Key people: Melvin Chiombe – Africa Team Leader
Dan Bullock – Zambia Team Leader
We met with Melvin and Dan to discuss how the missionaries throughout Africa are doing.
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In 2023 OM sent around 20 missionaries to GLO in Ndola for Foundations for Farming training with Edwin Chama that was funded by Bright Hope World.
Melvin was very happy with this programme and has been hearing good stories of how this has helped the missionaries in their countries. An example is in Mozambique, where they have planted a field of sugar beans. This harvest has really helped to fund their living in-country.
There is a request to run another training course at the end of the OM Love Africa conference in August.
In Mukushi, where OM were gifted a farm, a man called Joseph has been growing sunflowers and maize. Due to the drought the maize completely failed, but the sunflowers did well. They have access to an oil press and have started a business selling the oil which is going well and providing funds for OM.
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For many missionaries and communities this year food will be a struggle as the drought takes effect across the southern parts of Africa. OM are considering how to help, but funding will be required. Ideas they have are:
• Solar pumps and bore holes to allow for winter vegetable growing.
• Inputs for maize crops for the next season.
• Food relief programme. They would need between $50 to $150 per month per missionary family to cover the basic costs. Currently OM have around 350 families who are missionaries or national workers in the drought affected areas.
• Looking to grow other more drought resistant crops.
According to Dan, many of the OM missionaries or national workers have been encouraged to have “businesses on the side”. They are gradually getting the idea that they can come to the OM base for say three days a week, and then be running businesses for the other three days a week. This hasn’t worked well for all people but has for some. Some examples that are working well, are chicken rearing and trading goods from South Africa.
A request for funds for the farming training will come. There will be a transport component from Kabwe to Ndola, and then the course cost at GLO. GLO has confirmed that this course is possible, and we are waiting for a budget figure from them.
As the lack of food gets worse for the missionary families, OM is likely to start a food relief drive. I have asked them to let us know of any requirements to see if we can help.