The FIRST stage began in January 2009 and consisted of clearing and ploughing half (four acres) of the land in preparation for agricultural use, then maize and peanuts were planted. This photo shows Pastor Sika and his mother with the harvested maize in September 2009. However unfortunately, the night before the peanuts were to be harvested, there was catastrophic flooding from the nearby River Mono. This not only totally destroyed the peanut crop, but ruined or washed away most of the other villagers' harvests. Homes in several local villages were destroyed and even some lives lost. With no help at all given by the Togolese government, it has taken months to recover and still there are many desperate needs. Thankfully the maize harvested has been a literal life-saver for the orphans and their host families during this time. Also, because of much hard work from the ministry team and other local Christians who were able to distribute clothing and help in other humanitarian ways, many in these pagan villages are now eager to hear the Gospel!
Plans are already underway to begin preparation of the land and planting for 2010 in January, and it is hoped that this second year of the project will provide a greater harvest. There is also a plan to plant oil palm trees on two of the acres for longterm future benefit to the village (since such palms presently only grow on the Benin side of the river) and as a means of regular income for the orphanage. The estimated cost is about $400 US - funds still needed!
The SECOND stage of the project is hoped to begin in 2010 and includes preparation of the orphanage compound and construction of local style buildings, toilet facilities, good drinking water etc - the cost has not yet been finalized.
