ANNUAL REPORT 2013
Environmental Solutions To Humanitarian Problems
JULY 2012-JUNE 2013
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Catherine Lundy, ChairJeff Busby, SecretaryCindy Outlaw, TreasurerNeil Bellefeuille Jim GeiszCraig Goodwin
EXECUTIVE STAFF
Scott Sabin, Executive Director
Robert Morikawa, Technical Director
Doug Satre, Director of Development
Kristen Tucker, Director of Finance and Administration
Richard JaynesEric KaiserScott SabinJ.K. SheaJohn SteelTony Wilson
2 3
DEAR PARTNERS,
This past year we have seen some amazing growth both in the numbers of people that we are reaching and in the effectiveness of our program. Our work is still focused on areas of intractable poverty and environmental degradation, where we catalyze a vir-tuous cycle of environmental restoration, economic opportunity, and spiritual renewal. It is still the stories of individual changed lives that drive us. However, it
is valuable to look at the big picture and review where we have come in the last year.
Our Village Savings and Loan Associations program continues to grow, anchoring our economic opportunity efforts. At the end of the fiscal year, we had 312 groups and as of this writing, that number has grown to 425, allowing over 10,000 families to build financial safety nets and create small businesses. We have empowered partnering farmers to improve crop production while developing more sustainable farming systems. In post-conflict Burundi we have become a key partner in an international effort to revitalize agriculture.
In the area of environmental restoration, 2.24 million trees were plant-eda new recordwith more than half of those being planted in Tanza-nia. There, our local director Richard Mhina discovered that recognition and friendly group competition are better incentives than the traditional subsidies of many African development programs. This became the focus of his recently completed MBA thesis.
Spiritual renewal continues to take a number of different forms, with most of our work focused on strengthening local churches. However, one of the most innovative approaches is that used by Lazare Sebeteriko, our director in Burundi, whose Theology of Work curriculum encourages returning refugees to discover their God-given purpose. These multi-day workshops are in demand all over Burundi and in neighboring Congo, and usually lead to requests for accompanying Village Savings and Loan Associations programs and agricultural training, stretching our capacity.
Among the things I find most exciting are the many ways we have im-proved our ability to measure impact. We are now using satellite imagery to track vegetation change in entire regions and have digital proof that our efforts actually are reversing deforestation and poverty. Confirming our hypothesis that healthy forests result in cleaner water, we have also measured dramatic decreases in waterborne illness. Finally, by using sat-ellite information in our planning, and taking into account the watersheds that villages are located in, we can further maximize our positive impact on downstream health.
None of this would be possible without your support and prayers. Thank you so much for being a part of the team.
Scott Sabin Executive Director
With Gratitude,
PLANT WITH PURPOSE, A CHRISTIAN NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION, REVERSES DEFORESTATION AND POVERTY AROUND THE WORLD BY TRANSFORMING THE LIVES OF THE RURAL POOR.
DEAR FRIENDS OF PLANT WITH PURPOSE,
Almost 30 years ago, my husband and I attended Plant With Purposes first gala. We were extremely impressed and inspired by the vision of combining environmental, economic, and spiritual renewalthree
things we cared deeply aboutin one ministry. We were immediately hooked, and our com-mitment has not wavered. This year we will cel-ebrate not only the thirtieth anniversary for our marriage but also that of the founding of Plant With Purpose. In the last 30 years, we have watched the dream of sharing Gods love by re-versing the cycle of poverty become a reality in the hundreds of villages with whom Plant With Purpose has partnered around the globe.
Plant With Purpose is a core part of our family. As a family, we have visited the programs in the Dominican Republic, Tanzania, Burundi, and Thailand. Excitement for Plant With Purpose has also taken root amongst our friends. For the past three years, a group of women from my Bible study joined me on a Vision Trip to Mexico. In Chipegenio, a community previously ravaged by deforestation and drought, a man named Alejandro described the transformation to us, This project has changed many aspects of our lives. Now we have hope. His brother Abundio chimed in, Before, there was a lot of immigration. Now the people are staying. God is opening doors to provide support, and Plant With Purpose is giving support and guidance. Trees are life. When there are trees, there is life and hope. This transformation is happening because people like you support this holistic approach to healing poverty. 2013 brought new friends, new milestones, and new momentum toward achieving our future aspirations. Thank you for your partnership with Plant With Purpose, with farmers and villagers around the world. You are Gods hands to themtouching, loving, and healing.
Catherine Lundy Board Chair
Blessings,
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Catherine Lundy, ChairJeff Busby, SecretaryCindy Outlaw, TreasurerNeil Bellefeuille Jim GeiszCraig Goodwin
EXECUTIVE STAFF
Scott Sabin, Executive Director
Robert Morikawa, Technical Director
Doug Satre, Director of Development
Kristen Tucker, Director of Finance and Administration
Richard JaynesEric KaiserScott SabinJ.K. SheaJohn SteelTony Wilson
2 3
DEAR PARTNERS,
This past year we have seen some amazing growth both in the numbers of people that we are reaching and in the effectiveness of our program. Our work is still focused on areas of intractable poverty and environmental degradation, where we catalyze a vir-tuous cycle of environmental restoration, economic opportunity, and spiritual renewal. It is still the stories of individual changed lives that drive us. However, it
is valuable to look at the big picture and review where we have come in the last year.
