I have shared before about the incredible work God is doing through Michael and Holly Cooley in Sierra Leone and it is time for an update. This couple from Woodstock continues to travel to and from as schedules and finances permit and God is richly blessing these efforts.
On a recent trip, they were each able to use their God-given gifts and specialized training. As an Art Instructor, Holly introduced many children in both Freetown and Daru to creative expression through art. Most of these children had never seen crayons before and they were thrilled beyond words to receive three of their very own!
Holly helped them understand colors and design and students were proud to share their efforts with her. She also showed them how they can even use charcoal from their cooking fires to draw on stones. She explained that God Himself was the original Artist and that all of Creation is a display of His creative abilities.
Holly also taught many women some basic sewing skills. For many in Daru, the thread and needles she gave them were the first they ever had. She walked them through a simple project teaching various techniques they can use to help themselves and their families. When it seemed like there wouldn’t be enough kits for everyone, God multiplied them to be so; not once, but twice!
While Holly was busy with the women and children, Michael continued to help the farmers not only in the management of their cocoa orchards, but in establishing a cooperative to process and market their beans. Thanks to the generosity of an Edinburg couple, he was able to facilitate the purchase of a Toyota 4Runner to transport their seedlings, produce, and personnel.
Michael was also able to present each of these farmers with their own quality machetes. These tools are vitally important in clearing brush from the orchards so that the cocoa trees can thrive.
In addition, Michael is working with Foundations For Farming and Mission To The World to enhance other agricultural crops such as rice, corn, and cassava. He is training individuals who can return to their villages and train others. Techniques such as composting, green manure, proper timing, and strategic placement of plants are all part of the instruction that has already borne fruit with increased harvests. These methods are not only Biblical, but holistic and environmentally sustainable. It’s a win/win/win for all involved.
Another incredible aspect of this partnership has been the drilling of three wells that benefit their communities. Thanks to the generosity of individuals and churches in the Shenandoah Valley, many families in Sierra Leone are able to now enjoy what most of us take for granted every day: fresh, clean, safe water.
One of the most amazing aspects of this ministry is its spiritual component. All that is done is done through the power of the Holy Spirit and in the name of Jesus. Villagers who are visibly moved by wells, machetes, sewing supplies, etc. often ask, “How is this possible?” To which Michael and the indigenous pastor always answer, “Jesus did this.”
Indeed, Jesus has done this! Through His faithful servants, the Cooleys, and through the generous support of many, lives are being saved physically and spiritually and transformed in ways never thought possible.
Michael is planning to return to Africa this August to visit Malawi, Rwanda, and possibly the Democratic Republic of Congo to share these farming methods there. He is scheduling trips to Ecuador in September and Liberia in November and possibly India in December. All of this depends on financial gifts made to Equipping Leaders International for their support. Contributions can be made to this ministry and mailed to PO Box 45, Woodstock, VA 22664 to advance this important work. To find out more and get updates, email Michael at narrowpassagepermaculture@gmail.com. Pray for God’s continued guidance, provision, and blessing. Thankful to be a part, George