Fish Ponds

(Fish pond manager and his ponds in Bopolu)

During the war, Liberians felt hunger. Many fled from the fighting to neighboring countries Sierra Leone, Cote d'Ivoire, and Guinea leaving behind their livestock, aquaculture, and produce farms. Fleeing was no easy task. For many, it was weeks of walking, hiding, fear and hunger. I've been told many times about the hunger Liberians felt. They ate mayonnaise and tissue paper sandwiches, pets, any/all bush meat, and by rebel command - each other. Their scars are deep. Our Lord continues to heal them.

Today, Liberia is a new country - full of hope. Many Liberians are able to harvest again. Through projects such as the livestock, fish ponds and swamp rice farm rehabilitation, the people of this nation are re-learning how to produce food for themselves and their communities.

One example is the fish ponds like those pictured above. The direct beneficiaries are churches, though the entire community benefits indirectly. Members from the church are selected to receive training on fish pond management. The fish ponds are constructed with the help of the community. They are initially stocked and then handed over to the church to manage. They are sustainable because after each harvest, fingerlings are used to re-stock the ponds. These ponds have been known to last 30-40 years. They generate harvests large enough to supply the entire church body as well as to sell some for income generation. The income is then re-invested into the church to help meet their needs.

This project also provides for the spiritual needs of Liberians. It demonstrates Christ's love to them - His desire to provide for them - to feed their physical and spiritual hunger. It leads to relationship building with SP staff - which provides the opportunity for witnessing and sharing about Christ. Please pray that Liberians would come to know their Savior Jesus Christ in a meaningful and intimate way. Please pray that their faith would be deepened and that our Lord would continue feeding their physical and spiritual hunger.

Thank you so much for your prayers! God is answering them everyday.