Our Village Savings and Loan Associations program continues to grow, anchoring our economic opportunity efforts. At the end of the fiscal year, we had 312 groups and as of this writing, that number has grown to 425, allowing over 10,000 families to build financial safety nets and create small businesses. We have empowered partnering farmers to improve crop production while developing more sustainable farming systems. In post-conflict Burundi we have become a key partner in an international effort to revitalize agriculture.
In the area of environmental restoration, 2.24 million trees were plant-eda new recordwith more than half of those being planted in Tanza-nia. There, our local director Richard Mhina discovered that recognition and friendly group competition are better incentives than the traditional subsidies of many African development programs. This became the focus of his recently completed MBA thesis.
Spiritual renewal continues to take a number of different forms, with most of our work focused on strengthening local churches. However, one of the most innovative approaches is that used by Lazare Sebeteriko, our director in Burundi, whose Theology of Work curriculum encourages returning refugees to discover their God-given purpose. These multi-day workshops are in demand all over Burundi and in neighboring Congo, and usually lead to requests for accompanying Village Savings and Loan Associations programs and agricultural training, stretching our capacity.
Among the things I find most exciting are the many ways we have im-proved our ability to measure impact. We are now using satellite imagery to track vegetation change in entire regions and have digital proof that our efforts actually are reversing deforestation and poverty. Confirming our hypothesis that healthy forests result in cleaner water, we have also measured dramatic decreases in waterborne illness. Finally, by using sat-ellite information in our planning, and taking into account the watersheds that villages are located in, we can further maximize our positive impact on downstream health.
None of this would be possible without your support and prayers. Thank you so much for being a part of the team.
Scott Sabin Executive Director
With Gratitude,
PLANT WITH PURPOSE, A CHRISTIAN NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION, REVERSES DEFORESTATION AND POVERTY AROUND THE WORLD BY TRANSFORMING THE LIVES OF THE RURAL POOR.
DEAR FRIENDS OF PLANT WITH PURPOSE,
Almost 30 years ago, my husband and I attended Plant With Purposes first gala. We were extremely impressed and inspired by the vision of combining environmental, economic, and spiritual renewalthree
things we cared deeply aboutin one ministry. We were immediately hooked, and our com-mitment has not wavered. This year we will cel-ebrate not only the thirtieth anniversary for our marriage but also that of the founding of Plant With Purpose. In the last 30 years, we have watched the dream of sharing Gods love by re-versing the cycle of poverty become a reality in the hundreds of villages with whom Plant With Purpose has partnered around the globe.
Plant With Purpose is a core part of our family. As a family, we have visited the programs in the Dominican Republic, Tanzania, Burundi, and Thailand. Excitement for Plant With Purpose has also taken root amongst our friends. For the past three years, a group of women from my Bible study joined me on a Vision Trip to Mexico. In Chipegenio, a community previously ravaged by deforestation and drought, a man named Alejandro described the transformation to us, This project has changed many aspects of our lives. Now we have hope. His brother Abundio chimed in, Before, there was a lot of immigration. Now the people are staying. God is opening doors to provide support, and Plant With Purpose is giving support and guidance. Trees are life. When there are trees, there is life and hope. This transformation is happening because people like you support this holistic approach to healing poverty. 2013 brought new friends, new milestones, and new momentum toward achieving our future aspirations. Thank you for your partnership with Plant With Purpose, with farmers and villagers around the world. You are Gods hands to themtouching, loving, and healing.
Catherine Lundy Board Chair
Blessings,
I didnt get to go to secondary school, shares Rehema Meela, a mother of five who grew up in a poor family in Lyasongoro, Tan-zania. Yet Rehema is hopeful that a different future is possible for her children.
Rehema, her husband, and their five chil-dren live in a cozy brick house surrounded by their family garden, banana trees, and coffee plants. Her husband makes a modest living delivering goods throughout the community in a pickup truck, while she supports the fam-ily by raising livestock and growing crops.
Six years ago, Rehema learned about Plant With Purpose. I heard about it at church, she remembers. They made an announce-ment that they would be giving training for making a vegetable garden. I came to the training. Then they invited me to join the Ev-ergreen Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA). Ever since then, life has been looking up.
They taught us about keeping animals, agriculture, environmen-tal conservation, and entrepreneurship, she recalls about work-shops offered by Plant With Purpose. Loans from her VSLA have allowed her to purchase pigs and goats for breeding and selling. Rehema has also established a nursery with 500 tree seedlings.
50,000 TZ shillings [about $30 USD] was the most Id ever held in my hand before joining the Evergreen VSLA, she says. Be-cause of the lack of savings, It was espe-cially difficult to pay school fees. While the government pays for primary school in Tan-zania, parents are required to buy uniforms and school supplies. The cost of secondary education is not free. Thanks to the VSLA, Rehema now has enough money to send all of her children to school, pay for medical care, and has started multiple small busi-nesses.
