Mlafu - Our Saviors, Stillwater, MN

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2009 CVP
2nd visit, October 2, 2009
Village
Mlafu
Pastor
Daison Mpesa
Companion
Our Savior’s, Stillwater
Attendee
13 (Three women, three evangelists)
This was the second visit here. First time we came, there was no body in the church. The pastor did not get the information about our visit (Pastor lost his cell-phone). We had to reschedule the meeting with Pastor’s wife. Don gave greetings from US adversary committee and the SPAS.
Review
After an introduction, meeting started with the quick review of the handouts:
· DIRA – Institute of agriculture agreement
· CVP plot management FAQs
· CVP Plot record of events
Demonstrations:
· It was demonstrated how to measure an acre using actual length measurements (63.5m by 63.5m/4032m2) instead of using pacing (70 by 70)
· The Rain gauge and a recording sheet were given to congregation. The Rain gauge and a recording sheet were given to congregation. It was instructed on how read and record.
The plot was measured. They have 0.5 acre plot in the slope in front of the church. The other 0.5 acre will be in another side. We discussed about controlling soil erosion using terraces and vegetation. There were concern about minimum tillage, the pastor said that he thinks the plants’ attachment to the ground will be very week and hence they will be falling down with the wind blow. We told them, plants root will go deep as normal and if wind is a problem in that area, wind break plants must be grown. We told them that another reason of having a demonstration plot is to research and come up with the solutions of the problems the local farmers of a particular area face. There has been good farming discussion here. While we were measuring the plot the government agricultural extension officer came. We told him what we were doing and he was invited to the next visit.
On our way back to Iringa town, we gave a ride to an evangelist of that area. Don bought him a new bicycle in Iringa town for evangelical activities in his place.