SlideShare uma empresa Scribd logo
1 de 80
Baixar para ler offline
“So neither he who plants is anything, neither he who waters, but
God who gives the increase.” 1 Corinthians 3:7 This is an overview of
Tierra de Gracia Lutheran Farm in Venezuela.
In the tropical climate of Venezuela, there are two seasons.
Six months of rain. Much of Venezuela receives 60 inches of rain
annually, but most of it from late May to mid December.
Six months without rain. By the end of the dry season, water levels
in streams are low.
During the dry season, crops wither while insects feed on the leaves.
There is the risk of wildfire.
During the rainy season, weeds and fungus suppress crop growth.
As in the parable of the sower in Matthew 13:3-9, there also are
obstacles to the growth of Christian faith in rural Venezuela.
Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod missionaries planted the Word of
God in the hearts of people here in the eastern Venezuelan state of
Monagas 50 years ago.
But since then these rural churches have experienced many
hardships.
In these rural districts today, unemployment runs as high as 80
percent of the population and typical family income is less than
2,000 U.S. dollars annually.
Poverty can tempt people to give up all hope.
In this impoverished environment, many infirmities result from
malnutrition and contaminated water.
Because of these economic conditions, none of the rural churches
can afford fulltime pastors and closed their doors years ago.
This is a shame, because the formation of the Lutheran Church of
Venezuela began in these rural parishes as well as Caracas.
When members of the rural churches moved to town they formed
the core groups of some of the largest Lutheran congregations in
Venezuela.
At one time Sunday attendance in the rural churches of Rio Chiquito
and Quebrada Seca, the two communities hardest hit by economic
problems, averaged 80 people per week.
By the late 1990s, however, typical Sunday attendance had dropped
to less than 20 – when there were Sunday services..
The rural churches that remained open were only holding worship
services one or twice a year..
Still there was a hunger for spiritual as well as material bread..
For these reasons, the Lutheran Church of Venezuela has supported
the development of an agricultural mission as a project of Cristo Rey
Lutheran Church of Maturin, Monagas.
Dale and Sandra Saville were sent to Monagas as agricultural
missionaries after many years of successful mission work among the
Navajo in the United States..
In cooperation with Pastor Adrian Ventura and other members of
Cristo Rey, Dale developed a business plan for a working farm to
accomplish two objectives.
First objective: Train rural residents in better methods of agricultural
production and marketing to help them improve their incomes and
standard of living.
Second objective: Generate funds to support a pastor and
evangelistic team for the rural areas.
There is the potential for agricultural improvement throughout
Venezuela, but expecially in the state of Monagas.
The soil in Monagas is among the most fertile in the country with the
capacity to produce a remarkable variety of crops.
Livestock production could benefit from genetic improvement.
There is great demand for poultry.
Another possible method of raising income is the raising of exotic
birds for export.
Dale Saville and the Cristo Rey farm committee spent a long time
looking for the best land.
Work on the current site, about an hour's drive from Maturin, began
in 2002.
They found 140 hectares of good land, but it was overgrown with
weeds.
Fences and a paved road divided the property into two parts.
A river formed the eastern and southern boundaries with enough
water to irrigate 67 hectares. Irrigation is critical for crop production
during the dry season.
The farm's soil was ideal for irrigation, an alluvial mix of clay, loam
and sand.
At first the workers hand only crude hand tools to clear and cultivate
the land.
Thanks to donations, mechanical implements became available.
But there was still a lot of work to be done.
The farm comittee acquired title to the land in February 2004 with
the help of a loan from supporters in the United States. The
congregations of Maturin, Rio Chiquito and Quebrada Seca gathered
for a celebration on the farm.
The farm was officially named Tierra de Gracia (Land of Grace)
Lutheran Farm.
In March 2004, the farm was able to buy a 75-horsepower tractor
with contributions from churches in North Dakota and Montana.
Two tillage implements were included as part of the purchase.
The churches that raised money for the tractor and implements
were rural churches small by North American standards.
The tractor was immediately put to work clearing and cultivating
land.
With the addition of the tractor, development of the farm has
progressed much more rapidly.
A lagoon to catch and hold rainwater for irrigation was built in 2005
with more funds from the rural churches..
The lagoon has the capacity to hold 1.5 million liters of water...
In 2005 the farm initiated livestock production with four bred cows.
All soon calved and one gave birth to twins.
Fences, corrals and livestock pens were built.
This includes many kilometers of electric fence.
Teams of volunteers from the United States helped build fence as
well as with other construction projects in the last four years..
The farm now has,more than 20 hectares of pasture which, enough
to maintain 70 cows, 100 goats and 100 sheep.
The cows have been artificially inseminated with Tarentaise semen
donated by a U.S. cattle breeder to improve the herd's genetics..
Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, St. Louis, Missouri, along with
Lutheran World Relief, has supplied the funds to buy four more
cows.
The livestock program also now includes five sheep and 15 goats. In
addition to producing young, the sheep and goats will graze between
the trees, keeping the orchards clean.. The goats were purchased
with money donated by St. Peter's Lutheran Church of Columbus,
Indiana.
There are more than 1,200 citrus trees in the farm's orchards...
There are 245 passion-fruit vines and 85 guava trees.
Early in 2006, 3,000 new papaya trees were planted to supplement
the production of 2,000 established trees. Papaya is the farm's most
profitable crop and the plan is to plant 500 new trees each month of
2006.
Other crops include corn, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and squash.
José Luís Rivas is the farm's general manager. As of this year, the
farm's administrative committee includes José Luís, Pastor Armando
Ramos, Americo Rengel and Dale Saville, along with Pastor Francisco
Cabarcas and Eduardo Castillo as liaisons with Cristo Rey.
A small house serves as the farm's office and visitor's center.
A second house serves as a home and office for Pastor Armando
Ramos..
Pastor Armando was ordained August 1, 2004, at Cristo Rey Lutheran
Church.
Armando grew up in rural Venezuela himself although on the
western edge of the country in the state of Barinas.
Since Pastor Armando's arrival in Monagas, the Tierra de Gracia
evangelistic program has made tremendous strides. Roca de
Eternidad (Rock of Ages) Lutheran Church in Quebrada Seca now has
weekly attendance of 20 people. In 2005 there was one baptism and
seven confirmations.
Bethel Lutheran Church in Rio Chiquito has increased Sunday
attendance to 27 people. In 2005 there were seven baptisms and six
confirmations.
Rundown facilities in Rio Chiquito and Quebrada Seca are being
repaired. A new roof for Roca de Eternidad is nearly complete while
new bathrooms are being built at Bethel.
Amichel, Ventura, a deacon at Cristo Rey in Maturin, assists Pastor
Armando in caring for the rural churches.
Another member of the evangelistic team is Yumira Valderrey as
Bible school teacher.
Volunteers from the United States have helped with vacation Bible
school as well..
Eduardo Flores, a member of La Fortaleza Lutheran Church in
Maracay, served as a vicar under the direction of Pastor Armando. He
worked with the youth of the rural churches and provided musical
accompaniment during worship.
The youth of the rural churches in Rio Chiquito and Quebrada Seca
have become very active..
Bethel and Roca de Eternidad sent 12 to the Lutheran Church of
Venezuela's annual youth gathering in 2005.
Evangelistic activities have included three vacation Bible schools and
four prayer vigils at the rural churches as well as door-to-door visits
with approximately 1,800 people.
At Tierra de Gracia itself, Pastor Armando leads about the workers in
daily devotions. In addition, weekly adult Bible studies draw 35 to 40
people to farm from the nearby village of Banco de Acosta.
On January 20, 2005, Pastor Armando performed the first baptism
on the farm. in a special service with 75 people from Banco de
Acosta and Quebrada Seca in attendance,. The child, José Enrique,
was the son of one of the farm's employees.
On Sunday, June 12, 2005, Pastor Armando conducted the first
formal worship service at Tierra de Gracia with 156 people in
attendance. Four adults were confirmed: José Luís Rivas, Leobardo
Gamboa, Marelis Bolivar and Javier Alcantera.
Land has been set aside to build a church near Pastor Armando's
house to continue the important ministry in the immediate vicinity of
the farm..
Perhaps the results of the Tierra de Gracia project can best be read
in the faces of these children . “...Let the little children come to Me
and do not forbid them, for of such is the Kingdom of God.” Luke
18:16
For more information, see the Tierra de Gracia Web site:
                finca.ilv-venezuela.net

