We are growing

A part of the Holistic Hope ministry is based on improving physical health through medicinal herbs. It is key to gaining knowledge about their health benefits and learning how to grow them. This reminds me of the parable of the sower. Mark 4 verse 20 says, "But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold". For me, our lives represent the soil. We can improve it by serving each other, such as helping an elderly person carry a heavy bag or giving our seat on the bus to a pregnant woman (which is like adding fertilizer to the soil). These good actions show who we serve, and people will recognize that too. Then, when GOD grants us the opportunity, the same people will become intrigued and perhaps open up to us. This is the time to sow the seeds (seeds are the WORD OF GOD, it can be a Bible verse or a testimony). Having prepared and fertilized the soil, the seeds WILL GROW, because GOD will do the rest. Watering, of course (prayer), is always a good idea, and pests (discouragements) will come to prevent that little plant from growing and bearing fruit... We can only do our part. It is GOD's miraculous power that brings the seeds to life!

Here is what we have done so far:

Officially, we were able to start our herb garden in April 2024. We sowed seeds of a variety of herbs, such as melissa, basil, thyme, rosemary, chamomile, and dill in duroport cups. Then we transplanted the small plants to the soil in mid-May when the rainy season starts in Guatemala. Additionally, we bought lavender, dandelion, stevia, insulin, sage, calendula and lemon verbena. With the blessing of our LORD, these herbs are harvested every 2 months. Then we proceed to wash and dry them in a special hanging net with 8 compartments.

The reason why we dedicate ourselves to this rather long and quite cumbersome process is that one really never knows for sure whether chemical fertilizers or pesticides are used for the plants in stores or nurseries. So we decided it is better to do it ourselves, and at the same time, we are gaining important insights about planting and growing, which are very useful for then teaching our students and women in different communities. :)

Another amazing use of these herbs is for our health classes with the wisest members of our program with Iglesia del Camino in Antigua. Creating recipes of medicinal herbs and putting them in small bags for our very own tea blends is Angela's newest hobby. Her first mixtures are not only delicious but also promote health.

Moreover, we were able to harvest seeds and divide the plants to share them among our team and give them to people in our programs. For example, someone who suffers from diabetes can now grow the insulin plant at home to gain control over the sickness and lower the costs of medicine.

This year, we were able to bless the women of the El Zapote community with some herbal teas and teach four classes of students about how to prepare the soil for planting and plant escarole, basil, and bell pepper seeds. It is such a rewarding experience to see even the youngest kids arousing interest in farming, health, and nutrition!

The goals for this year are:

• Continue growing medicinal herbs to be able to raise production and possibly generate funds for the ministry by selling our own teas.

• Continue to educate people on the subject of the adequate use of medicinal herbs through specific classes about health issues during family and community visits.

• Teach students of the school in El Zapote how to plant plants and medicinal herbs, and also how to make organic fertilizers, pesticides, and fungicides.

• Teach and support people in need of our programs on how to create income through plants, seeds, possibly chicken, and eggs.

We are eager to share more of this exciting aspect of our ministry that continues to help us grow in every way.

Be blessed,

Elisabeth