Many Wells Now Being Drilled

    You may already know of our disappointment in the Spring of 2007. We discovered that our North Korean partners, due to circumstances beyond their control, had been unable to carry on the drilling that we had begun in 2006. But the Lord's providential hand was at work. They asked us if we could begin again, preparing a new team of North Korean men for the job. We were encouraged by their flexibility, so we decided to send a team of specialists to North Korea during the first two weeks of September, 2007. The team included a very experienced well driller from New Mexico, a highly trained geologist from our own Trinity church in Asheville, Peter VanDoodewaard from Calvary Presbytery, and Dr. John Linton, who assisted with translation. Additionally Jim Linton, project coordinator, and Mark Kreitzer from Asheville were members of the Wellspring team.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The September 2007 Team with Hostess

    Despite disastrous flooding in 2007 that caused the North Koreans to cancel or delay the trips of other organizations, our schedule was maintained perfectly. Officials were unable to tell us which roads we needed to use were open or closed due to the floods, but the Lord made our paths straight. Johnny Row, the well driller from New Mexico, was able to resolve the many technical problems with the equipment on the ground there. He even fabricated special tooling they needed right on site. Kyle Hoover, our geologist, discussed water geology and aquifer protection with the North Koreans. The rest of us concentrated on building relationships and resolving other underlying problems and logistical issues.

     We left North Korea as the new team was drilling their their third well, now confident in their capabilities. Since that time, they have drilled four more wells, and we have received our first written reports out of North Korea. As our second rig is being completed, we are seeking partnerships with other organizations in order to expand our  operations.

Kyle Hoover Shares Technology with the North Koreans

A Google Earth View of Two Well Sites

     The first wells were drilled in cooperation with World Vision, and we are in contact with four more interested groups. Everywhere we drill, our services are represented as an expression of the Love of Christ, and the local people know that we are Christians.

     Please pray for upcoming trip to North Korea during the first few months of 2008. We will also need to go to China to arrange for a better supply system for expendables. Pray for the Lord's blessing as we work towards receiving a delegation from another South Korean presbytery for the purpose of joining them to a second American presbytery, establishing a parallel operation similar to our own.

     The Lord has blessed us in so many ways, and we thank you for your prayer and support. Wellspring is a ministry of the Western Carolina Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in America.

For questions or to offer assistance, please contact Jim Linton at jameslinton@earthlink.net.

 

March ’08 Update

     The first two months of this year have seen some interesting developments.  The delay in getting firm dates for our winter trip was caused by the preoccupation of our North Korean counterparts with a visit to the DPRK by the New York Philharmonic.  Everyone seems to be very pleased with this highly symbolic visit, and we expect to have a trip the last of March or the first of April.

     The purpose of this trip will be to confirm drilling, and to help them overcome some special problems in casing, occasioned by the complex geology of our initial drill sites.  We also expect to bring them additional tools to make proper sealing of the wells a little easier.

     As a part of this trip, we expect to spend some time in China with suppliers to simplify our purchasing, and look into using Chinese chassis to reduce costs.  (The drills must still come from the U.S.)  These Chinese trucks are simpler, and easier for the North Koreans to maintain, and longevity is not an issue due to the very limited miles drill rigs travel.

     In addition to all the aspects of this trip, we need prayer in a variety of other areas.  We are looking for partners operating in the DPRK who will function as World Vision has this last year in setting up opportunities for drilling in such a way as to enhance ownership by the North Koreans.

     We are also seeking partner presbyteries in the U.S., and to that end, we pray that the Lord will grant a vision and raise up men in those presbyteries committed to this work.

     The South Koreans plan to send a delegation from the Mokpo Presbytery to challenge others in the U.S. to join with them in association with us.  (As you may know, Wellspring wishes to promote partnerships between American and South Korean presbyteries to field and support equipment in separate areas of North Korea to demonstrate the love of Christ.)

     Our special prayer request is that the North Koreans ease restrictions on cooperation between Anglos and ethnic Koreans that we may serve them better.  We have several excellent opportunities for such cooperation with South Korean Christians wishing to work in North Korea.

     We are grateful to the Lord for the many new relationships and opportunities that He has given us, and pray that He will supply the wisdom for us to move in His timing and His direction, that bearing the Water of Life, we may serve His children.