Mais conteúdo relacionado

Mais procurados (20)

April Newsletter
April NewsletterApril Newsletter
April Newsletter
 
Announcements 17 feb2013
Announcements 17 feb2013Announcements 17 feb2013
Announcements 17 feb2013
 
May 27, 2009
May 27, 2009May 27, 2009
May 27, 2009
 
Tourney 3
Tourney 3Tourney 3
Tourney 3
 
Announcements 27 jan2013
Announcements 27 jan2013Announcements 27 jan2013
Announcements 27 jan2013
 
Announcements 9 Dec 2012
Announcements 9 Dec 2012Announcements 9 Dec 2012
Announcements 9 Dec 2012
 
February 12, 2012
February 12, 2012February 12, 2012
February 12, 2012
 
Announcements 3 feb2013
Announcements 3 feb2013Announcements 3 feb2013
Announcements 3 feb2013
 
News Letter Decembre 2014
News Letter Decembre 2014News Letter Decembre 2014
News Letter Decembre 2014
 
Announcements 10 feb2013
Announcements 10 feb2013Announcements 10 feb2013
Announcements 10 feb2013
 
Dec 22, 2013 Bulletin
Dec 22, 2013 BulletinDec 22, 2013 Bulletin
Dec 22, 2013 Bulletin
 
Nfl district news jan feb 2011
Nfl district news jan feb 2011Nfl district news jan feb 2011
Nfl district news jan feb 2011
 
12/6/15 Bulletin
12/6/15 Bulletin12/6/15 Bulletin
12/6/15 Bulletin
 
December 2013 Intermountain District Newsletter
December 2013 Intermountain District NewsletterDecember 2013 Intermountain District Newsletter
December 2013 Intermountain District Newsletter
 
