Today's cover photo is from Mambwe, and our partner pastor Robert Tonga. With the ZIAP funds that were sent over in November, they planted the test plot, and you can see the results so far. Today's gathering was to train in the application of fertilizer. Historically, the Zambians have been trained to concentrate fertilizer right on top of the plant stem. One of the key facets of Tracy's updated training is to encourage them to broadcast the fertilizer around the plants so that the roots are forced to grow and become a healthy base for a healthy and fruitful plant.
This same process is playing out in multiple locations around our feeding distribution system throughout Zambia this month. While they are learning the next steps on the existing plants, they will soon be planting their own fields. Some are able to afford their own inputs, but S2S will be providing inputs to around 400 who we believe would otherwise be forced to sit on the sideline even after receiving this amazing training. These nice-looking plants at the test plots are a HUGE encouragement for them to follow the training method that has been laid out for them. The hope is, with the training plots several weeks ahead of the individual plots, this ability to see the beauty ahead will continue to motivate the growers to trust the process, follow the prep, the weeding and the fertilizing program as laid out by the ZIAP trained leaders.
I did send over the funds for December on Friday. Should arrive early this week. It includes the remaining input funding that we have received, taking us to that 400+ level of provision. As I have wrestled with the best way to allocate that, I landed on a modified formula that begins with the size of the group from each individual church that is being trained. I didn't love the way that always worked out, with some only receiving 1 or 2 sets. I determined to adjust upwards and downwards so that no church would receive less than FOUR sets of inputs. My hope is that our trainers/pastors/leaders will identify the right growers in each direction around the community to allow for the most neighbors to be involved in the process. This is always an experiment, but what an amazing experiment, with the ultimate goals of FEEDING more of our brothers and sisters AND creating more self-sustainability throughout the communities.
The funding this month also includes enough to cover our TWELFTH clean water project of 2025!!! So amazing! TWELVE communities that struggled to find clean water - or settled for less than clean - now have access to a nearby, life-changing clean water source!
Oh, and there might be a little Christmas-themed funding included as well...
Three more updates planned for 2025, and we will turn the page to a new calendar year. If 2026 is anything like the last five years have been, we are in for some very exciting opportunities!!
Can't end this post without another "ASK" for your consideration. Many are thinking about charitable giving this time of year, whether it be the "feels" of the Christmas season or the practicality of personal tax planning. Your generosity goes a LONG way in Zambia!! We have NO American overhead, so every dollar you contribute makes a very real difference in the lives of our Zambian brothers and sisters. Thanks so much if you are one of the 141 donors who have supported the work to date!! And thanks to those who may be considering becoming donor number 142 and beyond...
