The summer growing season in the mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. is beginning. In western Uganda, however, farmers prepare for planting twice each year because there are two rainy seasons. April signals planting time as storm clouds gather each afternoon for our friends near the Rwenzori Mountains.
Our SMI Homestead now has 10 acres of cocoa and coffee planted last summer. Like other farmers in our village of Kiburara, we are praying the early rains will soak the soil—crucial for helping young trees survive the hot, dry African s.
Planting last summer was an act of faith for us and our staff—the faith of a mustard seed (Matthew 13:31–32).
He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”
For us and our staff, there is still much to learn—not least, lessons of faith. Because coffee and cocoa need well-drained, nutrient-rich soil to thrive, our team added aged manure to each planting hole. As the trees are monitored and cared for, Bible study groups continue, even as Andrew and others work long hours.
The mission continues through the hard work of these industrious men—and the strength of their families. Their wives work alongside their husbands, sometimes with babies and small children in tow, giving every ounce of energy—like “the widow’s mite”—to help this vision become reality. As Jesus said in Mark 12:43–44: “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”
This month we were deeply encouraged to hear from a church in Richmond, Virginia: they are providing a grant to drill a much-needed new well at the top of the SMI property. With this provision, we hope to supply water for the staff house, the goats, and the newly constructed irrigation tank. Andrew is currently vetting well-drilling companies, and we hope to begin the new borehole soon.
All of this—planting, watering, waiting, and working—reminds us that the Lord grows what we can only begin. As Hebrews 11:1–3 says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.” We are grateful for your prayers and partnership as God continues to build faith in our staff, in our community, and in all of us.
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http://www.sustainablemissionsinc.org
Our goal is to have healthy, productive trees within a few years—making SMI Ministries sustainable for generations to come.
Up With Uganda 