21 April 2019
21 April 201921 April 2019
21 April 2019
 
Announcements for may 25, 2014
Announcements for may 25, 2014Announcements for may 25, 2014
Announcements for may 25, 2014
 
Knightdale Baptist Church January 2015 Newsletter
Knightdale Baptist Church January 2015 NewsletterKnightdale Baptist Church January 2015 Newsletter
Knightdale Baptist Church January 2015 Newsletter
 
18 March 2012.pub
18 March 2012.pub18 March 2012.pub
18 March 2012.pub
 
Slides for 31 October, 2010
Slides for 31 October, 2010Slides for 31 October, 2010
Slides for 31 October, 2010
 
Feburary 18, 2009
Feburary 18, 2009Feburary 18, 2009
Feburary 18, 2009
 

Destaque

Dairy and livestock NAMAs in Costa Rica, Kenya and Mongolia
Dairy and livestock NAMAs in Costa Rica, Kenya and MongoliaDairy and livestock NAMAs in Costa Rica, Kenya and Mongolia
Dairy and livestock NAMAs in Costa Rica, Kenya and MongoliaWorld Agroforestry (ICRAF)
 
Sector de leite Milk sector Portugal
Sector de leite Milk sector PortugalSector de leite Milk sector Portugal
Sector de leite Milk sector PortugalJosien Kapma
 
Careers in Ag
Careers in AgCareers in Ag
Careers in AgCCEJC
 
White gold - Opportunities for Dairy Sector Development Collaboration in East...
White gold - Opportunities for Dairy Sector Development Collaboration in East...White gold - Opportunities for Dairy Sector Development Collaboration in East...
White gold - Opportunities for Dairy Sector Development Collaboration in East...Jan van der Lee
 
Strijker, A. (2004 04 05). Knowledgemanagement Reuse Of Learningmaterial
Strijker, A. (2004 04 05). Knowledgemanagement Reuse Of LearningmaterialStrijker, A. (2004 04 05). Knowledgemanagement Reuse Of Learningmaterial
Strijker, A. (2004 04 05). Knowledgemanagement Reuse Of LearningmaterialSaxion
 

Destaque (6)

Dairy and livestock NAMAs in Costa Rica, Kenya and Mongolia
Dairy and livestock NAMAs in Costa Rica, Kenya and MongoliaDairy and livestock NAMAs in Costa Rica, Kenya and Mongolia
Dairy and livestock NAMAs in Costa Rica, Kenya and Mongolia
 
Lawyer
LawyerLawyer
Lawyer
 
Sector de leite Milk sector Portugal
Sector de leite Milk sector PortugalSector de leite Milk sector Portugal
Sector de leite Milk sector Portugal
 
Careers in Ag
Careers in AgCareers in Ag
Careers in Ag
 
White gold - Opportunities for Dairy Sector Development Collaboration in East...
White gold - Opportunities for Dairy Sector Development Collaboration in East...White gold - Opportunities for Dairy Sector Development Collaboration in East...
White gold - Opportunities for Dairy Sector Development Collaboration in East...
 
Strijker, A. (2004 04 05). Knowledgemanagement Reuse Of Learningmaterial
Strijker, A. (2004 04 05). Knowledgemanagement Reuse Of LearningmaterialStrijker, A. (2004 04 05). Knowledgemanagement Reuse Of Learningmaterial
Strijker, A. (2004 04 05). Knowledgemanagement Reuse Of Learningmaterial
 

Semelhante a 2006 update on Tierra de Gracia

Cross Catholic Kobonal Water
Cross Catholic Kobonal WaterCross Catholic Kobonal Water
Cross Catholic Kobonal WaterKatie McCarthy
 
Tamales on the Fourth of July The Transnational Parish of C.docx
Tamales on the Fourth of July The Transnational Parish of C.docxTamales on the Fourth of July The Transnational Parish of C.docx
Tamales on the Fourth of July The Transnational Parish of C.docxmattinsonjanel
 
Tabernaculo bautista biblica_hermano_toby
Tabernaculo bautista biblica_hermano_tobyTabernaculo bautista biblica_hermano_toby
Tabernaculo bautista biblica_hermano_tobyjosue villanueva
 
South missions december 2015
South missions december 2015South missions december 2015
South missions december 2015Ruddy Carrera
 
Peru Mission (Web Presentation)
Peru Mission (Web Presentation)Peru Mission (Web Presentation)
Peru Mission (Web Presentation)bradfordsinperu
 
York-Credit Valley - Area Presentation, updated July 2013
York-Credit Valley - Area Presentation, updated July 2013York-Credit Valley - Area Presentation, updated July 2013
York-Credit Valley - Area Presentation, updated July 2013Anglican Diocese of Toronto
 
St. alphonsus mary de liguori parish
St. alphonsus mary de liguori parishSt. alphonsus mary de liguori parish
St. alphonsus mary de liguori parishDennis Maturan
 
Mission Lazarus Presentation
Mission Lazarus PresentationMission Lazarus Presentation
Mission Lazarus PresentationMission Lazarus
 
