Brick by Brick: The Business of Rebuilding Liberia
Church Helps Start Independent Rubber Farm with Donated Saplings
We are supporting a 20-acre farm in Liberia called Abundant Harvest Farm. Two years ago, the workers planted about 3,000 rubber saplings, all of which were donated by Firestone Liberia. Now the trees are 10 to 20 feet tall.
Not only did the company donate the saplings, Firestone Liberia employees came out to teach the Liberians how to take care of them. The farm currently employ two or three part-time people and another 10 to 15 who earn income from doing their part during the year. Unemployment is a huge problem in Liberia, and we wanted to make a difference. To the people we employ, we do.
On one of my visits to Liberia, one employee stood up and told us that after the war he had no hope. But now, because of the job we provide him, he has hope. That was a great moment.
Posted by: Ardie Bucher, member of Indianapolis, Ind.-based College Park Church
November 21, 2008
