Why Moldova? Why dig a well? Few Americans can even locate Moldova on a map. It's a small country (Europe's poorest), located between Romania and the Ukraine. It's an important link, though, to reach the Turk World with the Gospel through a small group of Christian believers located in southwest Moldova called the Gagauz people. In 2001, International Interns' Business as Missions (BAM) Initiative partnered with the Baptist church in Vulcanesti, Moldova, to launch a farm-based business enterprise. Moldovan farming methods were, some considered, 60 - 100 years behind the times and the "Farm Projects" goal was to empower local Gagauz churches to help them begin and sustain a farming business with modern equipment and techniques. Grants and loans to this farm co-op have provided tractors, implements, seed, and their "own" land. The Farm Project provides needed income that will result in the Turk World being reached for Christ.
Following Biblical guidelines, the "profits" from the farm project will generate employment, income, and opportunities to support church planting and missionary activities. Four Gagauz missionary families have already been sent to Crimea, and to the Kabardino-Balkaria Republic in southern Russia, to preach the gospel to primarily Muslims who need to know Christ.
Table grapes have been determined to be the most profitable crop. The past two years have been extremely difficult due to drought in Moldova, but thankfully the vineyard was saved through the tedious and hard work of hand watering each plant.
International Interns' goal is to dig a well and install an irrigation system for the vineyard. This not only will prevent loss of crops during a drought, but will also be its own source of income as water can be sold to other farms. The digging of the well must begin no later than April and be completed by June 1st, 2009. One-third of the project is already funded and only one-half is needed to start drilling. This is such an exciting opportunity and we ask that you join us in prayer as together we help the Christians in Moldova be able to provide income to support their Kingdom Ministries. We pray with them as they share the hope of Christ's salvation with those in the Turk World who have no hope.
The estimated amount remaining to be raised for PHASE ONE is $550.00. Phase one includes the drilling of the well, installation of the casing, the pump, the electrical power source, and installation of the first storage tank.
Storage tanks are necessary in order to achieve the most efficient use of the well. A total of two tanks will be needed for this project. A used tank can be purchased for about $2,500 depending on size and quality. The amount needed for one tank has almost been raised in PHASE ONE of the project.
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