Unleash Mid Term Report 2009
Unleash Mid Term Report 2009Unleash Mid Term Report 2009
Unleash Mid Term Report 2009pchapmanar
 
Gary United Methodist Church Case Study
Gary United Methodist Church Case StudyGary United Methodist Church Case Study
Gary United Methodist Church Case StudyJennifer Gutierrez
 
Mission Lazarus Overview
Mission Lazarus OverviewMission Lazarus Overview
Mission Lazarus Overviewmissionlazarus
 
2022 TCBC Gala Book-Spread.pdf
2022 TCBC Gala Book-Spread.pdf2022 TCBC Gala Book-Spread.pdf
2022 TCBC Gala Book-Spread.pdfCharlesSnowden4
 
GRID 2009 Update
GRID 2009 UpdateGRID 2009 Update
GRID 2009 Updatelynnita
 
Pastoral letter for 2016 campaign COR letterhead 2015
Pastoral letter for 2016 campaign COR letterhead 2015Pastoral letter for 2016 campaign COR letterhead 2015
Pastoral letter for 2016 campaign COR letterhead 2015Beth A. McGuire. MDiv, CT
 
Corpus Christi -Article for Filipine News
Corpus Christi -Article for Filipine NewsCorpus Christi -Article for Filipine News
Corpus Christi -Article for Filipine NewsJane Alvarez Gregorio
 

Semelhante a 2006 update on Tierra de Gracia (20)

Cross Catholic Kobonal Water
Cross Catholic Kobonal WaterCross Catholic Kobonal Water
Cross Catholic Kobonal Water
 
Tamales on the Fourth of July The Transnational Parish of C.docx
Tamales on the Fourth of July The Transnational Parish of C.docxTamales on the Fourth of July The Transnational Parish of C.docx
Tamales on the Fourth of July The Transnational Parish of C.docx
 
Tabernaculo bautista biblica_hermano_toby
Tabernaculo bautista biblica_hermano_tobyTabernaculo bautista biblica_hermano_toby
Tabernaculo bautista biblica_hermano_toby
 
TCL_1516
TCL_1516TCL_1516
TCL_1516
 
South missions december 2015
South missions december 2015South missions december 2015
South missions december 2015
 
Peru Mission (Web Presentation)
Peru Mission (Web Presentation)Peru Mission (Web Presentation)
Peru Mission (Web Presentation)
 
York-Credit Valley - Area Presentation, updated July 2013
York-Credit Valley - Area Presentation, updated July 2013York-Credit Valley - Area Presentation, updated July 2013
York-Credit Valley - Area Presentation, updated July 2013
 
St. alphonsus mary de liguori parish
St. alphonsus mary de liguori parishSt. alphonsus mary de liguori parish
St. alphonsus mary de liguori parish
 
Mission Lazarus Presentation
Mission Lazarus PresentationMission Lazarus Presentation
Mission Lazarus Presentation
 
Unleash Mid Term Report 2009
Unleash Mid Term Report 2009Unleash Mid Term Report 2009
Unleash Mid Term Report 2009
 
isabelle whitfield
isabelle whitfieldisabelle whitfield
isabelle whitfield
 
Gary United Methodist Church Case Study
Gary United Methodist Church Case StudyGary United Methodist Church Case Study
Gary United Methodist Church Case Study
 
2009 Lenca Update
2009 Lenca Update2009 Lenca Update
2009 Lenca Update
 
Christ Church Deer Park - Parish Profile
Christ Church Deer Park - Parish Profile Christ Church Deer Park - Parish Profile
Christ Church Deer Park - Parish Profile
 
Mission Lazarus Overview
Mission Lazarus OverviewMission Lazarus Overview
Mission Lazarus Overview
 
2022 TCBC Gala Book-Spread.pdf
2022 TCBC Gala Book-Spread.pdf2022 TCBC Gala Book-Spread.pdf
2022 TCBC Gala Book-Spread.pdf
 
GRID 2009 Update
GRID 2009 UpdateGRID 2009 Update
GRID 2009 Update
 
Pastoral letter for 2016 campaign COR letterhead 2015
Pastoral letter for 2016 campaign COR letterhead 2015Pastoral letter for 2016 campaign COR letterhead 2015
Pastoral letter for 2016 campaign COR letterhead 2015
 
Corpus Christi -Article for Filipine News
Corpus Christi -Article for Filipine NewsCorpus Christi -Article for Filipine News
Corpus Christi -Article for Filipine News
 
NMM Powerpoint
NMM PowerpointNMM Powerpoint
NMM Powerpoint
 

Mais de La Mision Luterana "Epifanía" de La Caramuca

Mais de La Mision Luterana "Epifanía" de La Caramuca (18)

Ofrenda de Amor Dorcas
Ofrenda de Amor DorcasOfrenda de Amor Dorcas
Ofrenda de Amor Dorcas
 
Quiero Ser Pastor
Quiero Ser PastorQuiero Ser Pastor
Quiero Ser Pastor
 
Venezuela short term mission 2002
Venezuela short term mission 2002Venezuela short term mission 2002
Venezuela short term mission 2002
 
