In Plant With Purpose's programs, financial or environmental transformation is just an outward manifestation of spiritual change that has taken place internally. Our partner, Jordan, a farmer in Burundi exemplifies this process very clearly. As the lessons he learned from the Seeds of Change curriculum sank in, it not only gave him a new way to practice farming, but a new outlook on his life's potential.
Before joining Plant With Purpose, I was farming and raising small domestic animals, but my crop yields were not enough to feed my family. We lacked financial resources and kept using harmful farming techniques. Organic fertilizers were insufficient.
My life was chaotic because I was spending a lot of time in the bar drinking alcohol. The small quantity I was able to grow was poorly managed. My main priorities were to satisfy family needs and consume excessive amounts of alcohol. A very small part of my income was directed towards reinvestment in an economic activity, and the agriculture I practiced barely met my family's primary needs. Lacking knowledge, technical support and spiritual guidance, the way out of this valley of poverty was covered in darkness.
It is with Plant With Purpose that things changed. The Seeds of Change training courses I attended and technical advice shared with me helped me develop the habit of thinking about a life around my priorities– particularly family development.
I took loans from the Purpose Group geared towards growing vegetables on larger plots of land, in order to feed my family and provide me with surpluses for other projects.
The organic manure from these animals, combined with the farming techniques I have learned, have enabled me to cultivate vegetables of various varieties in a modern way over large areas, and to produce big quantities with limited means.
The time I used to waste in bars is now spent on my vegetable plantations and looking after my cows, because I've realized that my projects can improve my family's standard of living. It was difficult to pay school fees and feed my children twice a day, but today this is not a major problem. The children eat well three times a day and school fees are paid regularly. As a farmer in Burundi, my projects are progressing well, I plan to increase my income by buying more plots of arable land and setting up a food store in the provincial capital. I also intend to make improvements to my house during this dry season.
To help us work alongside others like Jordan, visit here!
