BURKINA FASO, West Africa – A tiny seed was part of a big plan to help nurture a new life for Asseta.

Operation Blessing's water well provided the people of the community with access to clean water and irrigation for the first time.

Combined with a water well and instructions on how to cultivate her own mini farm, Asseta was well on her way to meeting all the needs of her family.

Life for Asseta wasn’t always this easy. Recently, turmoil cut to the very trunk of Asseta's family tree.

“My husband lost his job, and was so disappointed that he abandoned me and all five of our children,” Asseta said.

She had been left alone, and with five mouths to feed. The future appeared bleak.

“Life was difficult,” Asseta said. “There were times when I spent the whole day looking for something for the kids to eat, but there was no food.”

Life started to change when Operation Blessing dug a water well-- giving the people of her community access to clean water for the first time.

The newly-irrigated soil allows needy women in the community to grow produce, which can then be sold at market.

Then, to help widows and single moms like Asseta, OBI launched a garden project. Women in need were given a plot of ground near the church, along with seeds, fertilizing and training on how to grow various types of crops.

“I grow carrots, lettuce, onions and other vegetables on my plot,” Asseta said. “Then I take them to the marketplace to sell.”

The women put the money from the vegetable garden into a co-op, and at the end of the month, each receives a share of the profits.

“With the profits, I have been able to put the children into school, buy new clothes, and feed them,” Asseta said. “Now they can eat a healthy balanced meal straight from the farm.”

HOW YOU CAN HELP

This garden venture is one of many Operation Blessing micro-enterprise projects touching lives around the world. You can be a part of improving the quality of life for impoverished communities by supporting these and other life-changing programs. Thank you for helping OBI break the cycle of suffering!

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