Seeds of Hope
GROWING SEEDS, BREAKING THE CYCLE OF POVERTY
“When I first began working with the Coku family I found it hard to talk with Llesh and Arta about the challenges in their lives because they were sceptical and depressed,” Prel Prelaj, the Mission’s local Coordinator, shared.
Llesh and Arta with their seeds for planting
The pessimism and hopelessness in their lives can be traced back to the Communist regime that held Albanians in its grip. Since then they have lost all confidence in the state system. “Introducing the Seeds of Hope project into this vacuum is a practical tool in helping to turn life circumstances around for many who are disillusioned. When I first mentioned the project to the Coku family I could see their eyes shimmer as the desire to work was there,” Prel explained.
“I grew up in a large, poor family. My parents worked in the cooperative from early morning until late at night, but we still struggled to survive. I had to walk 2 hours to school and back through snow, rain and hot sun. I dreamt of going to university and becoming a teacher, but it didn’t happen. Now all I want for my three wonderful children is for them is to realise their dreams,” Arta, the mother shared. “Over the past year our life has changed. If it wasn’t for the Mission’s support we would have sought asylum in Germany only to have been sent back
The Coku Family
with much less than we had before. This project has given the whole family the chance to cultivate our land. Two of our children have been given glasses to correct the same eye defect that I have and we have also started going to church because God has touched our lives,” Llesh, the father shared.” With the income they received from last year’s produce they bought some chickens and a cow and are about to start sowing seeds again for this year’s harvest. Slowly the Coku family are beginning to break out of the cycle of poverty. They are optimistic about the future and will soon be self-sufficient.
SOME OF LAST YEAR’S
harvests
Richard, an experienced farmer from America volunteers his time and talents to help others cultivate the rich soils of Mostar, Bosnia. He also encourages families to stay together and work hard, as Ruth did from the Bible.
“We’ve always wanted a garden. With every seed we plant we have more hope.”
“We are deeply thankful to the Mission not only for their help, but for inspiring and enabling us to become self-sufficient. We also want to pass on these opportunities to our children.” OLEH, FATHER OF A FAMILY OF 13, UKRAINE
“The Seeds of Hope project is helping our family to change and to build a new life. This summer our harvest was so plentiful that we could sell the surplus. With the money we bought a cow and some firewood for the winter. Can you believe it? I’m really happy.”
“I don’t know how we would buy the seeds if it wasn’t for the Mission. Thanks to you I can offer fresh and healthy food to my family.”
RESMIJE, BOSNIA
DRAGANA, MOTHER OF 3, BOSNIA
ANA MARIE, MOTHER OF 4, ROMANIA
WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE A SEED GIVER?
$25
WILL HELP BUY ONE PARCEL OF GOOD QUALITY SEEDS
PO Box 56264, Dominion Road, Auckland 1446 Phone 09 309 6969 0800 469 269 Email nzadmin@mwbi.org Website mwb.org.nz Reg. Charity No. CC37218 Direct Credit Payments: Our bank account is 06-0185-0122206-12
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