Our Farmers Praise God for What He has Done
The last six weeks have been a flurry of activity for our EWT staff and farming families. The harvest of soy seeds finally came in . . . and then the washing, bagging and transporting of large sacks to our EWT Center. It’s really been a bit of a madhouse with much of our new office building serving as a “warehouse,” an inconvenience we are thankful to have.
Just two weeks ago, the farmers all received their payment. While it was a small amount of money by US standards, it was a fortune to them. Many of them told us that it was the most money they had ever held. They could not believe that they could earn so much from digging with their hands.
There is now so much excitement and hope for what is ahead. The farmers feel like a market system is finally being put in place that fairly rewards them for their work, and they are determined to wisely spend their income. Already many have paid school fees and are purchasing oxen and plows so that by next season they can expand their gardens and output. We are also in the midst of helping them set up village savings and loans.
All of these things are so good but there is a part that is best. It is how our farmers have given glory to God. His great name has been lifted high, not only in their lives, but among the people in surrounding communities. Our farmers make no bones about it, “God has done this for us” and they are praising Him. They know where their help came from.
Please, we ask that you pray for this project, especially for next year. We are anticipating that over 1200 farming families will qualify to participate. It’s our opportunity to give our brothers and sisters in Christ the dignity of taking care of their families. What a gift!