Just over a week ago, Karl conducted a two day Farming God’s Way workshop for community members living around the Timothy Centre. Between 25-30 were expected - about 70 attended, a good number of them being community leaders.
The workshop focused on a biblical foundation for farming, simple technology, and sound management principles. In 18 other African countries yields have been up to 10-20 times what is normally expected.
Participants were able to see first hand the demonstration farm at the centre.
The two day workshop concluded with the planting of a “Well Watered Garden”. A neighbour of ours allowed us to use a portion of her land to plant a 6mx6m garden. Last season Nalongo harvested absolutely nothing! Here she is with one of her maize plants.
From our small demonstration plot at the Timothy Centre (8mx16m) we harvested about 40 kg of maize! (see first photo) Yet she harvested no maize with which to feed her family.
The “Well Watered Garden” is laid out.
Holes are dug every 60 cm apart; even Arleen gets in the act!
Fertilizer inputs are added…
Even children want to help.
Maize seeds and beans are carefully placed in the planting stations…
Since this was planted in the dry season, we needed to water the planting stations. Nalongo will continue watering every day until the rains start.
The ground is then covered with a blanket
…and we pray for rain!
This picture was taken a week after the workshop…the maize is already pushing through the blanket.
Towards the end of the workshop, a Muslim lady was so struck by the practical biblical emphasis, and in particular for God’s provision for her, that she put her trust in God!
Many of the participants asked when the next workshop might take place. It is hoped that through the relationships that were developed and with follow up, that many like this Jajja (grandmother) would be helped in providing for her household.
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