Her most recent business venture is a store inside her home, where she sells household goods including matches, sugar, and oil. As an active member of the Lyasongoro Lutheran Church, Rehema also leads a committee that runs a small church-owned shop. The profits go to supporting the churchs womens ministry.
Inside that well-kept house hangs a picture of a young wom-an in graduation attire. Rehema shares with a smile, Thats my oldest daughter. She graduated university. And shining through that smile is the impact that Plant With Purpose has had on this one family in Tanzania.
50,000 TZ SHILLINGS [ABOUT $30 USD] WAS THE MOST ID EVER HELD IN MY HAND BEFORE JOINING THE EVERGREEN VSLA.
CHANGING FUTURESTHEY [PLANT WITH PURPOSE] TAUGHT US ABOUT KEEPING ANIMALS, AGRICULTURE, ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION, AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP. ~Rehema Meela
4 5
I didnt get to go to secondary school, shares Rehema Meela, a mother of five who grew up in a poor family in Lyasongoro, Tan-zania. Yet Rehema is hopeful that a different future is possible for her children.
Rehema, her husband, and their five chil-dren live in a cozy brick house surrounded by their family garden, banana trees, and coffee plants. Her husband makes a modest living delivering goods throughout the community in a pickup truck, while she supports the fam-ily by raising livestock and growing crops.
Six years ago, Rehema learned about Plant With Purpose. I heard about it at church, she remembers. They made an announce-ment that they would be giving training for making a vegetable garden. I came to the training. Then they invited me to join the Ev-ergreen Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA). Ever since then, life has been looking up.
They taught us about keeping animals, agriculture, environmen-tal conservation, and entrepreneurship, she recalls about work-shops offered by Plant With Purpose. Loans from her VSLA have allowed her to purchase pigs and goats for breeding and selling. Rehema has also established a nursery with 500 tree seedlings.
50,000 TZ shillings [about $30 USD] was the most Id ever held in my hand before joining the Evergreen VSLA, she says. Be-cause of the lack of savings, It was espe-cially difficult to pay school fees. While the government pays for primary school in Tan-zania, parents are required to buy uniforms and school supplies. The cost of secondary education is not free. Thanks to the VSLA, Rehema now has enough money to send all of her children to school, pay for medical care, and has started multiple small busi-nesses.
Her most recent business venture is a store inside her home, where she sells household goods including matches, sugar, and oil. As an active member of the Lyasongoro Lutheran Church, Rehema also leads a committee that runs a small church-owned shop. The profits go to supporting the churchs womens ministry.
Inside that well-kept house hangs a picture of a young wom-an in graduation attire. Rehema shares with a smile, Thats my oldest daughter. She graduated university. And shining through that smile is the impact that Plant With Purpose has had on this one family in Tanzania.
50,000 TZ SHILLINGS [ABOUT $30 USD] WAS THE MOST ID EVER HELD IN MY HAND BEFORE JOINING THE EVERGREEN VSLA.
CHANGING FUTURESTHEY [PLANT WITH PURPOSE] TAUGHT US ABOUT KEEPING ANIMALS, AGRICULTURE, ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION, AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP. ~Rehema Meela
4 5
1000000
1500000
2000000
2500000
3000000
3500000
4000000
1,289,425
4
2,900,112
5,225
126
1,476,973
9
3,318,810
6,105
160
2,135,776
21
3,827,146
6,915
205
2,857,301*
63
5,583,686
9,090
261
2,607,591
91
6,786,857
9,713
275
3,404,935
144
8,060,358
12,453
307
3,092,321
312
10,303,421
14,081
331
2008
2006
2007
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2,438,534
48
4,510,668
8,020
231
*Haiti earthquake relief funds: $960,937. 2010s total
budget: $3,818,238.
233 local churches have received training and support to increase their knowledge of God and improve their outreach and discipleship efforts.
SPIRITUAL
2.24 million trees were planted by partner-ing communities in 2013 alonea 76% increase from the year before. This year Plant With Purpose reached the milestone of 10 million trees planted.
ENVIRONMENTAL
312 Village Savings and Loan Associa-tions with 7,376 members have a com-bined member equity of $616,185 USD, representing increased savings and access to credit.
ECONOMIC
Over 30 years ago in the Dominican Republic, we first saw how environmental degrada-tion and extreme poverty form a vicious cycle, robbing the rural poor of opportunity and hope. Deforestation destroys the most important assets of rural farmers: their soil and water. In turn, desperation drives people to use the forest in an unsustainable way. Ad-dressing both deforestation and poverty together can create a virtuous cycle. Motivated by the love of Jesus, Plant With Purpose works to get at the roots of rural poverty through an integrated, three-part approachenvironmental, economic, and spiritual. Thanks to an amazing multi-national partnership consisting of donors, development professionals, and local community members, 14,081 families in 331 communities in 6 countries are experi-encing transformation.
