By Gini Moreau

CRESWELL, Ore. (BP)–Dewayne Tiller of New Hope Baptist Church in
Creswell, Ore., began his missions adventures during the
Christmas season of 1984.

Tiller’s children were moved by several advertisements about
hunger in the African country of Mali and asked their parents to
give money to hunger relief in Mali instead of buying them
Christmas presents. Since his children were willing to make such
a sacrifice, Tiller decided to go to Mali himself and help.

The businessman contacted the Southern Baptist International
Mission Board. At the time, they didn’t need help in Mali. They
gave him the option of teaching Vacation Bible School in Jamaica
or drilling water wells in Honduras.

Tiller wasn’t interested in teaching VBS in Jamaica and didn’t
know anything about drilling water wells. So he turned down the
opportunities.

“But God had another plan in mind,” said Tiller’s wife, Pat. “He
thought, ‘A lot of people could go teach VBS in Jamaica, but
maybe not everyone can dig wells in Honduras.'”

Teller once again called the IMB. They connected him with a
well-drilling team in Texas.

After returning home from his first mission trip, Tiller
envisioned himself leading a well-drilling team from the
Northwest. Since then, he has led teams from his own church to
Honduras almost annually. The water wells they dig provide clean
water for Honduran communities and have saved the lives of many.

“When Dewayne first started going, the fatality rate for birth to
age 5 was incredible,” Pat said. “The fatality rate has decreased
amazingly because of the wells.”

Matt Tiller, Dewayne’s son, celebrated his 16th birthday during
his first mission trip in Honduras. Now, at age 24, Matt speaks
Spanish fluently and is a vital part of their team.

At times Pat worries about the safety and health of her husband
and son. Yet she acknowledges her vital support roles as both
prayer and business partner.

“It’s never hard for a team to go because they see the need,” she
said. “It’s harder for the wives because we don’t see the need
firsthand. My part is to stay home and take care of our son and
take care of the business and keep it going and to pray, too.”

New Hope now has a policy of encouraging members to go on these
mission trips by paying the way of any first-time team member.
One percent of their general offering is set aside for this
purpose. Eight members have gone so far.

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