Philo traveled from California to Washington, D.C., from Iowa to Florida, serving as a farmer-ambassador from the Lusekele Agricultural Development Center and associated farmers to the Foods Resource Bank network of supporters and missionary farmers in North America. A small project called Micro-DEVRU has made a huge difference in the lives of semi-subsistence farmers in central Bandundu, thanks to the commitment of the Foods Resource Bank network, even through the hard times of this past year.
Two weeks ago Philo (seen here with translator Timothy Chapman) were in Washington to give testimony to a House sub-committee. This was a rare opportunity for an African woman who works everyday with semi-subsistence farmers to comment on how US foreign aid is spent in Africa, in Congo. Maybe that rare perspective can be the catalyst that shifts the thinking and practice of all those incredibly bright people in Washington. Imagine using power and wealth to help African peasant farmers to end famine, to create opportunity and to nourish hope.If you don't know about Foods Resource Bank, check out their website: http://www.foodsresourcebank.org/.
It brings together North American farmers with a heart for the world and Christians with a vision for creating food security and new economic opportunity for marginalized farmers in impoverished countries. You can be the hands and feet of Jesus in rural communities overseas. FRB has a remarkable talent for multiplying missions dollars to make a lasting difference in the world.