EMPOWERING THE RURAL POOR SINCE 1984
BUDGETVS
LA GROUPS TREES FAMILIES
COMMUNITIES
PLANT WITH PURPOSES GLOBAL PROGRAM GROWTH
1000000
1500000
2000000
2500000
3000000
3500000
4000000
1,289,425
4
2,900,112
5,225
126
1,476,973
9
3,318,810
6,105
160
2,135,776
21
3,827,146
6,915
205
2,857,301*
63
5,583,686
9,090
261
2,607,591
91
6,786,857
9,713
275
3,404,935
144
8,060,358
12,453
307
3,092,321
312
10,303,421
14,081
331
2008
2006
2007
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2,438,534
48
4,510,668
8,020
231
*Haiti earthquake relief funds: $960,937. 2010s total
budget: $3,818,238.
233 local churches have received training and support to increase their knowledge of God and improve their outreach and discipleship efforts.
SPIRITUAL
2.24 million trees were planted by partner-ing communities in 2013 alonea 76% increase from the year before. This year Plant With Purpose reached the milestone of 10 million trees planted.
ENVIRONMENTAL
312 Village Savings and Loan Associa-tions with 7,376 members have a com-bined member equity of $616,185 USD, representing increased savings and access to credit.
ECONOMIC
Over 30 years ago in the Dominican Republic, we first saw how environmental degrada-tion and extreme poverty form a vicious cycle, robbing the rural poor of opportunity and hope. Deforestation destroys the most important assets of rural farmers: their soil and water. In turn, desperation drives people to use the forest in an unsustainable way. Ad-dressing both deforestation and poverty together can create a virtuous cycle. Motivated by the love of Jesus, Plant With Purpose works to get at the roots of rural poverty through an integrated, three-part approachenvironmental, economic, and spiritual. Thanks to an amazing multi-national partnership consisting of donors, development professionals, and local community members, 14,081 families in 331 communities in 6 countries are experi-encing transformation.
EMPOWERING THE RURAL POOR SINCE 1984
BUDGETVS
LA GROUPS TREES FAMILIES
COMMUNITIES
PLANT WITH PURPOSES GLOBAL PROGRAM GROWTH
DOMINICAN REPUBLICLED BY CARLOS DISLADIRECTOR, FLORESTA INCORPORADA
1,529 families benefitting in 63 communities
63VSLAs with 1,767 members and total member equity of $219,474 USD
107new Bible study groups established with 1,828 new participants, for a total of 206 Bible studies with 2,717 participants
44church partnerships, with 136 pastors and church leaders trained in community engagement
36literacy groups with 424 participants established as a result of church mobilization training
HAITILED BY GUY PARAISONDIRECTOR, FLORESTA AYITI
RESTORING THE LAND Hunger is a huge issue in Haiti where more than 44 percent of the population is undernourished (World Food Programme, 2012). Reports show that 85-90 percent of Haitians depend on what they can grow to feed their families and earn an income. In 2013, partnering farmers planted 293,492 trees, conserved 176 miles of soil through erosion-control barriers, and established 236 agroforestry farm plots. These sustainable farming techniques ultimately mean families are growing more food and ensuring a more successful future.
3,611 families benefitting in 87 communities
27 VSLAs with 630 members and total member equity of $20,057 USD
293,492 TREES PLANTED
176 miles of soil conservation barriers established
502 Creole Bibles distributed
398 water purification systems disbursed
INVESTING IN LIVES
The government of the Dominican Republic
turned to Plant With Purpose for collaboration
on a national literacy campaign.
ENGAGING LOCAL CHURCHES
Liksius Moransi emphasizes the way Plant With
Purpose facilitates true community development
and helps families invest in the future.
CHANGING COMMUNITIES
We did not know how to organize ourselves, he says. [Now] we organize ourselves to work with the aim of changing our community. Plant With Purpose gave me twelve banana plantlets. With the income from the bananas, I bought a pig. It has already given birth to twelve piglets. I plan to buy a cow when I sell the pigs. And I have eaten a lot of bananas!
Saintanie Merove says she appreciates the spiri-
tual renewal focus of Plant With Purpose, particu-
larly that each group meeting begins with a time
of Bible study and worship. Saintanie notes,
PARTNERING WITH GOD
Among all the NGOs in the area, Plant With Purpose is unique. It emphasizes spiritual issues in the community. When we talked about the parable of the talents in the Bible, we learned lessons to manage what we have done well.
We are very grateful that Plant With Purpose cares about the welfare of communities. Through their support, I improved my crop production, I have part of my plot planted with timber trees, Im saving money in the savings-and-loan group, and spiritually, we always pray at every group meeting.
Felicia Suarez is very active in her community
of El Caf. She is a member of the reforestation
brigade, attends an adult literacy class, and par-
ticipates in a VLSA. She shares,
Equipping adults to read and write is being done in partnership with our church mobilization program, and churches are now the platform for local literacy groups in more than 30 Dominican communities. Iglesia Asamblea de Dios in the community of Kilometer 61 hosts a literacy group. A participant named Cecilia Lopez shares, I ask the Lord to give me understanding. To read and to write is my deep desire.
