Seeds of Hope
Seeds of Hope is a relatively new project of Convoy of Hope. The initial seeds were sent in March of 2006 to South Africa. In the months following, several shipments were sent to countries in Latin America, Africa, and Europe. One of the seed packets known as the Family Packets consists of 8 various seed packages supplemented with educational literature. The literature consists of three pieces covering the subjects of nutrition, garden preparation, and seed planting.
Recently two international staff members from Convoy of Hope embarked on a journey to the Philippines to assess the damage inflicted by two typhoons and a mud slide.
Bob Bachman, Agricultural/Water Project Coordinator, visited with a couple just hours prior to heading back to the United States . During the course of their dialog, they discussed the need for assistance in growing food for the students at a local school. They stated the recent typhoons had laid waste to the garden growing at the school. In despair she said, ìI just wish we had some seeds!î Bachman, knowing of the Seeds of Hope program at Convoy of Hope, informed them of the invaluable seed and educational resources housed at Convoy of Hope. As the time for departure came, Bachman left hoping the future would grant an opportunity for Convoy of Hope to assist the school in such a way.
Almost concurrently back in the United States, Convoy of Hope prepared a container for shipment to the Philippines loaded with supplies needed as a result of the natural disasters. The container was originally scheduled to arrive at a port in Manila. Just hours before shipment, the port of entry changed due to logistical issues. With that turn of events, it was allowable to put seeds on the container. With no knowledge of the conversation which occurred in the Philippines between the couple and Bachman, two barrels of seeds were added to the container with hopes they would meet a need upon arrival in the Philippines. What joy abounded when the team returned and the two stories were compared.
For more information on this project, please feel free to contact the Seeds of Hope Project Director at Convoy of Hope, phone 417-823-8998.