.jpg)
The Christian ministry Well of Plenty is helping Africans thrive, and they are inviting Manitobans to come along side their work to feed them physically and spiritually.
"Well of Plenty is a holistic ministry," says director of Well of Plenty, Harry Dalke. "Our leader out in Africa has often said to us, 'They cannot grasp thinking of eternal things with their stomach constantly in pain with hunger.' That is a reality for them."
The ministry's work, specifically in Malawi, is building organic, high-yield gardens with continuous harvests. Well of Plenty also shares the gospel.
"We found in Israel there is a lot of drip irrigation being used. This country is extremely dry. It has four months of rain a year, yet you have to eat 12 months of the year. With finding good water sources, we used geologists and agrologists to give good advice from Canada. We find water where it makes sense."
There are five aspects of the work being done by Well of Plenty.
- They drill deep wells to supply clean, reliable drinking water.
- They build gardens and teach farmers how to grow a variety of crops using low-cost technologies.
- They provide farm management training, including classes on economic development.
- They enable access to higher revenue markets through trusted distributors.
- They offer micro-loans for individuals who are interested in expanding their own production.
On Apr. 24, the ministry is hosting a fish fry fundraiser in support of all the work being done in Malawi. It will be held at the Pembina Thresherman's Museum between Winkler and Morden. Anyone interested can drive up during supper hours, and those who want to go through for lunch must register by calling or texting Dalke at 204-362-4101. The plates will be given during the fundraiser with any monetary donation.
"We've expanded into nine different wells in nine communities," says Dalke. "Each community helps 3,000 people. It's growing fast and catching on."