GRADUATION OF COMMUNITIESThe ultimate indicator of success with our sustainable development model is when communities graduate from our programsevidence they have been equipped to improve their lives using their own God-given talents. We are excited to announce the graduation of four communities: Juan Adrian, Los Mogotes, La Lomita, and Piedra Blanca. A community leader from Piedra Blanca shares, We feel we have improved greatly. We have more economic stability, our businesses are larger, our spiritual lives have improved, and many people are committed Christians.
DOMINICAN REPUBLICLED BY CARLOS DISLADIRECTOR, FLORESTA INCORPORADA
1,529 families benefitting in 63 communities
63VSLAs with 1,767 members and total member equity of $219,474 USD
107new Bible study groups established with 1,828 new participants, for a total of 206 Bible studies with 2,717 participants
44church partnerships, with 136 pastors and church leaders trained in community engagement
36literacy groups with 424 participants established as a result of church mobilization training
HAITILED BY GUY PARAISONDIRECTOR, FLORESTA AYITI
RESTORING THE LAND Hunger is a huge issue in Haiti where more than 44 percent of the population is undernourished (World Food Programme, 2012). Reports show that 85-90 percent of Haitians depend on what they can grow to feed their families and earn an income. In 2013, partnering farmers planted 293,492 trees, conserved 176 miles of soil through erosion-control barriers, and established 236 agroforestry farm plots. These sustainable farming techniques ultimately mean families are growing more food and ensuring a more successful future.
3,611 families benefitting in 87 communities
27 VSLAs with 630 members and total member equity of $20,057 USD
293,492 TREES PLANTED
176 miles of soil conservation barriers established
502 Creole Bibles distributed
398 water purification systems disbursed
INVESTING IN LIVES
The government of the Dominican Republic
turned to Plant With Purpose for collaboration
on a national literacy campaign.
ENGAGING LOCAL CHURCHES
Liksius Moransi emphasizes the way Plant With
Purpose facilitates true community development
and helps families invest in the future.
CHANGING COMMUNITIES
We did not know how to organize ourselves, he says. [Now] we organize ourselves to work with the aim of changing our community. Plant With Purpose gave me twelve banana plantlets. With the income from the bananas, I bought a pig. It has already given birth to twelve piglets. I plan to buy a cow when I sell the pigs. And I have eaten a lot of bananas!
Saintanie Merove says she appreciates the spiri-
tual renewal focus of Plant With Purpose, particu-
larly that each group meeting begins with a time
of Bible study and worship. Saintanie notes,
PARTNERING WITH GOD
Among all the NGOs in the area, Plant With Purpose is unique. It emphasizes spiritual issues in the community. When we talked about the parable of the talents in the Bible, we learned lessons to manage what we have done well.
We are very grateful that Plant With Purpose cares about the welfare of communities. Through their support, I improved my crop production, I have part of my plot planted with timber trees, Im saving money in the savings-and-loan group, and spiritually, we always pray at every group meeting.
Felicia Suarez is very active in her community
of El Caf. She is a member of the reforestation
brigade, attends an adult literacy class, and par-
ticipates in a VLSA. She shares,
Equipping adults to read and write is being done in partnership with our church mobilization program, and churches are now the platform for local literacy groups in more than 30 Dominican communities. Iglesia Asamblea de Dios in the community of Kilometer 61 hosts a literacy group. A participant named Cecilia Lopez shares, I ask the Lord to give me understanding. To read and to write is my deep desire.
GRADUATION OF COMMUNITIESThe ultimate indicator of success with our sustainable development model is when communities graduate from our programsevidence they have been equipped to improve their lives using their own God-given talents. We are excited to announce the graduation of four communities: Juan Adrian, Los Mogotes, La Lomita, and Piedra Blanca. A community leader from Piedra Blanca shares, We feel we have improved greatly. We have more economic stability, our businesses are larger, our spiritual lives have improved, and many people are committed Christians.
BURUNDILED BY LAZARE SEBITEREKO RUKUNDWADIRECTOR, FLORESTA BURUNDI
60farmer associations formed to allow communal access to land that is rented and farmed together
2,726 families benefitting in 44 communities
51VSLAs with 1,185 members and total member equity of $47,058 USD
Over 500,000 improved varieties of seed distributed including cassava, banana, potato, vegetable, pineapple, and peanut
434 church leaders gained leadership development and theological training through the Theology of Work program
FEEDING FAMILIES In Burundi, 73.4 percent of the population is undernour-ishedthe highest rate of hunger in the world (World Food Programme, 2012). In addition to the 2,726 farming families who have gained food security and improved nutri-tion, an additional 1,000 farmers are buying the seeds of disease-resistant crops from Plant With Purpose farmers. To date, more than 2 million improved seeds of a variety of crops have been distributed.
SPIRITUAL RENEWALThrough the Theology of Work program, 434 pastors and church leaders gained leadership development and theological training.
