Pastor Ken
The other night, a thunderstorm jolted me from my sleep. The rain, though light, created a gentle pitter-patter on the roof and the surrounding streets. It took me back to my childhood in Hong Kong, where summers heralded the rainy season. Muggy days would precede the inevitable downpours, followed closely by thunderstorms. I relished the fresh, cool air that lingered after the rain. However, the rainy season wasn’t always idyllic, especially when typhoons struck. Torrential rains often led to severe flooding. During that time, I would don flip-flops for my commute to and from school, stowing my mandatory leather shoes in my backpack to keep them dry. Changing into them upon arrival became routine. Prolonged heavy rains could trigger landslides, frequently resulting in accidents.
When I journeyed across the globe, I discovered that many regions experience only two distinct seasons each year: the dry and the rainy seasons. In these areas, temperatures remain relatively constant throughout the year. In some landlocked nations, rainwater is the sole water source, making agriculture and daily life heavily dependent on seasonal rains. Consistent and timely rainfall during the farming season is crucial. Otherwise, food production will be affected. When the rainy season begins, everyone diligently collects water in various containers. Farmers, in particular, are busy inspecting and repairing reservoirs to ensure that every precious drop of rain is conserved.
In Bermuda, an island nation in the Atlantic Ocean with minimal rainfall, the government mandates that all houses apply a white elastomeric coating to the upper layer of their roofs on the water channels. This practice is essential for collecting and channeling rainwater into underground storage tanks, underscoring the scarcity of water on the island. In contrast, technologically advanced countries like Israel mitigate water shortages by employing large desalination plants for agricultural irrigation.
During a recent trip to Lima, Peru, I noticed that the coastal city, home to over 11 million residents, lacks street sewers for rainwater runoff. It turns out that Lima receives less than half an inch of rain annually, making rainwater management virtually unnecessary. Instead, the locals rely entirely on several rivers flowing from the mountains to the Pacific Ocean for their water supply.
Human beings depend on water for survival. Its availability is dictated by natural sources such as rivers and rainfall. Nature’s capacity can only sustain a limited population, and without proper management, water can easily become contaminated, leading to disease. Industrial pollution has rendered some rivers lifeless, while inland lakes suffer a similar fate. Prolonged and mismanaged water extraction has caused these lakes to shrink, devastating the livelihoods of local fishermen as the water bodies dry up and transform into desert-like areas.
A group of scientists are exploring methods to create artificial rain and have experienced some success under certain conditions. However, the ability to generate rain on demand remains unproven. I often question why we humans cannot exhibit more humility and adhere to natural to determine which areas are inhabitable rather than attempting to alter the environment. In many regions, resources are plentiful but have been poorly managed by humans. Typically, rainwater is clean and has significant cleansing properties. In the Midwest, where I reside, we experience four distinct seasons each year. Considering the snowy winters, I appreciate having some rain during the spring and summer. Although it can be inconvenient, the rain is a valuable blessing for the surrounding farmland. Ultimately, many plants and animals rely on rain for their survival.
