We all know that if you sow, you will reap and August was a significant time of reaping. The ministry and work of Sowing Hope is to give hope to people who are in unfavorable situations, be it spiritually or materially. So, when we see a harvest, it is a reason for great joy and rejoicing! Here’s what I mean.
The sewing school was able to graduate 26 newly trained seamstresses/tailors on August 15. The students had completed 8 months of study, learning to make patterns, practicing on a treadle sewing machine. While this happens 3 times a year, it is a huge celebration and a joyous occasion for the graduates. Each class is composed of people who are trying to learn a new skill so that they will be able to create income to support their families. When they are able to contribute toward the purchase of a sewing machine, Sowing Hope picks up the remaining cost, so that upon graduation they can immediately start to create a cash flow. This harvest is figurative but real! It is a joy to see what has been sown (or sewn) reach fruition.
The harvest of the farming project is both physically touchable and hope producing. After being stopped last year because no land was available to rent, the project took off in May when Pastor Boniface, the director of the work in Burundi, found land that they were able to rent. In June they planted soybeans and corn intermingled and in early August they were able to harvest both crops.
The soybeans had a significant yield of about 700 pounds which was enough for each of the 14 women in the project to get some soybeans and, in selling the rest, for enough funds for starting a crop of rice this month. The corn harvest, on the other hand, was miserable as it was badly affected by insects. This project is very close to being self-sustaining, which was one of our goals when we started. We rejoice in God for the good harvest and the extra nutrition families are getting.
We wanted to share this news so that you can join in our joy! We also wanted to let you know that we are starting to plan a trip to Burundi in the New Year. We are feeling the need to assess in person how things are progressing as well as decide on starting new projects. For this we need a lot of wisdom so Leslie and I are delighted that we will be joined by new board members.
Please join in praising God for
- 26 new graduates
- A great soybean harvest
- Land for the upcoming rice season
Could you also pray for
- Good growing conditions for the rice crop
- Positive first steps for the new graduates
- Wisdom as we plan a trip to Burundi
Warmly in Christ
Tim & Leslie Boettcher