Thursday, June 16, 2011

It's been a while...Update!

The orphanage and kids in need of a Tilapia Project in Chiapas, Mexico



Large new pond in Uganda for PCM

Well, it has been a while since my last post. Thanks to all those who have been an encouragement these last six months. Our family is doing well. Sophie is now a very active 7 months old. She is finally starting to sleep better (Thank the Lord). Emma is a great sister and a lot of fun for us. Just the other day she told me she was "all grown up".

We are happy to report that despite our silence on the blog, Tilapia Projects are continuing around the world, and we do have some new prospects as well. Our pilot project in Kenya continues to produce fish for the Kisima Academy Orphanage. They have had a few bumps in the road, but Martin, the director of the orphanage, has a knack for overcoming adversity. They continue to build new classrooms, dorms, and a kitchen, while growing much of their own food including vegetables, maize, chickens, fish, etc. Martin does have a need to expand their tilapia ponds in order to increase production. The two small ponds they originally started out with will be combined into one larger pond. More water equals more fish for the kids! Great job Martin. http://www.kisimaacademy.blogspot.com/

Parental Care Ministries (PCM) had completed construction on several different ponds, they have filled with water, and stocking with tilapia has begun. We at the Tilapia Project have been greatly encouraged by PCM founders, Dr. Mark Barret and his wife Monica. PCM has done a great job of taking the idea for fish farming and running with it. May the harvests be boutiful and quick! www.parentalcareministries.org/about.php

Our newest active project is with Living Among Them Ministries in Chiapas, Mexico. Lance Keeling and his wife are full time missionaries working with the native people in a variety of ways including helping with an orphanage. They hope to begin work on a well and some tilapia ponds this fall to benefit the orphans. (contact me for more info on this ministry)

All of these projects are centered around God's love for his people, and his desire for us to know him. The most important component of any Tilapia Project (beyond God's blessing) is the people on the ground who are managing it. They must be people of strong faith who are willing to overcome adversity. They must be forward thinkers who can work through obstacles. The projects mentioned here have such people directing them on-site. Our role here at the Tilapia Project is more advisory than physical. (Though one day I do hope our family can visit these sites) We are also working to match potential donors directly to projects that God is leading them to. If you are moved to support any of these ministries, or know someone who might be so led, please visit the websites listed above to learn more. Your direct donations will be well used and tax deductible.

P.S. Dr. Neshia Rudd of Today's Vision Tyler will be holding another trunk show to benefit The Tilapia Project this Saturday, June 25th,from 9 to 3. Stop by if you're in the area. And thanks to Today's Vision for your support!