These trainings lead to greater understanding
of the connection between faith and action,
resulting in a desire to engage in prayer and
ongoing Bible study. Many participants are
former refugees. For them, the idea that they
have a God-given purpose and calling is good
news indeed.
Elis Kaganda is seeing his dreams for his family
become reality. Elis is a typical Burundian father
working hard to raise 10 children. He is a pastor
but supports his family through farmingraising
chickens and cows, and growing cash crops of
potatoes and bananas.
After going through Plant With Purposes Theol-
ogy of Work curriculum, Elis shares,
CARING FOR CREATION
I see things more clearly. He now understands the link between faith and the environment. Elis reports, We have realized that we cannot separate the environment and any aspect of life like spiritual growth, farming, economic, and social issues.
TANZANIA LED BY RICHARD MHINADIRECTOR, FLORESTA TANZANIA
3,299 families benefitting in 43 communities
133 VSLAs with 3,299 members and total member equity of $297,793 USD
124churches and institutions participated in Redemptive Agriculture Bible study curriculum
1,407,995 TREES PLANTED
85 Farmer Field Schools formed
258 double dug family gardens established
RESTORING THE LAND WHILE ENGAGING THE COMMUNITYPlant With Purpose Tanzania planted a record number of trees in 2013. Motivated by a group competition, savings-and-loan groups planted 1,407,995 trees in their communities and mobilized churches and schools to participate alongside them. The competition also took into consideration groups savings-and-loan methodology, sustainable agriculture techniques, and number of home gardens (double dugs). The year-long competition began with an organic produce festival and ended with an additional event where winners were announced. Both festivals were extremely well attended with around 4,000 people par-
ticipating, including local government officials and media.
In an effort to test new farming techniques, FFS
participants meet weekly to check on their exper-
iments. 21 Farmer Field School groups shared
an increase of 64 percent in crop production due
to the use of organic, double dug garden beds in
comparison to traditional farming methods.
FARMER FIELD SCHOOLS (FFS)
Mary Msafiri used to make sacrifices to pay for
her childrens school.
Sometimes we had to choose between eating
three meals a day or paying tuition.
Mary joined a VSLA, learned to manage her
money, and even started a business. Because
of trainings from Plant With Purpose, she grows
more food and purchased cowsboth sources of
revenue.
My family can now afford to eat three meals a day, every day, and we never need to choose between paying for school and lunch.
We have seen God working in our communities as partnering families are taking better care of Gods Creation. This is proven through their increased participation in growing organic vegetables and planting trees. These families see caring for Gods Creation as His command for us.
~Richard Mhina, country director
FINANCIAL TRAINING
BURUNDILED BY LAZARE SEBITEREKO RUKUNDWADIRECTOR, FLORESTA BURUNDI
60farmer associations formed to allow communal access to land that is rented and farmed together
2,726 families benefitting in 44 communities
51VSLAs with 1,185 members and total member equity of $47,058 USD
Over 500,000 improved varieties of seed distributed including cassava, banana, potato, vegetable, pineapple, and peanut
434 church leaders gained leadership development and theological training through the Theology of Work program
FEEDING FAMILIES In Burundi, 73.4 percent of the population is undernour-ishedthe highest rate of hunger in the world (World Food Programme, 2012). In addition to the 2,726 farming families who have gained food security and improved nutri-tion, an additional 1,000 farmers are buying the seeds of disease-resistant crops from Plant With Purpose farmers. To date, more than 2 million improved seeds of a variety of crops have been distributed.
SPIRITUAL RENEWALThrough the Theology of Work program, 434 pastors and church leaders gained leadership development and theological training.
These trainings lead to greater understanding
of the connection between faith and action,
resulting in a desire to engage in prayer and
ongoing Bible study. Many participants are
former refugees. For them, the idea that they
have a God-given purpose and calling is good
news indeed.
Elis Kaganda is seeing his dreams for his family
become reality. Elis is a typical Burundian father
working hard to raise 10 children. He is a pastor
but supports his family through farmingraising
chickens and cows, and growing cash crops of
potatoes and bananas.
After going through Plant With Purposes Theol-
ogy of Work curriculum, Elis shares,
CARING FOR CREATION
I see things more clearly. He now understands the link between faith and the environment. Elis reports, We have realized that we cannot separate the environment and any aspect of life like spiritual growth, farming, economic, and social issues.
TANZANIA LED BY RICHARD MHINADIRECTOR, FLORESTA TANZANIA
3,299 families benefitting in 43 communities
133 VSLAs with 3,299 members and total member equity of $297,793 USD
124churches and institutions participated in Redemptive Agriculture Bible study curriculum
1,407,995 TREES PLANTED
85 Farmer Field Schools formed
258 double dug family gardens established
RESTORING THE LAND WHILE ENGAGING THE COMMUNITYPlant With Purpose Tanzania planted a record number of trees in 2013. Motivated by a group competition, savings-and-loan groups planted 1,407,995 trees in their communities and mobilized churches and schools to participate alongside them. The competition also took into consideration groups savings-and-loan methodology, sustainable agriculture techniques, and number of home gardens (double dugs). The year-long competition began with an organic produce festival and ended with an additional event where winners were announced. Both festivals were extremely well attended with around 4,000 people par-
ticipating, including local government officials and media.
