If the orphanage is the first ring of the concentric circle, the school would be the second ring, and the third ring would be the businesses to make this all happen. The Village of Hope is an orphanage, a school, and a farm/business opportunity, with nearly a 1/2 mile of frontage property along The Great North Road. They have a small “take away” (restaurant), a “bakery” (wheat bread only), a secure semi truck over-night parking lot, and a farm (maize, wheat, cabbage, tomatoes, pigs, goats, and cows). The farm and businesses employ many locals, providing a job and income for those who want to work (remember – 80% unemployment rate). As these individuals are paid, the trickle down economics will affect nearly 1000 individuals in the rural/bush of Zambia.
The food that the farm produces is used daily to feed the orphans, workers, and all involved. It is all prepared in the way of Zambia – over an open fire. There is no refrigeration, stoves, ovens, or microwaves. “Give us this day our daily bread…” takes on an entire new reality here. There are no left-overs. The businesses are a key to providing much of the food as well as providing income to keep the orphanage up and running. They don’t want to depend on American Dollars to keep the orphanage going. God, truly, is doing some amazing things at the Village of Hope.
Keep praying! We will be traveling the next two days.
