The farm is a Christian retreat where men in Belize who are struggling with addictions can spend time drying out, and restoring their lives. They will explore who God is, and who they are.
It is a place where men can go and wrestle with God.
Goal
The men will work on the farm, and be responsible for the farm. They can stay up to six months.
While there, they will work on the farm, study God's Word, rest, and
fellowship with others struggling like they are. Each day they
will have responsibilities. If they live by the rules, they can stay
until they feel ready to go back in to society. An overseer will
disciple them, and teach them from God's Word. The typical person
would spend 4-6 months there, drying out, and letting God take control
of their lives.
The Men
Over the past few years Belize
has changed. With the popularity of
Splenda, Nutri-sweet, Sweet and Low,
and high fructose corn syrup, the
sugar cane industry has been
devastated. Since the Belizean
economy is so based on sugar cane,
many are losing their jobs, or their
incomes are being cut drastically.
All they have ever done is cut cane
for a living. It hurts a man when he
can't provide for his family and as
a result, many are turning to
drinking alcohol to try to forget
their pain.
As you can imagine, this has been
hard for the people, especially
families. The fabric of their
society is being torn apart. Many
good people have been affected and
it is hitting close to the homes of
our friends. In the past two years,
there have been several suicides in
the villages. The men typically are
totally broken, having lost every
earthly thing. They have no money,
and they have lost their families.
We want to be able to take in anyone
who is serious about being healed.
The Farm
Jacob's Farm is a 20 acre farm
(click for master plan)
about 2 miles from Patchacan,
and actually 2 miles from
anything. Mr. Audomaro, the man who owns the land, has been very patient. He is elderly, a member of the church, and a cane farmer. But he is too old to farm, and not in good health. He has been waiting four years hoping that the plan would work and that he could get paid for his farm. And now he needs a heart operation. His only income is the farm.
Ismael Vallejos, an elder in the church is retired from
teaching and wants to devote the rest of his life to developing this
center/farm. He is a godly man, a leader, compassionate, and wise. We need to get men living on the farm. The Patchacan church is leading in this effort, and Lord willing, the Belizean Presbytery will adopt this project. It is open to anyone who has a need regardless of their faith. We are real clear that this is a Christian ministry.
We have learned the real motivation for getting the farm
going is to provide a place where men can come and be rehabilitated. The church
wants to do something about this disease that is destroying their country. There
are no rehab centers.
The Work
The first crop is to be tilapia. This fish grows well in the climate, and
is being raised commercially. Eventually there might be 5-10 ponds dug. It takes 6-8 months for them to grow to market size. Then, they will be harvested and a fish monger will go to nearby villages
to sell the fish. The proceeds will be reinvested in the farm. We are going slow, learning as we go, and as the Lord provides.
The fish need attention... feeding them, fertilizing the algae, and keeping predators (crocs,
poachers and birds) away. The water
level in the ponds must be maintained, especially during the dry season. Now
we are looking for piping, and a deep well pump. We need to complete the water sources, and piping. Then we will build a shelter. Ultimately we will have a barn, workshop, housing shelter, and a care takers home. Other crops will be fruits, vegetables, chickens, cows, pigs, and goats. A nursery and orchard are in the plans.
What's Next?
We need to:
Dig additional ponds and put a road back into them.
Build bathrooms.
Build a small dorm
Install drainage in to drain the water during rainy season away.
Purchase a tractor
A deep well pump
A solar electric system
Make payments on the land
What can you do to help? Money is needed immediately. Donate to
The Belize Project.
Support Belizeans in A Home Business
Purchases of Belizean handcrafts from
ThriftSmart allow
us to support the people of Belize through
Microloans for their home businesses.
"We depended on Him for everything, so God became a reality, a fact not an opinion." Felix.
Funding
The farm will be self funded, earning money for caring for the place and men there, and also, generating money to support other ministries. These will be chosen by the men on the farm, and the board of directors. Outside funds will be sought for the capital costs of getting the farm started.
Income and expenses (all dollars are in Belizean dollars)
Expenses
Land - $500 per acre to be paid out of income over the next 5 years out of income. It is estimated that there is about 40 acres included in the current operation. An option shall be had on the remaining 60 acres for future expansion.
Well - $3600
Pump - $2000
Pond digging - $3000 for second pond, and $1000 for each additional
The Belize Project reaches out to Belizeans through health care,
education and micro-enterprises all in the name of Jesus. We look for
people making a difference and support their efforts...read
more
