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PROGRESS UPDATE -- January 7, 2025 -- this project is being funded through several different platforms.  Here is an update 

The 2024 School Garden Project Matching Challenge has concluded, and was tremendously successful! “Thank you” to everyone who participated and supported the effort.  The project itself is ongoing, even though the matching challenge has ended

Here’s an update:

The matching challenge of $14,000 was met and exceeded beyond our wildest expectations...Praise the Lord!

The intention was that anything received beyond the matching challenge of $14,000 would be applied to the project of purchasing a tractor for use at the school. And – Praising God! -- did we ever meet BOTH challenges!

One very generous donor stepped forward to purchase the tractor, along with two very important farming implements (a plow and a harrow). In addition to the several acres set aside for fruit and vegetables – the initial goal of the Garden Project -- the school has 20 acres of property which we hoped, eventually, to be able to farm and use to cultivate corn (an essential staple of the Tanzanian diet). Well, “eventually” has just become NOW! The tractor and related equipment has all been ordered – delivery is expected soon – and planting will take place as the spring rainy season approaches. That is ALL in addition to the fruit and vegetables!

What a Mighty God we serve! Thanks to all of you who have participated!

We will keep you posted of this exciting development. In the meantime please be praying:

-- for speedy and safe delivery of the equipment

-- for a skilled operator (which we believe we have) and successful training on the equipment, so it can be used safely and effectively

-- for a very good rainy season, and bountiful harvests of fruit, vegetables and corn!

Also, the first full week of January is the time our staff and students return to campus for the beginning of the new school year. Please PRAY,

-- for safe travel to the school

-- for a year of dynamic spiritual and academic growth for all our students and staff

-- for God’s continued provision of resources necessary to operate the school in a manner which honors God and builds up His people and His Church.

Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow!

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Here is the project description:

Dear Friends of The Lion of Judah Academy,

Greetings in Jesus Matchless Name!

The purpose is The Lion of Judah Academy “School Garden Project,” explained below. Each undesignated contribution received between November 15, 2024, and December 31, 2024, will be matched dollar-for-dollar, to a maximum of $14,000. That will result in a total contribution to the School Garden Project of $28,000.

So...just what is, “The School Garden Project”?

Up until 2020 (which most of the world remembers as the year COVID hit...but which is also remembered in much of East Africa as the year devastating flooding hit Lake Victoria, one of the largest lakes in the world), The Lion of Judah Academy had a very successful garden project on the bank of Lake Victoria. It supplied a steady stream of fruit and vegetables for the students. However, those gardens were overwhelmed by the flooding. Millions of people all around the Lake were displaced...businesses were destroyed...the economic effects have been devastating. Each year there has been hope that the waters will finally recede...but almost five years later and there is still no relief and people have been forced to adjust to life in a very different environment.

At the same time food prices have soared. The combined effect on our school and students has been difficult to deal with.

So...in early 2024, a large plot of unused land was set aside to begin doing some experimental agriculture. With enthusiastic students providing the labor, and a few knowledgeable teachers providing guidance and wisdom, it succeeded beyond expectations. This fall six additional acres was added for cultivation, and the decision has been made to commit substantial resources to the School Garden Project.

The goals are two-fold:

#1 – the main objective is to expand and develop the project to ensure a sufficient supply of vegetables and fruit to the students...currently we cannot afford much in the way of vegetables, and virtually no fruit.

#2 – the secondary goal is to provide a practical learning platform for students to learn agriculture, so they are better equipped for their own futures (in the past, virtually all Tanzanian students were given training in agriculture as a normal part of their education, but that is no longer the case)

Please prayerfully consider a donation to this project.  It will be an investment which will feed hundreds of children every year, for years and years to come.

 Thank you for prayerfully considering this important need!

The Lion of Judah Ministries is a 501(c)3 charity so all contributions are tax deductible.

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