flowing.

To partner with us or donate click www.reliefnetworks.org or text “Give” to 409-377-6778

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#everygoodgiftflowsfromgod

#WaterForLife