In an effort to test new farming techniques, FFS
participants meet weekly to check on their exper-
iments. 21 Farmer Field School groups shared
an increase of 64 percent in crop production due
to the use of organic, double dug garden beds in
comparison to traditional farming methods.
FARMER FIELD SCHOOLS (FFS)
Mary Msafiri used to make sacrifices to pay for
her childrens school.
Sometimes we had to choose between eating
three meals a day or paying tuition.
Mary joined a VSLA, learned to manage her
money, and even started a business. Because
of trainings from Plant With Purpose, she grows
more food and purchased cowsboth sources of
revenue.
My family can now afford to eat three meals a day, every day, and we never need to choose between paying for school and lunch.
We have seen God working in our communities as partnering families are taking better care of Gods Creation. This is proven through their increased participation in growing organic vegetables and planting trees. These families see caring for Gods Creation as His command for us.
~Richard Mhina, country director
FINANCIAL TRAINING
THAILANDLED BY BUNSAK THONGOIDIRECTOR, UPLAND HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT
PROJECT (UHDP)
1,731 families benefitting in 25 communities
9 VSLAs with 139 members and total member equity of $5,909 USD
17 churches participated in training programs that impacted 2,825 people
514 marginalized hill tribe citizenship cases solved
11womens groups with 344 members are actively involved in income generation programs
HUMAN RIGHTS In Thailand, land ownership is tied to legal status, which is passed on from family lin-eage. This year, 514 marginal-ized hill tribe citizenship cases were solved because of Plant With Purposes efforts, creating greater stability for their futures. Landowners are far more likely to invest in the long-term health of their land.
PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
In Thailand, most people are rice paddy and
corn farmers. Plant With Purpose has been
working with the community of Huay Lu Lu-
ang to encourage environmental and spiritual
development. This village has 43 agroforestry
plots and has planted over 6,000 trees in
2013. These farmers understand the value of
agroforestry and are able to provide for their
families because of the fruits and vegetables.
I have seen that people in my community have realized that they must protect their environment for themselves and for their children. I can see that people in my community come and work together more to protect their resources and the environment that is part of the creation of God, shares Mr. JaMaw JaNu.
Mr. JaNu understands that the health of the
land impacts the health of the people. An in-
crease in produce means improved nutrition.
He says, For my family, the food we produce
from the agroforestry plot is saved and our
health is better.
MEXICO LED BY LUIS ALBERTI CASTELLANOSDIRECTOR, MISION INTEGRAL
1,185 families benefitting in 69 communities
29VSLAs with 356 members and total member equity of $25,893 USD
58family gardens, 4 greenhouses, and 18 agroforestry farms established
52 large-tank cisterns constructed
44 sophisticated wood-saving stoves built
48Festival of Values events held at partnering churches to teach children Biblical values
FEEDING FAMILIESRosaria Lopez Martinez lives with her husband, Octavio, and their three children in Ojo de Agua Nuxa, Mexico. Raising chicks provided by Plant With Purpose is helping Rosaria feed her family. She explains, I had a small savings and no longer needed to buy chickens to eat. This helped me improve my diet. We liked the chickens and they helped us a lot. We benefited when they grew and produced eggs and we did not have to buy eggs from the store. And afterward we had a chicken to eat.
INSTILLING BIBLICAL VALUESRosarias eight-year-old daughter shares how
much she enjoys attending the Festival of Val-
ues at her local church. I like the childrens
club. I like to draw pictures and do crafts, and I
tell my mom what we do. We are taught to re-
spect our parents, siblings, and grandparents
in addition to sharing with others.
PROGRAM EXPANSIONThe program in Mexico has expanded from
Oaxaca into the neighboring state of Chiapas.
A savings-and-loan group is thriving in Pas-
tor Tomas Santiz Gomes church. The church
grounds are being used as a demonstration
location for family gardens, improved meth-
ods for raising chickens, and greenhouse and
cistern construction.
Delfina Lopez has seen her everyday life improve
because of the work of Plant With Purpose. She
explains,
IMPROVING HEALTH
The toilet [a Plant With Purpose ecological latrine] does not pollute like before and with the wood-saving stoves, we use little wood and do not swallow smoke. Perhaps the biggest change has come with the installation of a water cistern, which gives her access to water in Oaxacas dry climate. I have water close at hand, I can water my vegetables, and no one complains about me because I first use the water to wash my dishes and my clothes and then to water my plants. I encourage my children to conserve water.
Church partnerships continue to be a corner-
stone of Plant With Purposes Thailand com-
munity development program. This year, the
program organized the Thailand Holistic Min-
istry Conference, where 300 church leaders
shared best practices and how God is at work.
The conference was hosted in partnership with
Compassion International, Christian Broadcast
Network, International Justice Mission, and
MaeKong Minority Foundation.
