I wanted to take a moment to say Merry Christmas. We're looking forward to experiencing our first Christmas in Zambia, and will share a few observations next week. What I do know is that church events begin today, with a gathering at our church for lessons. Tomorrow lessons will continue, and multiple baptisms will take place. Then on Sunday, a communion service will take place at 9:00 am, followed by worship. This is the normal agenda for Christmas here, and it is just a coincidence that Christmas falls on Sunday this year. For what it's worth, we haven't seen the commercialism of Christmas in the U.S. and that's pretty nice.
We've been busy at Chasefu Model Farm. Maize (corn) is planted and up, about 5" tall. We've begun applying fertilizer. We're continuing to plant soybeans. Most of the red onions have been transplanted from the seeding beds to the field, and we will finish early next week. Sunflower has also been planted.
I am about to begin writing multiple proposals seeking funding for various projects. I'll begin by writing brief concept papers, which I'll share here. The projects range from several construction projects, combination solar/wind powered submersible pump and tank storage for irrigation, a tractor and implements, and some smaller livestock projects. I may be picking the brain of you guys for some thoughts and advice.
Melissa's work with the CCAP Health Dept. Is keeping her busy, and she's about to submit two funding proposals herself. One is to build a clinic in a village, Pharaza. The other is to fund a program for a healthy women project to include the Days for Girls program (Google it, great program and a good one if your church is looking for a good outreach).
Plowing the field before planting
https://instagr.am/p/BOWe_4GDlL1
Planting Faidherbia albida trees (Apple-ring Acacia-called musangu here)
https://instagr.am/p/BOWfNzbDH7X
Maize (corn) sprouting through the soil
https://instagr.am/p/BOWfix7j06A
Grandma transplanting red onions. I watched her work with her grandchild on her back, smiling as she did.
https://instagr.am/p/BOWfw3Bjz05
Planting maize. Make a hole with your heal, drop two seeds, cover seed using the other foot to push soil, step, repeat.
https://instagr.am/p/BOWgHcIDMzs
As you can see, hard work is taking place here. Our supervisor, Rev. Dr. Victor Chilenje, was here yesteday and very pleased with our progress at the farm. He said one of the Chasefu old timers compared me to a missionary from the Church of Scotland, Alexander Halliday, who served there in the 1930. Dr. Chilenje's thesis is on the history of the Church of Central Africa, Presbyterian Synod of Zambia, so I looked up Halliday. He did much for the development of the Chasefu Mission Station, so I'm not quite ready to wear that crown yet, but pats on the back are always welcome.
We're doing good work here, helping the folks do a better job of farming, which is necessary for their survival. We can always use support for our work in Zambia, so if you are thinking about making a donation to a good cause before year end, we would appreciate you considering our work. If you feel so inclined, go to this link to make an online donation: Support the work of Charles and Melissa Johnson in Zambia
Merry Christmas!
Charles/OEFM
We've been busy at Chasefu Model Farm. Maize (corn) is planted and up, about 5" tall. We've begun applying fertilizer. We're continuing to plant soybeans. Most of the red onions have been transplanted from the seeding beds to the field, and we will finish early next week. Sunflower has also been planted.
I am about to begin writing multiple proposals seeking funding for various projects. I'll begin by writing brief concept papers, which I'll share here. The projects range from several construction projects, combination solar/wind powered submersible pump and tank storage for irrigation, a tractor and implements, and some smaller livestock projects. I may be picking the brain of you guys for some thoughts and advice.
Melissa's work with the CCAP Health Dept. Is keeping her busy, and she's about to submit two funding proposals herself. One is to build a clinic in a village, Pharaza. The other is to fund a program for a healthy women project to include the Days for Girls program (Google it, great program and a good one if your church is looking for a good outreach).
Plowing the field before planting
https://instagr.am/p/BOWe_4GDlL1
Planting Faidherbia albida trees (Apple-ring Acacia-called musangu here)
https://instagr.am/p/BOWfNzbDH7X
Maize (corn) sprouting through the soil
https://instagr.am/p/BOWfix7j06A
Grandma transplanting red onions. I watched her work with her grandchild on her back, smiling as she did.
https://instagr.am/p/BOWfw3Bjz05
Planting maize. Make a hole with your heal, drop two seeds, cover seed using the other foot to push soil, step, repeat.
https://instagr.am/p/BOWgHcIDMzs
As you can see, hard work is taking place here. Our supervisor, Rev. Dr. Victor Chilenje, was here yesteday and very pleased with our progress at the farm. He said one of the Chasefu old timers compared me to a missionary from the Church of Scotland, Alexander Halliday, who served there in the 1930. Dr. Chilenje's thesis is on the history of the Church of Central Africa, Presbyterian Synod of Zambia, so I looked up Halliday. He did much for the development of the Chasefu Mission Station, so I'm not quite ready to wear that crown yet, but pats on the back are always welcome.
We're doing good work here, helping the folks do a better job of farming, which is necessary for their survival. We can always use support for our work in Zambia, so if you are thinking about making a donation to a good cause before year end, we would appreciate you considering our work. If you feel so inclined, go to this link to make an online donation: Support the work of Charles and Melissa Johnson in Zambia
Merry Christmas!
Charles/OEFM
