Summer 2013
HELPING OTHERS HELP THEMSELVES
Update from MSF Director Phil Reasons
THE FUTURE IS LOCAL On a recent ten hour flight from Europe to the US I had the privilege of setting next to Russ a farmer from Georgia. As we settled in for the long flight our conversation gravitated towards farming. He was a successful man proud of his southern drawl and beautiful family. He began talking to me about his concern of a growing word population and our plan to feed them of course this was right up my alley. He started with his opinion about the importance of GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) seeds and synthetic pesticides and fertilizers and then moved on to hormone injected and medicated livestock. Hours went by as we discussed these practices and their effect on the environment and the quality of the food these practices produced. He laughed as he discussed the pesticides being sprayed on his Florida strawberry farm and that he wouldn’t allow his family to live there because of the spray. We discussed his concern about the safety of meat and dairy products but he felt like we had no other choice. “The demands of farming today are too high” he said. “There is no way a farmer today can make it without all of the chemicals.” I began sharing with Russ my perspective on solving these problems. We discussed traditional farming practices in the US just 100 years ago and how sustainable they were. How many families grew enough food for themselves and some to sell to their neighbors. I mentioned a recent report from Agro-ecology and how they state that sustainable small-scale farming could double food production in the parts of the world where hunger is the biggest issue. I explained what was going on in Russia today how small farms and family plots in Russia produced 90% of Russia’s
potatoes, 77% of vegetables, 87% of fruits, 59% of meat, 49% of milk. I told him how that in 2003 the Russian President signed into law the “Private Garden Plot Act” enabling Russian citizens to receive free of charge from the state, 2 acre plots of land in private inheritable ownership and that produce grown on these plots is not subject to taxation. We discussed how that the US and the European Union are setting the stage for agribusiness takeovers of major market share from traditional peasant farmers around the world. I told him about rice farmers in Haiti, Central America and Africa that were put out of business buy subsidized rice being shipped from the US and Europe. We discussed how these practices were more about market control than feeding the hungry and how subsistence farms around the world were once again on the leading edge of sustainable food production. As our cramped legs and achy backs demanded a stretch our conversation wrapped up with a new found friendship, a renewed appreciation for the difficulties of US food producers and an ever growing passion for sustainable, safe food production. I am so excited to do what I do here at Morning Star Fishermen. Our team is doing an incredible job at taking this message to the world even if that world is right here in our back yard. “sustainable small-scale farming could double food production in the parts of the world where hunger is the biggest issue.”
Instead of serving soda or other sugary drinks serve
• 1 each of the following fruits: apple, lemon, orange, pear • 4 large strawberries • Handful of raspberries • Handful of mint leaves • 1 half-gallon of water Cut slices or wedges of each fruit; place them in a large glass pitcher and add cold water. Refrigerate 2 hours and serve over ice in tall glasses.
Trilby Troop 375 Spends the day at Morning Star Fishermen
First we started with a tour
Then they learned the importance of composting, how to siphon,
planting, and how to harvest and prepare fish
The scouts were tasked with designing and building an aquaponics system
While the cub scouts learned how to build and cook on a rocket stove
For the Least of These “‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40 San Pedro Sula, Honduras is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous places on earth. In fact the city was recently named the murder capital of the world. Drug cartels, rival gangs, political and social upheaval permeates it’s beautiful and rich landscape leaving in its wake abject poverty and desperation. But even amidst the darkness there are still beacons of hope where God’s love is reaching out and healing the broken hearted. When we were asked to come to Honduras and help build a large aquaponics system at House of Mercy orphanage we expected to be working long hours in the hot sun to help bring a sustainable solution to a community in need. We also expected to have some wonderful stories to tell our friends and family. What we didn’t expect was to find ourselves shoulder to shoulder with some the country’s most battle hardened warriors already engaged in the fight against world hunger. It was this brief involvement with a local feeding program that helped Lindsey and I remember God’s calling in our life. From Tuesday to Sunday every week a small group of ladies from OLAM Church arrive just before sunrise to make preparations for the 250 children that will soon be filling their sanctuary. These children live right in the heart of one of the poorest sections of San Pedro Sula and will quite possibly be receiving their only meal for the day. As the morning moved on the heat from the kitchen began to quickly consume the entire building. Slowly but surely the faint sound of small, shy voices began to trickle in and reverberate off the cinder block walls. Before too long the entire room was bustling with activity. With a quick glance we could see children of all ages laughing and smiling, or just sitting patiently waiting for their daily provision. One young man spent his time dancing and singing praises to Jesus. Older children held tight to their younger siblings acting as both parent and guardian to ensure that their needs come first. Others sat and listened to stories of God’s love and how trusting in Him can make all things possible. The entire scene was one that could melt the hardest of hearts and would dare the most cynical mind to walk away unchanged forever. As the day came to an end, we were left with one lasting moment that neither one of us would soon forget; a little girl, eyes swollen with tears, holding out her plate for a second helping and behind tears of our own, telling her there just simply wasn’t enough food. In that moment Lindsey and I saw our mission more clearly than ever. We were reminded why we do what we do and why we allow God to interrupt our lives. That in this world of security gates, reality TV, and self made millionaires there could only be a few reason why anyone would have to go hungry. Either through lack of concern or lack of awareness the end result remains the same. It takes loving hands and giving hearts like the ones at OLAM church to teach us lessons of sacrifice and compassion and that bright lights do break the darkness even in the heart of the murder capital of the world.
