SPOTLIGHT ON A PARTNER: Marc and Ann Hall - still changing lives in Cambodia

The WaTER Center was first introduced to Marc and Ann Hall back in 2010 when this young married couple came to give a talk on campus about the life they chose to live in Cambodia. Cambodia is a beautiful land with a people who welcome visitors with a smile. But the country has also been struck with war and corruption resulting in illiteracy, lack of water and sanitation, and disease. These are the challenges that Marc and Ann work to overcome, with the help of Resource Development International - Cambodia (RDIC), as together they create and implement creative solutions for drinking water in the home and in the communities. 

RDIC ceramic water filters are built onsite and distributed to villagers, along with soap and illustrated hygiene information. 

The core of the RDIC strategy is built on local relationships with the Cambodian people. Team members and their families live in the villages and get to know the local people. By doing so, personal bonds are created and friends are made. From these friendships, various projects are implemented to serve the immediate community that the team lives in. While gardening and raising animals as well as working side by side and teaching friends in the villages, the team is able to meet immediate needs while education takes place. 

In pre-pandemic days, Ann Hall shares both her nursing skills and her faith with the Cambodian women.

On a larger scale, the community is served by technology improvements. When the group is asked to help install a water system at a school, or build toilets or sinks, they take the opportunity to offer an education program to the schools as well. This adds an additional personal touch.

Marc Hall instructs a worker at the RDIC ceramic water filter factory in Cambodia.

On the national level the RDIC studio produces TV and radio programming that is released on national television, radio and into the local marketplace. And on the international level, RDIC relies on help from individuals and groups who volunteer from abroad. During these short term trips many people understand and commit to the vision RDIC has developed. In fact, many of the current full-time RDIC staff joined RDIC after a short term trip to Cambodia.

The Covid pandemic has reached remote villages in which RDIC's teams are active, highlighting the need for masking and social distancing.

Mark and Ann are driven by both their love for the Cambodian people and the desire to share their faith in Christ. The couple leads prayer sessions and prepares teams to teach in both the schools and in the homes. Using her training as a nurse, Ann has treated many Cambodians who suffer from waterborne diseases and malnutrition. Much of her work is doing health and hygiene education regarding hydration and nutrition, so essential to these villagers with limited access to medical resources. In past years, the WaTER Center has sent both graduate and undergraduate students to work with RDIC on various projects, including the mitigation of arsenic-contaminated waters and the construction of ferrocement rainwater tanks. 

Ann and Marc Hall are holding a precious newborn baby in Cambodia.