CMF missionary Brian Hauser planting avocado trees.

 

A year ago former CMF missionaries Andrew and Pulcherie Gordon and their family had to leave Burkina Faso due to Pulcherie’s medical issues. The Gordons had been working with people in the village of Kangoura on a 10-acre farm called “Shalom Fields” as a way of combating poverty with agricultural projects that would lead to sharing the Gospel. Their untimely departure left the team with a big question: Should we continue the farm project?

The team members, led by Brian Hauser, decided to step up and learn to farm! Here’s Brian’s report on their progress: 

 

This field of sesame is the new cash crop.

 

Although we knew the task was bigger than us, we began with baby steps and a learner’s attitude. We set up a small but sustainable and reproducible egg-laying project. We focused on the Moringa trees and producing vitamin-rich powder from its leaves. We played to our own strengths and interests by planting more trees and introducing bee-hives. We went out into the community to research felt needs and ask for advice and help. 

 

Sam and Ana Hauser work with Babukary and Esaie planting popcorn.

 

We transformed the Gordon’s empty house into a resource center with a library and set it up for trainings. We made it a priority to get out into the community and meet new people. In this last six-month period, Ken Hoch and I made it our goal to meet and engage 100 new people in the village of Kangoura by the end of the year. Through Bible storying, bee-keeping, meals, bringing in work groups to help us on the farm and a nutrition workshop for four women from each of Kangoura’s seven neighborhoods, we are up to 86. When we follow up with the ladies from the nutrition workshop and get to know their husbands, we’ll go well over the mark.  

 

Tabitha Hauser teaching nutrition to women.

 

Burkina had some great rains this year. While our corn struggled a little bit, we are set for a bumper harvest of millet, sesame, peanuts and beans. The bees have been working like crazy and are getting a little aggressive as they stockpile the honey. We’re thinking through creative ways to share that blessing with the community. More importantly, our number of friends and influence in the village is growing. More people are visiting the farm and we are learning lots about our neighbors and their needs. This last year we had two Bible storying groups in Kangoura. We hope for several more this year among our 100 new friends. We plan to host trainings on bee-keeping, literacy and composting, for starters.

We’ve gone out sowing with tears in our eyes! Join us in praying for an abundant and joyful harvest for the Lord.