HOME AGAIN, HOME AGAIN

Upon arriving home from my 4^th Malawi Mission trip with the Partnership of Hope, I want to thank all of the trip participants. (You are now part of my extended family)

Thanks to the Ankeny First United Methodist Church for sponsoring and embracing this mission, and all others who have supported this mission, one way or the other. Also a special thank you to my Prayer Partner for your prayers. 

Following is a summary of the farm operation.

2011    A borehole was installed. Crop preparation started in December, which is their growing season.

      2012    The first crop was harvested. A house was built for the farm manager.

A small shed was built, one portion is to be used as equipment, seed, and fertilizer storage, also became sleeping quarters for couple of the farm workers. The other portion is office for the farm manager. Eight pits were dug allowing water to seep in, which was used for irrigating vegetable during the dry season with foot pumps.

      2013    A new Church was built. Solar panels and four 5,000 liters holding tanks on a platform    were installed. They are to be used with the borehole pump to store water for irrigation during the growing season when the rainfall is inadequate. It will be used to irrigate an area during the dry season so a 2^nd crop can be grown. Also a grain storage shed was built.

This is a Miracle, as the first soil to be turned was in December of 2011; therefore all of the above occurred in less than 20 months, (other than the borehole)

 Plans are being made for the construction of a 2^nd house for the assistant farm manager, (who is now sleeping with the tools, seed, and fertilizer) and allow him to have his family with him, as well as planning for the 3^rd planting season.

 

Monday’s Des Moines Register had an editorial by Neil E. Harl, (Professor emeritus of economics at Iowa State University) addressing world hunger. Many feel that more emphasis needs to be placed on increasing the world’s food supply. Neil E. Harl feels that the 3 most important avenues to reducing hunger and malnutrition in the world is income, income and income. This I agree with, but the only 3 ways that I know to increase wealth for society are by

1        Mining natural resource

2        Agriculture

3        Manufacturing

 

The Partnership of Hope, by supporting the farm (agriculture), and the tailoring school, (manufacturing) is addressing the core problem. By installing boreholes, we are saving lives with a supply of clean water. The Partnership of Hope also helps supports the nursery schools, and scholarship programs for the Malawi children.

 The question is asked “Why do you go?” The only response I can give is that “I must”. God has been very good to me, by allowing me to have many material things. In retrospect, I have not been good to God, as over the years, I have replaced the love of God for Love of material objects. By going to Malawi, I have seen the strong passion they have for God, while enjoying none of the material wealth that we take for granted.

In summary, thank you for all of your support and prayers, and please continue your support The Partnership of Hope, as it is having a very positive impact on the people in Malawi.

 

God Bless,

Len