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IL News 019/2013
Blessed to be a blessing. It’s how we can describe the transformation taking place with the “Canaan” farmer group members, raised by the Institut Leimena in Manusak village, Kupang, Nusa Tenggara Timur province. On December 14th last year, in their worship service to close the year and give thanks to God, they also distributed financial assistance to 14 poor and old widows and widowers. They collected the money from their weekly and monthly tithes and offerings. Their enthusiasm to give this financial assistance shows that they began to feel the importance of sharing with those in need.
Throughout 2013, the group’s agricultural activities still continued. Leimena’s program began with corn cultivation in 2009. Now they plant rice in the rainy season, then after rice harvest, they switch to planting corn. Types of corn grown also start to vary. There is a regular hybrid corn, sweet corn bonanza, and sweet sticky corn. In addition to corn, they also grow vegetables such as eggplant, chili pepper, cabbage, and kale. They use part of the yields for their family consumption, then sell the rest to add their income.
In addition to agriculture, cattle breeding and fattening programs also continue to grow, which is currently entering the third period. With Leimena’s support, the cattle breeding and fattening programs for the farmer group started in 2011 with 18 cows. Half of them were female cows for breeding program. The breeding program has given birth to 15 calves to increase the assets of the farmers. This development has allowed these simple farmers to help (again) old and poor widows and widowers around them.
After they were initially assisted, they are now becoming more independent and learn to assist others around them. Gradually, they are working together to build prosperity and independence together. May this continue to bless more and more people.