La Finca "Tierra de Gracia"
La Finca "Tierra de Gracia"La Finca "Tierra de Gracia"
La Finca "Tierra de Gracia"
 
Presentación de argentina office 97 (compactada)
Presentación de argentina   office 97 (compactada)Presentación de argentina   office 97 (compactada)
Presentación de argentina office 97 (compactada)
 
Fin del año escolar
Fin del año escolarFin del año escolar
Fin del año escolar
 
La Biblia como la fuente de los valores
La Biblia como la fuente de los valoresLa Biblia como la fuente de los valores
La Biblia como la fuente de los valores
 
Presentación del programa de la Misión Luterana "La Epifanía"
Presentación del programa de la Misión Luterana "La Epifanía"Presentación del programa de la Misión Luterana "La Epifanía"
Presentación del programa de la Misión Luterana "La Epifanía"
 
Presentación del programa diaconísa para los encuentros regionales
Presentación del programa diaconísa para los encuentros regionalesPresentación del programa diaconísa para los encuentros regionales
Presentación del programa diaconísa para los encuentros regionales
 
El Oficio Pastoral
El Oficio PastoralEl Oficio Pastoral
El Oficio Pastoral
 
Pedagogia del Amor
Pedagogia del AmorPedagogia del Amor
Pedagogia del Amor
 
Acto de grado de 2013
Acto de grado de 2013Acto de grado de 2013
Acto de grado de 2013
 
Primer cuarto de 2013
Primer cuarto de 2013Primer cuarto de 2013
Primer cuarto de 2013
 
2010 report
2010 report2010 report
2010 report
 
2009 brochure
2009 brochure2009 brochure
2009 brochure
 
La Caramuca Lutheran Mission
La Caramuca Lutheran MissionLa Caramuca Lutheran Mission
La Caramuca Lutheran Mission
 
Tierra de Gracia agricultural mission
Tierra de Gracia agricultural missionTierra de Gracia agricultural mission
Tierra de Gracia agricultural mission
 
La mariposa y la resurrección
La mariposa y la resurrecciónLa mariposa y la resurrección
La mariposa y la resurrección
 

Último

DP & Jesus Marriage - 2 potential candidates
DP & Jesus Marriage - 2 potential candidatesDP & Jesus Marriage - 2 potential candidates
DP & Jesus Marriage - 2 potential candidatesBengt & Maarit de Paulis
 
DP & Nostradamus-Fatima-Bailey-Branham-Ford - Short vers
DP & Nostradamus-Fatima-Bailey-Branham-Ford - Short versDP & Nostradamus-Fatima-Bailey-Branham-Ford - Short vers
DP & Nostradamus-Fatima-Bailey-Branham-Ford - Short versBengt & Maarit de Paulis
 
Deerfoot Church of Christ Bulletin 3 24 24
Deerfoot Church of Christ Bulletin 3 24 24Deerfoot Church of Christ Bulletin 3 24 24
Deerfoot Church of Christ Bulletin 3 24 24deerfootcoc
 
Free eBook ~Short Inspirational Stories - The Benefits.pdf
Free eBook ~Short Inspirational Stories - The Benefits.pdfFree eBook ~Short Inspirational Stories - The Benefits.pdf
Free eBook ~Short Inspirational Stories - The Benefits.pdfOH TEIK BIN
 
Islamic Finance 101 - Dr. Main Alqudah [https://www.guidancecollege.org/]
Islamic Finance 101 - Dr. Main Alqudah [https://www.guidancecollege.org/]Islamic Finance 101 - Dr. Main Alqudah [https://www.guidancecollege.org/]
Islamic Finance 101 - Dr. Main Alqudah [https://www.guidancecollege.org/]iqra tube
 
April 2024 Calendar of Events Hope Lutheran Church Floodwood
April 2024 Calendar of Events Hope Lutheran Church FloodwoodApril 2024 Calendar of Events Hope Lutheran Church Floodwood
April 2024 Calendar of Events Hope Lutheran Church FloodwoodFloodwoodvern
 
Old Age but fruitful and meaningful.pptx
Old Age but fruitful and meaningful.pptxOld Age but fruitful and meaningful.pptx
Old Age but fruitful and meaningful.pptxInnovator Marbun
 
All About Zakah for Muslim Americans - Dr. Main Alqudah [https://www.guidance...
All About Zakah for Muslim Americans - Dr. Main Alqudah [https://www.guidance...All About Zakah for Muslim Americans - Dr. Main Alqudah [https://www.guidance...
All About Zakah for Muslim Americans - Dr. Main Alqudah [https://www.guidance...iqra tube
 
Indications of Rebirth ~ My Reflections (English & Chinese).pptx
Indications of  Rebirth ~ My Reflections (English & Chinese).pptxIndications of  Rebirth ~ My Reflections (English & Chinese).pptx
Indications of Rebirth ~ My Reflections (English & Chinese).pptxOH TEIK BIN
 
