Bring Home a Fishing Hole
Even though you may not have a river or a pond close by, through World Gospel Mission's "Great Co-Mission Catalog", it is possible to send a fishing hole to some family in Honduras.
Aquaponics
There are multiple advantages to the aquaponics project.
- The obvious primary benefit is to provide a diverse variety of fresh vegetables and fish as a protein source to families. The aquaponics system is sustainable, recycling the nutrient rich water which is needed for the plants. The living plants serve as a biological filter for the water and the circulation water gathers oxygen which is needed for the fish.
- The local economy will benefit from the efficient production of food. The local church will benefit from the project by having community members obtain a higher standard of living. As standards of living increase, the church's members will be better able to adequately support the church’s economic needs for meeting its goals.
- The project will provide an enjoyable family time with parents and children working together. The fish and vegetable harvest will be coordinated with an existing “first-fruits” celebration which takes place in the church calendar in November. The aquaponics project will contribute to a church-coordinated community fair where participants’ projects will be judged on the appearance of their backyard gardens.
- The system is an excellent educational tool. Students can actually see the results of a living system. They can better understand the bacterial breakdown and plant use of fish waste.
There is a considerable amount of misinformation on the inability to grow vegetables in the hot climate of Choluteca, Honduras. A model garden has been planted, and neighbors are amazed that vegetables may actually be grown in southern Honduras. This is a first step in changing attitudes from “I can’t do anything”, to recognizing that “With God all things are possible”.
A vital ingredient in community development is the building of relationships. The church must be at the center of real community development. The church often adopts secular principles in its operation. In this case we anticipate extending the church’s concepts of building relationships through “fellowship” and “discipleship” into all the community.
