This week saw the work move steadily forward on both continents. It seemed relatively quiet, but looking back steps were taken.
Here in Iowa, we got news of more donations coming - some from expected (well, at least we were HOPEFUL!) source, and some simply very pleasant surprises. Last week I had reported we had THREE new recurring donors in June, but as I was reviewing cashflow this week, there was a FOURTH that came in right at the end of the month. Those are ALWAYS the best surprises! And we have fresh commitments from past donors that have let us know they are still with us as we move forward.
Rog and I attended a fundraiser for ZIAP, the sister organization also based at Prairie Ridge Church that has come along and essentially replaced our weak development efforts with some AMAZING agronomic expertise they are excited to share with more and more of our Zambian brothers and sisters. We didn't have any role in the event, other than that I was asked to get video of a prayer from one of the pastors in Zambia for the meal. I had a crazy idea to get a BUNCH of prayers from the guys with whom Tracy spent four months over the winter. I got more than 20 minutes worth of video from around 10 of our Zambian partners that my friend Brett, who was the emcee for the event, edited down to a beautiful prayer and tribute to Tracy from guys that were so grateful to have been able to learn from Tracy. It turned out great, and Tracy was both surprised and moved as I had hoped he would be.
Meanwhile, in Zambia nearly all of the harvest funds have been spent and delivered. Our existing partners used up all the maize they had stored from last year and prepared, along with more than FIFTY new communities, to begin using the maize that has just been delivered. The picture I have included for this week's update is just one of those happy new pastor partners standing next to the bags of maize that are intended to bring sustenance to the most vulnerable members of his community.
The plan for the week ahead is to send over the July wire. In it will be funds to conclude the very successful harvest process, funds directed towards preparing the way for Roger's upcoming trip (coming in August), funds for the July feeding program to the now 124 church communities, and funds for our EIGHTH clean water project of 2025. Hope to have pictures or video from that successful project in an upcoming edition.
For any of you reading this post because I have posted it on Facebook, if you would like to make sure you don't miss anything by relying on the FB algorithm, the new website has a spot for you to get on the distribution list. We are still getting used to all the added features of the updated site, but so far have been VERY happy with the look and feel.
Thanks again to all that are currently a part of this effort, and to all who may be considering joining us. I will repeat myself once again and just remind the readers this is NOT just about feeding our Zambian brothers and sisters. We believe there are SPIRITUAL benefits in BOTH countries as a result of this SHARING and RECEIVING...
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