Easter Apocalypse_Palm Sunday_Rev. 7.pptx
Easter Apocalypse_Palm Sunday_Rev. 7.pptxEaster Apocalypse_Palm Sunday_Rev. 7.pptx
Easter Apocalypse_Palm Sunday_Rev. 7.pptxStephen Palm
 
365 Days of Thanking God_ Cultivating a Heart of Thanksgiving Everyday (Revis...
365 Days of Thanking God_ Cultivating a Heart of Thanksgiving Everyday (Revis...365 Days of Thanking God_ Cultivating a Heart of Thanksgiving Everyday (Revis...
365 Days of Thanking God_ Cultivating a Heart of Thanksgiving Everyday (Revis...Eizijesu Obahaiye
 
SERPENT COIL: THE AWAKENING OF KUNDALINI
SERPENT COIL: THE AWAKENING OF KUNDALINISERPENT COIL: THE AWAKENING OF KUNDALINI
SERPENT COIL: THE AWAKENING OF KUNDALINISantanu Das
 
The Mormon & Quaker Moons of Lancashire: Stories of Religious Conversion & Mi...
The Mormon & Quaker Moons of Lancashire: Stories of Religious Conversion & Mi...The Mormon & Quaker Moons of Lancashire: Stories of Religious Conversion & Mi...
The Mormon & Quaker Moons of Lancashire: Stories of Religious Conversion & Mi...Cometan
 
The_Chronological_Life_of_Christ_Part_93_Fear God
The_Chronological_Life_of_Christ_Part_93_Fear GodThe_Chronological_Life_of_Christ_Part_93_Fear God
The_Chronological_Life_of_Christ_Part_93_Fear GodNetwork Bible Fellowship
 

Último (15)

DP & Jesus Marriage - 2 potential candidates
DP & Jesus Marriage - 2 potential candidatesDP & Jesus Marriage - 2 potential candidates
DP & Jesus Marriage - 2 potential candidates
 
DP & Nostradamus-Fatima-Bailey-Branham-Ford - Short vers
DP & Nostradamus-Fatima-Bailey-Branham-Ford - Short versDP & Nostradamus-Fatima-Bailey-Branham-Ford - Short vers
DP & Nostradamus-Fatima-Bailey-Branham-Ford - Short vers
 
Deerfoot Church of Christ Bulletin 3 24 24
Deerfoot Church of Christ Bulletin 3 24 24Deerfoot Church of Christ Bulletin 3 24 24
Deerfoot Church of Christ Bulletin 3 24 24
 
Free eBook ~Short Inspirational Stories - The Benefits.pdf
Free eBook ~Short Inspirational Stories - The Benefits.pdfFree eBook ~Short Inspirational Stories - The Benefits.pdf
Free eBook ~Short Inspirational Stories - The Benefits.pdf
 
Islamic Finance 101 - Dr. Main Alqudah [https://www.guidancecollege.org/]
Islamic Finance 101 - Dr. Main Alqudah [https://www.guidancecollege.org/]Islamic Finance 101 - Dr. Main Alqudah [https://www.guidancecollege.org/]
Islamic Finance 101 - Dr. Main Alqudah [https://www.guidancecollege.org/]
 
April 2024 Calendar of Events Hope Lutheran Church Floodwood
April 2024 Calendar of Events Hope Lutheran Church FloodwoodApril 2024 Calendar of Events Hope Lutheran Church Floodwood
April 2024 Calendar of Events Hope Lutheran Church Floodwood
 
Old Age but fruitful and meaningful.pptx
Old Age but fruitful and meaningful.pptxOld Age but fruitful and meaningful.pptx
Old Age but fruitful and meaningful.pptx
 
All About Zakah for Muslim Americans - Dr. Main Alqudah [https://www.guidance...
All About Zakah for Muslim Americans - Dr. Main Alqudah [https://www.guidance...All About Zakah for Muslim Americans - Dr. Main Alqudah [https://www.guidance...
All About Zakah for Muslim Americans - Dr. Main Alqudah [https://www.guidance...
 
Indications of Rebirth ~ My Reflections (English & Chinese).pptx
Indications of  Rebirth ~ My Reflections (English & Chinese).pptxIndications of  Rebirth ~ My Reflections (English & Chinese).pptx
Indications of Rebirth ~ My Reflections (English & Chinese).pptx
 
Easter Apocalypse_Palm Sunday_Rev. 7.pptx
Easter Apocalypse_Palm Sunday_Rev. 7.pptxEaster Apocalypse_Palm Sunday_Rev. 7.pptx
Easter Apocalypse_Palm Sunday_Rev. 7.pptx
 
365 Days of Thanking God_ Cultivating a Heart of Thanksgiving Everyday (Revis...
365 Days of Thanking God_ Cultivating a Heart of Thanksgiving Everyday (Revis...365 Days of Thanking God_ Cultivating a Heart of Thanksgiving Everyday (Revis...
365 Days of Thanking God_ Cultivating a Heart of Thanksgiving Everyday (Revis...
 
