Chaba Christian Care Group Report February 2022

To God be the glory who has enabled BHW to be our donor for our Chaba Christian Care Group programs. As always, I am grateful to have this opportunity of writing a report on what happened last year.

We undertook the following programs:
• Farming seminar
• Discipleship course in Minswa
• Rice farming and buying

Recent Events

Farming Seminar

A million thanks to BHW for once again making it possible to have the seminar be a reality.

We trained 40 people in cassava growing and 40 rice farmers who were assisted after the 2020 flood disaster. We invited all maize farmers and cassava farmers for a refresher seminar for one day. We encouraged and motivated them not to relent but they should forge ahead and fight hunger.

This seminar went very well and the farmers appreciated the seminar as they were reminded about the principles of “Farming God’s Way”.

It is sad however, that the number of old farmers honoring the loan repayment is continuously coming down. The first issue with this was the failed rice production in 2020 which impacted the repayments of these loans, but that was topped up by Bright Hope World. Other issues have been highlighted in the last year with deaths, a lack of markets operating due to COVID, and some farmers moving away from the area. In total the farming loan program fund has dropped by 50%. The Chaba board are still encouraging farmers to repay where they can.

However, the impact of the seminar first and foremost is that hunger is a thing of the past. The growing of cassava is gradually picking up and a lot more people want to get involved. God willing, we will increase this year as we have a good number of farmers who can help with providing the sticks (seed).

We are grateful for the assistance for the rice farmers that we got after the disaster of flood. The farmers seem to be back on track, and we hope to have a good harvest this harvest time. 

Discipleship Course in Minswa

How can we thank God enough for all that BHW is doing? Words may not be enough. However, we wish them God’s blessing so that they will be able to continue supporting this program.

We started year one in May 2021 which finished in January this year. 26 people graduated and 20 will proceed to the next level of year two scheduled to start next month (March).

To cater for more places wanting this course we would request for two places to run simultaneously next year since we have quite a good number of past students from Samfya Bible School who can help facilitate the program. Should this find favour, our budget will be the same as the one we submitted last year.  

Rice Buying Project

The project is going on well and this is motivating the farmers to grow more as they can sell their produce. The only problem is when shipping these from Chaba to Samfya. I am happy to assist with transport across the lake, even though I may not make enough profit, but for the fact that it is working the intended purpose of motivating farmers to grow more and giving them a market. There has been an effect of COVID on the marketplace as well. 

Ideas for the Future

2022 Farming Seminar Proposal 

Food, facilitators allowances and travelling costs 23,800 ZMK (US$1,400)

With this amount we intend to train:
• 20 rice farmers
• 50 cassava farmers
• 80 old farmers in refresher/review seminar. We would also talk about the outstanding loans and hear from them how they intend to repay their loans.

2022 Discipleship Training Request

a) Completion of current course year two 48,000 ZMK
b) Start next course year one 52,300 ZMK
c) This to continue running each year

College Scholarships

In the past we used to assist some students further their studies to tertiary level but currently do not to this. I was saddened to see four young boys who passed with division ones at grade twelve but have failed to further their studies.

I am appealing to you on their behalf to consider giving us scholarships even for two will help indeed. A range of 10,000 ZMK per year per student.

Thank you very much for taking time to read my report.

My sincere regards and God bless you

Bobo Peter Chomba 
CO-ORDINATOR