Since moving into the community we have become aware of some of the needs of the communities. Access to supplies is very limited since the nearest town is two hours away by bus. Very limited medical service is offered in a nearby village but anything serious requires the two hour bus ride. The nearest evangelical church is located 11 kilometers away but even this distance is a 45 minute ride in the truck. We do not have solutions to these problems but we are hoping that we can offer these people other benefits through Project Patajusal.
This project will cover three main ministry goals: education health, and spiritual growth.
Education in all areas of their lives is something that is lacking. There is no access to libraries, magazines, books or internet. The culture is an oral culture and most of the people are illiterate. Our training will need to reflect this while encouraging them to learn to read and write. The people are eager to learn and have enrolled in a literacy program sponsored by the government. We hope to enlarge on this program and make information available through printed material but also through videos and audio material.
We will work with the people in the development of farming practices that will retain the nutrients in the soil through using green manure cover crops, the development of small efficient machinery for seeding and harvesting, and the exploration of new varieties and crops that will provide a wider range of nutrients for their families. Assistance in market planning and economics is also an area that will be developed. A library containing Spanish books, videos, and audio tapes will be available to the community. The children will have a place to study and to obtain some tutoring.
Health is a major concern for these families. Although the children appear to be well fed we know that the diet consists mainly of rice and yuca, another starchy plant. Eggs are the main source of protein although some are starting to eat red beans. he mothers rely on the vitamins from the health clinic although this is simply soy and sunflower oil with added Vitamin A and D. Infections are common, especially in the eyes and on the legs. Little is understood about either the cause or the treatment of diseases, infections, and minor ailments. Accompanying this is the fear of death.Teaching the women about nutrition, balanced diets, and cleanliness is not an easy task. It will require many demonstrations and repeated information. We will include the cultivation of family gardens, basic hygiene, basic nutrition, and sanitation in this program.
All of this will be integrally tied to spiritual growth. Since we believe that the world belongs to God and that every part of creation falls under God’s plan for redemption, everything is connected to God. We cannot work in health, education, or agriculture without emphasizing God’s plans for our lives.
Since these people know the Bible only through oral tradition, many of the stories and concepts of God have not been related. Showing God’s love and grace though Bible story telling will be emphasized. We will also begin Bible Studiesand praise times to promote faith development.
So how will be accomplishing this? First two buildings are needed. One building will serve as a workshop in which the men can build machinery, cages, and other equipment that may be used around their farms. It will also contain a demonstration area, and area in which to grow small animals such as guinea pigs, and an area for the storage of tools and equipment. The second building will contain a library for recreational and non-recreational reading, a space for women to learn to develop a wider choice of nutritious food for their family, a space for women to develop projects through which they can work together to increase family income, a classroom space for all ages, a private area for meditation, counseling or rest, a bathroom and bedrooms for guests and groups. Then we will need the materials and equipment to accomplish the goals.
Our budget for this project is"
Buildings
$20000.00
Electricity and Communication
$11000.00
Education Materials – ongoing but start-up cost is estimated at $2000.
Written materials
Video materials
Audio materials
Video machine
Radio/CD-tape machine
To assist with this project, your donation can be sent to:
EFCCM P.O.Box 850
Langley Stn. LCD 1,
Langley, B.C. V3A 8S6.
Please indicate Hoogland Project Patajusal.
All donations are tax deductible and a receipt will be issued by the office. We are sent a list of those who are supporting our project.
