BATAVIA AQUA

After overcoming some big logistics challenges, our watermaker was delivered aboard the surf charter yacht Sanssouci II via KL and then Langkawai. Electrical compatibility problems delayed final installation but last night we toasted "Batavia Aqua" and our fantastic donors. Thanks to Hamilton Miller LLC of Denver Colorado and especially the congregation of the Jubilee Fellowship Church in Littleton Colorado! Your efforts and the generous discount offered by Village Marine combined to deliver us 5 precious tons of drinking water per day.



ELM volunteer Christina Rambu Mbangi Ledu invited a group of Nias islanders to be first to sample the water after explaining that we pump seawater into the unit and convert it into freshwater.

"Manis! Manis! (sweet) was the verdict. The unit features heavy duty components and Village Marine are one of the largest suppliers to the US Navy. We the best available technology aboard and the unit will have a large impact on our ability to bring relief to remote areas in Nias and Aceh.

Five tons per day is more than the ship needs to remain at sea and the surplus can supply the needs of a village of several hundred people in areas where dry wells need rehabilitation. More importantly, we no longer need to load 90tons of water in port. Batavia can carry over 50tons of extra food supplies to remote areas and extend our field missions.

All aboard Bavavia join me in sending our heartfelt thanks to our donors, their staff, congregations and families. We salute Chris Ranken back in head office for coordination the freight and logistics.