Helpful tips to get us through life
no bake
Cut your watermelon like this
While your watermelon is ice cold, frost it with whipped cream
Why didn’t I think of that?
Decorate it with berries, almonds or granola
What is a Chicken Tractor? A chicken tractor is a short fenced-in box that confines your chickens to a specific area that can change each day. You can then control which areas of your land are fertilized, allow them to roam with protection and provide your chickens with fresh foraging plots each day. They can be built as a simple enclosure, or as elaborate coops complete with nest boxes and feeders. As with all animals, chickens benefit from regular exercise and fresh air. If allowed to roam they’ll dig for bugs, eat grass and weeds, and take dust baths. Dust helps remove moisture and excess oil from the feathers and deter lice and other parasites.
A dream comes true for the village of light
Well I just returned from my recent trip to Togo. We were excited to hold our very first West African aquaponics training. We had eighteen participants in our first class three of which will become operations managers for the Boje cooperative site. It was exciting to see their eyes light up as we discussed the possibilities of the sustainable production of fish and produce all year long. They have been very accustomed to only being able to grow plants during the rainy season. The introduction of aquaponics as a method of farming brings new hope to a community that is nearly without affordable fresh produce and fish. Our team at the Village of Light training center is doing a phenomenal job. The fish are now in the 13th week of production and plants are beginning now to grow. The team has been able to begin harvesting cucumbers, tomatoes and peppers. We have began a planting cycle that will take us 8 weeks to complete. This will enable us to have a consistent vegetable production throughout the year. We are excited to see the progress and are encouraged by the dream coming true. Thank you for being a part. We will keep you informed as we progress.
“I hope to be able to travel to developing nations, and even work here in the U.S., teaching people sustainable farming and aquaponics in order to feed themselves and their families, and most importantly to share the gospel.�
My name is Kristi Burns. I am from Evansville, IN. I have been involved in missions since I was eight years old when my family moved to St. Lucia, W.I., to plant a church. That was the event that changed my life forever. I am so thankful that my parents made this step of faith and helped lay the foundation for my future. I have been involved in missions since then in various ways. I went through the AIM (Adventure In Missions) program through Sunset International Biblical Institute in Lubbock, TX, after high school and served almost two years in Mexico City. I have been to Haiti once and back to St. Lucia several times. I also go on regular short term mission trips to Honduras, El Salvador and Baja Mexico where I teach, translate classes and translate in medical clinics. My dream has always been to be back in full time missions. I had been teaching Spanish, in both private and public schools, for almost 10 years when it finally occurred to me that in order to follow my dream, I just had to sell my home, quit my job and rely on God to work out all the details. I could not do it on my own. So, after trips to Haiti, Honduras and El Salvador last spring, I was completely committed. After years of wondering how a single woman who loved to garden and grow food, but was not as confident in just door-to-door type ministry, was ever going to be able to serve full time teaching others about Christ, God finally answered my prayers‌ in His time! I saw an aquaponics facility in Haiti and I knew that was what I wanted to do. I returned home and began searching the internet for a place that taught aquaponics with the purpose of reaching the hungry and the lost. I found Morning Star Fishermen and called them right away. After a few phone conversations and emails I knew it was the right place for me. I got my house on the market in July. It sold in November and I started the process of selling what I had and finding the funds to go through the 12 week course. I stayed in contact with Morning Star for the year it took me to get everything in order. All the pieces came together and I was able to come to Morning Star in April of this year. I know this is where I am supposed to be. There is no way I could have planned everything to work out the way it did on my own. God is faithful when we turn it all over to Him. I am finishing up my last week here at Morning Star and plan to continue learning. I am open to wherever God calls me to work. I hope to be able to travel to developing nations, and even work here in the U.S., teaching people sustainable farming and aquaponics in order to feed themselves and their families, and most importantly to share the gospel. I am excited to see where this will take me in the near future. I would love for you to follow my blog and read the stories of my adventures in aquaponics and gardening at www.livingwaterblogged.blogspot.com
“A produce stand is a pulpit, especially if you are evangelizing good food and a certain way of living. I’m very happy and would recommend the classes to anyone who wants to learn more in regards to aquaponics. Dan, MSF Alumni
“The hands on experience, seeing the facility and how all the systems work, you can not get that from the internet. You have to come to the facility. Harold, MSF Alumni
“My overall experience was very good. I know I’ll be able to apply what I’ve learned here for personal use and for missions work. Not only were the classes very educational and the teachers very knowledgeable but the fellow students were also a joy to be around.“ Kevin, MSF Alumni
“Very enjoyable class, contents and teaching. This class was 10 times more then I expected from the expectations I had. I will enjoy keeping in touch with the Morning Star Fishermen Crew.“ Cole, MSF Alumni
Our Mission Give a man a fish and he eats for one day. Teach a man to raise fish and grow vegetables and the whole community eats for a lifetime.
About Morning Star Fishermen Ways To Support
•
Financial Donation • Sponsor a Student • Adopt a Tank • Help Support One of Our 3 Offsite Facilities • And Many More! Keep Us in Your Prayers
Address to MSF
•
Become a Volunteer or Intern
33336 Old Saint Joe Road Dade City, Florida 33525
•
Take a Class
•
Become a Friend of MSF by Joining our Mailing List
Contact Us
•
(352) 523.2722 msfmail@morningstarfishermen.org www.morningstarfishermen.org