Hello, this is cruiser_guy's widow, Petra. I hope all is wel with you and those around you.
Not knowing for sure if you receive my monthly e-mail updates "Never a dull Moment", the following describes my passion and part of my life's journey.
2022 !!!
This is a year full of Dreams, Hope, Joy, Love and God's Goodness, bursting with Anticipation!
I would like to invite you to join me on this year’s journey!
Allow me to give you a brief update on how my life has been directed thus far.
My husband Charles passed away unexpectedly in 2014, at the age of 53 years? Together we had served cross-culturally in mission/humanitarian work ... 5 years in Guatemala and 2 years in Sierra Leone.
Even after his death I continued to work cross-culturally.
From my monthly email updates you know, already for 5 years I live now in North Africa, working with local work creation projects. These are more of grassroot endeavors.
4 years ago I joined a local project which started with 15 sheep, supporting one extended family. Now it has grown into a village Coop, supporting several families.
In any case, first and foremost the project will create employment for young people, for youth in this rural area, combating hopelessness and despair. Those social issues are quite prevalent in the rural area. Ultimately projects like this will keep people out of trouble, make them less vulnerable to get involved in radical ideas, or ideas that Europe is a better place to be. Encouraging young people to stay in this country, build it up from the inside and be able to support their families, this livelihood project will create hope, and let people experience Father’s love in tangible ways.
Here is one recent example.
Remember when I told the story of Walid who fabricates rebar? He has vocational training in that field, wire drawing etc.. In February 2020 we had the opportunity to buy two machines for wire drawing, from someone who had been in that field but now changed. Walid set up his shop in a small garage, which he rented. It went well and then CoVid hit.
At the beginning he was still able to fabricate rebar and sell it. There was still a market in the construction area. However, not too long after the hopeful start, everything ground to a halt. Travelling and commuting between municipalities was no longer possible. Markets, where he would usually buy his material, shut down.
Foreseeing that CoVid situation would alter the economy, Walid sold both machines for the same price we bought them for and returned the money to us. We put it into an account designated for projects. For a time then, he worked with us in the sheep project, barely making ends meet, yet still surviving. His family did not have to get themselves indebted to banks, by taking up bank loans with 100% interest rates. Praise God!
I just found out that Walid doesn't work with us anymore, but he got a job offer from someone who has a big workshop. This, of course, is wonderful!
While Walid was working with us, he was able to support his family, pay his kids’ school fees, and the guy driving the truck and delivering the rebar to various construction jobs had a job through which to support his family. This is what we call a livelihood project.
Now for your question about the sheep project ...
I can give good reports, encouragement and reason to glorify the Lord, who is the Giver of Sustenance and Life.
It reminds me of Jesus' words "Let you light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
Also, it reminds me of Ora et Labora.
If you are interested in hearing details about it, please contact me by sending an email. I have short video clips to document about the successfulness of that project.
Now we are planning on the following project. When I say "we", I mean a local visionary and myself.
Fundraising for start-ups, businesses, charities, communities, social enterprises, sports clubs, political movements and individuals.
crowdfund.ca
We have now found ideal farmland for sale.
I saw it with my own eyes last year already. Actually this is the land where our ewes are grazed right now as well.
A good friend in the States, Roy Tinklenberg, who serves as Co-Founder and Chief Vision Officer of the Faith and Work Movement Global, thanked us the other day for sharing this vision of creating a farm and helping youth develop their vision for the future through the dignity of work and providing for themselves. Praise the Lord!
Not too long ago, I thought about you during a quiet moment. I am long overdue visiting in person again. Covid has been an obstacle thus far, though.
I know, however, you are a compassionate person. I also know that the majority of Cruiser Guys want to make a positive impact in this world.
I personally had taken a credit on my personal line of credit last year. To get a project started. Lord willing, I was able to pay this off, using my monthly living allowance. The project I now self-sustaining.
This year I have taken out the same amount of credit, so another community project in another region can be kick started. Step-by-step this credit will be paid off over time again.
Since I know you are compassionate individuals, I am inviting you to contribute and accelaret the time in which the credit gets paid off. Also, you are invited to share this with other people in your sphere of influence. Let's see how God directs. God knows who will partner with us.
Maybe you like to join in fundraising for this cause.
Maybe you have other ideas or resources of whom to contact? Maybe there are grants available somewhere???
Maybe even you yourself like to contribute financially.
In any case, we value your contribution to this project.
If you have any input, please contact me.
Yes, indeed, this is a new Year!
Bursting with Anticipation!
Overflowing with God's Goodness!
Full of Dreams, Hope, Joy and Love!
While we do our part in the Lord's harvest field, may He guide us an While we do our part in the Lord's harvest field, may He guide us and may His Peace be upon us.
Kind Regards,
Petra W.
join-hands-for-hope-helping-people-help-themselves.mailchimpsites.com
