A short parable from an unknown author.
Once upon a time, there was an old, stupid, stubborn goat. Even the farmer who owned it didn’t like him. This man owned a large farm, and one day, away in the distance, he heard the loud, panicked, “maaa, maaa, maaa” of the goat. He wondered what the stupid goat had done now, so he looked all over his property until at last he found the animal at the bottom of an old abandoned well.
It frustrated the farmer to think he would need to dig the goat out. Because of his history with this animal, it didn’t take long before the man decided he’d had enough of the stupid goat, and it wouldn’t be worth the trouble to save it. The well needed to be covered up, so, he decided to let the goat stay where he was and just bury the goat as he filled in the well.
The farmer gathered his neighbors, and together they started to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the goat protested loudly, bleating out with all of his might, but after about 10 minutes, it began to get quiet. To the amazement of both the farmer and his friends, when they stopped and looked down the well, what they saw astonished them! With every shovel of dirt that fell into the well, the goat would shake it off, dodging the new dirt and take a step up. Shovel full by shovel full, the dirt pile grew and pretty soon, the old goat stepped up over the edge of the well and walked off.
Upon his release, the farmers all dropped their shovels and applauded the old stubborn beast with a newfound admiration.
The Moral
Life is going to throw all kinds of dirt on you, but you can climb out of the deepest well by not stopping and never giving up. Shake it off and keep fighting. Don’t let your problems or difficulties overcome you. Every bad experience is an opportunity for growth.
This particular story mirrors events in our own lives that can cause us to feel a bit like this goat. If we give up, we will go under…..but if we persevere like the goat, and find a new way around difficulties, we can work our way out of the pit we find ourselves in.
(See Our New Website)
http://www.sustainablemissionsinc.org
Over the past several months, the SMI board has engaged in planning sessions to chart our next course of action. Our goal is to develop the organization as a vibrant, sustainable ministry. In order to do that we have identified several key priorities, knowing that obtaining these goals depends on many factors and our determination, like that of the goat in the story.
Our top three priorities for this season are:
- Planting the 10-acre plantation, and launching our coffee and cocoa farm, timed with the fall rains to give our seedlings the best possible start
- Drill an irrigation well, install a pump, water storage tanks, and pipes & plumbing.
- Improving the staff house so our director and his wife and children can reunite with him on site at the farm in Kiburara.
Last month, we successfully cleared the plantation land by hand. This was an impressive feat of dedication and teamwork. Our staff then dug over 3,500 holes, again by hand, for our coffee and cocoa seedlings, again relying on sheer hard work (no equipment). Although the rains did not arrive as expected, we have persevered the seedlings, watering each seedling by hand. We have overcome these challenges one step at a time.
This period has not been without hardship or heartbreak. Yet, our staff, Okello, Alex, James, and additional part-time workers have pressed on, laying the groundwork for our sustainable farm project. All of this while continuing with our vital services of well repairs, maintenance, and Inductive Bible study training in several villages. These aging wells provide a clean water supply to approximately 20,000 villagers. Our staffs resilience is a testament to the spirit of SMI. Like the old goat.
Our Most Pressing Needs
- Planting the 10 Acre Plantation: $5,405
- Irrigation System: We urgently need an irrigation system, including drilling a new well and delivery equipment (pump, electric & piping). $18,821
- SMI House Repairs: Repair the staff house—replacing parts of the roof, doors, and windows, plastering concrete walls, painting, and installing reliable plumbing for indoor facilities (toilet, sinks & shower). $6,648 total
- Bible & Fitness Camp: We plan to host our first Bible and Fitness Camp (hosting a team of 3–5 volunteers for a 9-day trip to Uganda). Required funds are for lunches/snacks for 300+ children, gifts of small soccer balls, and printed materials. $3,000
We are so grateful for financial gifts and prayers. All donations are tax deductible. Please consider donating toward one of these four priorities. Your generosity builds the sustainability of our farm training program, and our communities both spiritually and practically.
To Donate with a one-time gift or monthly support go to:
enter code:
wellsinuganda.001
Together, we can continue climbing upward, like the goat, overcoming each challenge with perseverance and faith.
Thank you for being part of our journey.
With gratitude,
Up With Uganda 