| Burns FFA to Africa and Back |
Jennifer Ferreira, Burns FFA
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 Andrew Tisdale, Rev. Rick Hamrick, Luke Beam, Steven Norton, Brandon Hatch, Haley Harris, Mickeeley Chapman, Jacob Ellis, Courtney Scism, Jennifer Ferreira, Lacey Culbertson, Rev. Glenn Walker and Sam Stutts
Their journey began with a one hour flight from Charlotte to Washington D.C.; 13 hour flight from Washington D.C. to Addis Ababa (Ethiopia); 4 hour flight from Addis Ababa to Lilongwe; and finally a 6 hour drive from Lilongwe to Namwera.
After a long and exhausting journey, the team finally made it to Grace Farms, where they would be staying for the next two weeks. Even though they were tired, the team was very excited to finally be in Africa. The students received a tour of the farm and surrounding areas, and ended the day joyfully by playing with the children.
The team’s main goal was to install drip irrigation to support the farm. The temperature in Malawi during their winter is on average 70 degrees. There is no rain from April to October. This is perfect weather for farming if only a water source could be utilized. The team took advantage of this perfect weather by planting new crops and installing a drip irrigation system that would be able to sustain the farm for years to come. The work started by the team working the ground and making rows in the garden. They then planted seeds that were generously donated by Ace Hardware of Lawndale, NC. They then dug a ditch to bury the central water line. This central water line has four taps on it that would allow for expansion of the irrigation to the macadamia nursery, gardens, etc. Half of the group installed a water pump that would move water from the well to the tank near the garden. Meanwhile, the other half of the group worked to extend the drip tape over the rows and to connect the tape to the central water line. Once the irrigation system was running smoothly, the team covered the central water line, and headed to the orphanage to install the system there.
One of the main parts of this trip was to teach the people in Namwera better ways to farm. While at the orphanage, the team worked along side of the orphans to install the system. Silas, a 17 year old orphan, helped with English translation. The Burns team specifically helped to make sure Silas learned how to install the irrigation system. Now, Silas can teach the other children at the orphanage how to expand this system.
The team not only installed the irrigation system, but they also helped in de-worming (removing internal parasites) from cattle. They gave injections subcutaneously (under the skin) to about 100 cattle. This was a big help to the farm too as the directions for use on the bottles were in English and only the educated of Malawi read English.
Helping at the orphanage was a major part of this trip. Grace Children’s Home is supported by Hands on Missions in Shelby and Hands on Africa. Most of these children have lost both parents and would be living on the streets if not for Grace Farm Orphanage. The orphans are supported by sponsorship; for $40 a month, a child will be provided food, shelter, and a new loving family. This is a great opportunity for small groups and Sunday school classes. For more information, see www.handsonafrica.com or www.handsonmissions.com.
Later that week, the students and two adults prepared to go to a local school to have a field day with them. The schools were closed so the community could celebrate Ramadan, however the leaders of this school called class in just so the students could do a field day. Over 150 children came, and they got to play tug o’ war, jump rope, and soccer. Afterwards, they received a good news lesson from the Burns FFA students and got some candy.
Three of the adults on the trip came to teach in the seminary. With classes ranging from 50 to 200 students it was a tight squeeze into the classroom. For a bachelor’s degree, it is a five year process, but it is well worth the work The team was privileged to attend the first seminary graduation in Malawi. It was a joyous celebration for the graduates, their families, and the team, too. Jacob Ellis, one of FFA members said, “We take education for granted because most of the world doesn’t have the opportunity and resources to go to school.” According to local school personnel, only 1 student in 1000 is privileged to attend college in Malawi.
The Burns FFA ISEE (International Sustainable Extension Experience) team is very appreciative of the support this community has shown towards this trip. This community’s generosity has made this trip possible. Thank you so very much.
How This Trip Has Changed the Team’s Lives:
Jacob Ellis: “I accepted Christ and now I’m going to learn to live for Him daily.”
Jennifer Ferreira: “You hear about poverty stricken countries all the time, but now that I’ve went and seen it with my own eyes, I realize how much I have to be grateful for. I also see how living for other people and not yourself is one of the number one ways to have joy in your life. I never expected to be so touched by this trip, and I feel God is calling me to do more mission work. Luke 10:2: “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send outworkers into His harvest field.” I truly do see that the harvest is plentiful, and I want to be a worker for the Lord’s harvest.
Luke Beam: “I’m humbled by the chance to empower my students to impact another continent with technology and vital information to transform lives forever.”
Lacey Culbertson: “This trip has given me a new perspective on life. It has made me realize how much better off we are and how much I take for granted. The trip has really brought me closer to God and helped me see the wondrous ways He works in people’s lives. It was very life changing and I can’t wait to go back!
Mickeeley Chapman: “This trip made me grateful for all the things we have and has changed my perspective on life.”
Courtney Scism: “This trip has given me a new perspective on material goods. We have so much and they have so little, but are just as happy, if not happier, than we are.”
Steven Norton: “We are very rich compared to some other countries. I consider everything I have as a blessing; I wouldn’t say this trip has changed me as much as it has given me a better understanding of our planet.”
Haley Harris: “Malawi is a beautiful country, filled with beautiful people. One of the most rewarding things I have ever seen is the compassion and love that the people there display. These people have taught me to slow down and look around; to take time for one another; and most importantly to keep doing the will of God. During our time on the farm and orphanage I was privileged to see how active and at work the Lord has been and still is. It gives me great hope for the future of what is to come and a reminder that there is still work to be done. I am forever grateful and thankful for all you who took time and funds to help us get to Malawi- thank you so much for investing in us to do this task.”
The team would very much like to thank Cleveland County. They would like to thank the churches, companies, and individuals who showed great generosity. They couldn’t have went if you hadn’t supported them. Thank you so very much!
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