SERPENT COIL: THE AWAKENING OF KUNDALINI
SERPENT COIL: THE AWAKENING OF KUNDALINISERPENT COIL: THE AWAKENING OF KUNDALINI
SERPENT COIL: THE AWAKENING OF KUNDALINI
 
The Mormon & Quaker Moons of Lancashire: Stories of Religious Conversion & Mi...
The Mormon & Quaker Moons of Lancashire: Stories of Religious Conversion & Mi...The Mormon & Quaker Moons of Lancashire: Stories of Religious Conversion & Mi...
The Mormon & Quaker Moons of Lancashire: Stories of Religious Conversion & Mi...
 
The_Chronological_Life_of_Christ_Part_93_Fear God
The_Chronological_Life_of_Christ_Part_93_Fear GodThe_Chronological_Life_of_Christ_Part_93_Fear God
The_Chronological_Life_of_Christ_Part_93_Fear God
 
English - The 1st Book of Adam and Eve.pdf
English - The 1st Book of Adam and Eve.pdfEnglish - The 1st Book of Adam and Eve.pdf
English - The 1st Book of Adam and Eve.pdf
 

2006 update on Tierra de Gracia

  • 1. “So neither he who plants is anything, neither he who waters, but God who gives the increase.” 1 Corinthians 3:7 This is an overview of Tierra de Gracia Lutheran Farm in Venezuela.
  • 2. In the tropical climate of Venezuela, there are two seasons.
  • 3. Six months of rain. Much of Venezuela receives 60 inches of rain annually, but most of it from late May to mid December.
  • 4. Six months without rain. By the end of the dry season, water levels in streams are low.
  • 5. During the dry season, crops wither while insects feed on the leaves.
  • 6. There is the risk of wildfire.
  • 7. During the rainy season, weeds and fungus suppress crop growth.
  • 8. As in the parable of the sower in Matthew 13:3-9, there also are obstacles to the growth of Christian faith in rural Venezuela.
  • 9. Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod missionaries planted the Word of God in the hearts of people here in the eastern Venezuelan state of Monagas 50 years ago.
  • 10. But since then these rural churches have experienced many hardships.
  • 11. In these rural districts today, unemployment runs as high as 80 percent of the population and typical family income is less than 2,000 U.S. dollars annually.
  • 12. Poverty can tempt people to give up all hope.
  • 13. In this impoverished environment, many infirmities result from malnutrition and contaminated water.
  • 14. Because of these economic conditions, none of the rural churches can afford fulltime pastors and closed their doors years ago.
  • 15. This is a shame, because the formation of the Lutheran Church of Venezuela began in these rural parishes as well as Caracas.
  • 16. When members of the rural churches moved to town they formed the core groups of some of the largest Lutheran congregations in Venezuela.
  • 17. At one time Sunday attendance in the rural churches of Rio Chiquito and Quebrada Seca, the two communities hardest hit by economic problems, averaged 80 people per week.
  • 18. By the late 1990s, however, typical Sunday attendance had dropped to less than 20 – when there were Sunday services..
  • 19. The rural churches that remained open were only holding worship services one or twice a year..
  • 20. Still there was a hunger for spiritual as well as material bread..
  • 21. For these reasons, the Lutheran Church of Venezuela has supported the development of an agricultural mission as a project of Cristo Rey Lutheran Church of Maturin, Monagas.
  • 22. Dale and Sandra Saville were sent to Monagas as agricultural missionaries after many years of successful mission work among the Navajo in the United States..
  • 23. In cooperation with Pastor Adrian Ventura and other members of Cristo Rey, Dale developed a business plan for a working farm to accomplish two objectives.
  • 24. First objective: Train rural residents in better methods of agricultural production and marketing to help them improve their incomes and standard of living.
  • 25. Second objective: Generate funds to support a pastor and evangelistic team for the rural areas.
  • 26. There is the potential for agricultural improvement throughout Venezuela, but expecially in the state of Monagas.
  • 27. The soil in Monagas is among the most fertile in the country with the capacity to produce a remarkable variety of crops.
  • 28. Livestock production could benefit from genetic improvement.
  • 29. There is great demand for poultry.
  • 30. Another possible method of raising income is the raising of exotic birds for export.
  • 31. Dale Saville and the Cristo Rey farm committee spent a long time looking for the best land.
  • 32. Work on the current site, about an hour's drive from Maturin, began in 2002.
  • 33. They found 140 hectares of good land, but it was overgrown with weeds.
  • 34. Fences and a paved road divided the property into two parts.
  • 35. A river formed the eastern and southern boundaries with enough water to irrigate 67 hectares. Irrigation is critical for crop production during the dry season.
  • 36. The farm's soil was ideal for irrigation, an alluvial mix of clay, loam and sand.
  • 37. At first the workers hand only crude hand tools to clear and cultivate the land.
  • 38. Thanks to donations, mechanical implements became available.
  • 39. But there was still a lot of work to be done.
  • 40. The farm comittee acquired title to the land in February 2004 with the help of a loan from supporters in the United States. The congregations of Maturin, Rio Chiquito and Quebrada Seca gathered for a celebration on the farm.
  • 41. The farm was officially named Tierra de Gracia (Land of Grace) Lutheran Farm.
