A farmer begins selling his crops after receiving help from Samaritan’s Purse
“Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him” (Psalm 126:5-6, NKJV).
Ali Jaro, from Boji village in Tana River County, is one of 220 beneficiaries in the Tana River livelihoods project, which aims at reducing poverty. Two months ago, Samaritan’s Purse provided a water pump to him as part of the livelihood project’s asset transfer plan. At the time of our visit, to our amazement, his farm was green and filled with maize. He stood proudly and stretched his hand to show us his farm’s borders.
Ali with his water pump
“I am very pleased with my harvest this year as compared to other years,” he said. “I am now receiving a reward for my hard labor. I plan to sell my harvest very soon. I’ve heard green maize will fetch good returns.”
We asked him whether he would be willing to share his good fortunes with his neighbors.
“I’m willing to lend my neighbor my pump to also enjoy his fruits of labor,” he said.
Two weeks passed, and one of our staff members met up with Ali Jaro in Malindi market, 125 miles from his home, with customers milling around him. He had managed to transport 6,000 pieces of green maize by bus and was allocated space in Malindi market to enable him sell his produce. His plan was to sell the green maize for two days and then head to Mombasa, 75 miles away from Malindi, to sell the remainder.
I thank God that beneficiaries have realized their opportunities and have begun making use of them to better their lives. It’s always an inspiration when you see growth in the people you’re serving. This drives our motivation despite the challenges we experience when working. “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9, NKJV).
