Potato Project in SE Bosnia

Unemployment is a world-wide issue. Because it is running between 65 - 70% in southeast Bosnia, it is an overwhelming problem to address.

Where to start? Almost every family in this part of Bosnia has a garden with plenty of land and the basic "know how" for gardening. The problem is that most do not have the money to purchase seedlings or equipment to make their home garden a source of income.

In 2008, the local CrossWorld team entered into a contract with three families, supplying them with seed potatoes to plant, cultivate, and harvest. The agreement included a commitment to either give back 40%of the harvest or pay for the initial cost of the seed potatoes.

At the end of the harvest, with $520 invested ($420 - seed potatoes; $100 - fuel for transportation) 3000 kg of crops were harvested! Of those, 1200 kg were returned to the church for use in food distribution to 100 needy families.

In addition to providing their own food, the farmers sold a portion of their 60% at the local market, thus creating extra income for their family. Due to the interaction during the oversight process, the CrossWorld team deepened relationships with the three participating families. Over time, our team has seen seven adults come to a relationship with Christ.

Now in Phase Two, our team plans to increase the size of the project by increasing production through the use of a rotor-tiller to break the ground and by increasing the number of families involved. The tiller will be managed by our team and would either be loaned or operated by one of our team members. In addition, they are seeking to purchase a tractor, which will also be used cooperatively.

2009 Funding Needs:

$3,000 to purchase and transport seed potatoes to give to five or six farmer families

$28,000 to purchase a tractor for cooperative use

Why does CrossWorld do this? It's our job. We are 350 Jesus followers, all over the world. But we are also a community of disciples who integrate "loving our neighbor" with sharing the Good News.

The CrossWorld Challenge

Though the years of civil war have ended, the damage remains. Once vibrant communities have high unemployment, leaving the people with a sense of overwhelming despair. Business as Mission efforts like the potato project in Bosnia help families meet basic needs while creating opportunities and developing relationships for the witness of the gospel in word and deed.

Help us bring the message of the cross, the hope of the world to a suffering people. See opportunities for service. Or give a financial gift to help meet the immediate business development needs.

Bosnia Potato Project is a part of Project #54450.