  • 42. In March 2004, the farm was able to buy a 75-horsepower tractor with contributions from churches in North Dakota and Montana.
  • 43. Two tillage implements were included as part of the purchase.
  • 44. The churches that raised money for the tractor and implements were rural churches small by North American standards.
  • 45. The tractor was immediately put to work clearing and cultivating land.
  • 46. With the addition of the tractor, development of the farm has progressed much more rapidly.
  • 47. A lagoon to catch and hold rainwater for irrigation was built in 2005 with more funds from the rural churches..
  • 48. The lagoon has the capacity to hold 1.5 million liters of water...
  • 49. In 2005 the farm initiated livestock production with four bred cows. All soon calved and one gave birth to twins.
  • 50. Fences, corrals and livestock pens were built.
  • 51. This includes many kilometers of electric fence.
  • 52. Teams of volunteers from the United States helped build fence as well as with other construction projects in the last four years..
  • 53. The farm now has,more than 20 hectares of pasture which, enough to maintain 70 cows, 100 goats and 100 sheep.
  • 54. The cows have been artificially inseminated with Tarentaise semen donated by a U.S. cattle breeder to improve the herd's genetics.. Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, St. Louis, Missouri, along with Lutheran World Relief, has supplied the funds to buy four more cows.
  • 55. The livestock program also now includes five sheep and 15 goats. In addition to producing young, the sheep and goats will graze between the trees, keeping the orchards clean.. The goats were purchased with money donated by St. Peter's Lutheran Church of Columbus, Indiana.
  • 56. There are more than 1,200 citrus trees in the farm's orchards...
  • 57. There are 245 passion-fruit vines and 85 guava trees.
  • 58. Early in 2006, 3,000 new papaya trees were planted to supplement the production of 2,000 established trees. Papaya is the farm's most profitable crop and the plan is to plant 500 new trees each month of 2006.
  • 59. Other crops include corn, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and squash.
  • 60. José Luís Rivas is the farm's general manager. As of this year, the farm's administrative committee includes José Luís, Pastor Armando Ramos, Americo Rengel and Dale Saville, along with Pastor Francisco Cabarcas and Eduardo Castillo as liaisons with Cristo Rey.
  • 61. A small house serves as the farm's office and visitor's center.
  • 62. A second house serves as a home and office for Pastor Armando Ramos..
  • 63. Pastor Armando was ordained August 1, 2004, at Cristo Rey Lutheran Church.
  • 64. Armando grew up in rural Venezuela himself although on the western edge of the country in the state of Barinas.
  • 65. Since Pastor Armando's arrival in Monagas, the Tierra de Gracia evangelistic program has made tremendous strides. Roca de Eternidad (Rock of Ages) Lutheran Church in Quebrada Seca now has weekly attendance of 20 people. In 2005 there was one baptism and seven confirmations.
  • 66. Bethel Lutheran Church in Rio Chiquito has increased Sunday attendance to 27 people. In 2005 there were seven baptisms and six confirmations.
  • 67. Rundown facilities in Rio Chiquito and Quebrada Seca are being repaired. A new roof for Roca de Eternidad is nearly complete while new bathrooms are being built at Bethel.
  • 68. Amichel, Ventura, a deacon at Cristo Rey in Maturin, assists Pastor Armando in caring for the rural churches.
  • 69. Another member of the evangelistic team is Yumira Valderrey as Bible school teacher.
  • 70. Volunteers from the United States have helped with vacation Bible school as well..
  • 71. Eduardo Flores, a member of La Fortaleza Lutheran Church in Maracay, served as a vicar under the direction of Pastor Armando. He worked with the youth of the rural churches and provided musical accompaniment during worship.
  • 72. The youth of the rural churches in Rio Chiquito and Quebrada Seca have become very active..
  • 73. Bethel and Roca de Eternidad sent 12 to the Lutheran Church of Venezuela's annual youth gathering in 2005.
  • 74. Evangelistic activities have included three vacation Bible schools and four prayer vigils at the rural churches as well as door-to-door visits with approximately 1,800 people.
  • 75. At Tierra de Gracia itself, Pastor Armando leads about the workers in daily devotions. In addition, weekly adult Bible studies draw 35 to 40 people to farm from the nearby village of Banco de Acosta.
  • 76. On January 20, 2005, Pastor Armando performed the first baptism on the farm. in a special service with 75 people from Banco de Acosta and Quebrada Seca in attendance,. The child, José Enrique, was the son of one of the farm's employees.
  • 77. On Sunday, June 12, 2005, Pastor Armando conducted the first formal worship service at Tierra de Gracia with 156 people in attendance. Four adults were confirmed: José Luís Rivas, Leobardo Gamboa, Marelis Bolivar and Javier Alcantera.
  • 78. Land has been set aside to build a church near Pastor Armando's house to continue the important ministry in the immediate vicinity of the farm..
  • 79. Perhaps the results of the Tierra de Gracia project can best be read in the faces of these children . “...Let the little children come to Me and do not forbid them, for of such is the Kingdom of God.” Luke 18:16
  • 80. For more information, see the Tierra de Gracia Web site: finca.ilv-venezuela.net