HOLISTIC MINISTRY
THAILANDLED BY BUNSAK THONGOIDIRECTOR, UPLAND HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT
PROJECT (UHDP)
1,731 families benefitting in 25 communities
9 VSLAs with 139 members and total member equity of $5,909 USD
17 churches participated in training programs that impacted 2,825 people
514 marginalized hill tribe citizenship cases solved
11womens groups with 344 members are actively involved in income generation programs
HUMAN RIGHTS In Thailand, land ownership is tied to legal status, which is passed on from family lin-eage. This year, 514 marginal-ized hill tribe citizenship cases were solved because of Plant With Purposes efforts, creating greater stability for their futures. Landowners are far more likely to invest in the long-term health of their land.
PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
In Thailand, most people are rice paddy and
corn farmers. Plant With Purpose has been
working with the community of Huay Lu Lu-
ang to encourage environmental and spiritual
development. This village has 43 agroforestry
plots and has planted over 6,000 trees in
2013. These farmers understand the value of
agroforestry and are able to provide for their
families because of the fruits and vegetables.
I have seen that people in my community have realized that they must protect their environment for themselves and for their children. I can see that people in my community come and work together more to protect their resources and the environment that is part of the creation of God, shares Mr. JaMaw JaNu.
Mr. JaNu understands that the health of the
land impacts the health of the people. An in-
crease in produce means improved nutrition.
He says, For my family, the food we produce
from the agroforestry plot is saved and our
health is better.
MEXICO LED BY LUIS ALBERTI CASTELLANOSDIRECTOR, MISION INTEGRAL
1,185 families benefitting in 69 communities
29VSLAs with 356 members and total member equity of $25,893 USD
58family gardens, 4 greenhouses, and 18 agroforestry farms established
52 large-tank cisterns constructed
44 sophisticated wood-saving stoves built
48Festival of Values events held at partnering churches to teach children Biblical values
FEEDING FAMILIESRosaria Lopez Martinez lives with her husband, Octavio, and their three children in Ojo de Agua Nuxa, Mexico. Raising chicks provided by Plant With Purpose is helping Rosaria feed her family. She explains, I had a small savings and no longer needed to buy chickens to eat. This helped me improve my diet. We liked the chickens and they helped us a lot. We benefited when they grew and produced eggs and we did not have to buy eggs from the store. And afterward we had a chicken to eat.
INSTILLING BIBLICAL VALUESRosarias eight-year-old daughter shares how
much she enjoys attending the Festival of Val-
ues at her local church. I like the childrens
club. I like to draw pictures and do crafts, and I
tell my mom what we do. We are taught to re-
spect our parents, siblings, and grandparents
in addition to sharing with others.
PROGRAM EXPANSIONThe program in Mexico has expanded from
Oaxaca into the neighboring state of Chiapas.
A savings-and-loan group is thriving in Pas-
tor Tomas Santiz Gomes church. The church
grounds are being used as a demonstration
location for family gardens, improved meth-
ods for raising chickens, and greenhouse and
cistern construction.
Delfina Lopez has seen her everyday life improve
because of the work of Plant With Purpose. She
explains,
IMPROVING HEALTH
The toilet [a Plant With Purpose ecological latrine] does not pollute like before and with the wood-saving stoves, we use little wood and do not swallow smoke. Perhaps the biggest change has come with the installation of a water cistern, which gives her access to water in Oaxacas dry climate. I have water close at hand, I can water my vegetables, and no one complains about me because I first use the water to wash my dishes and my clothes and then to water my plants. I encourage my children to conserve water.
Church partnerships continue to be a corner-
stone of Plant With Purposes Thailand com-
munity development program. This year, the
program organized the Thailand Holistic Min-
istry Conference, where 300 church leaders
shared best practices and how God is at work.
The conference was hosted in partnership with
Compassion International, Christian Broadcast
Network, International Justice Mission, and
MaeKong Minority Foundation.
HOLISTIC MINISTRY
STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES
TOTAL TOTAL
REVENUES AND SUPPORT
Contributions & grants 3,089,032 3,402,642
Interest & dividend income 2,952 3,884
Net realized & unrealized gain on investments 337 (1,591)
Total Revenues 3,092,321 3,404,935
EXPENSES
Program activities:
Haiti 563,546 531,534
Tanzania 475,693 432,366
Dominican Republic 456,212 399,294
Mexico 376,626 324,815
Constituent Education 362,494 360,552
Thailand 218,398 179,305
Burundi 202,223 164,916
Other Countries 18,589 19,076
Total Program Activities 2,673,781 2,411,858
Supporting activities:
Fundraising 277,690 280,582
Management & administrative 212,113 203,558
Total Supporting Activities 489,803 484,140
Total Expenses 3,163,584 2,895,998
Change in Net Assets (71,263) 508,937
Net assets, beginning of year 1,021,298 512,361
NET ASSETS, END OF YEAR $950,035 $1,021,298
Haiti
DominicanRepublic
Constituent
Education
Fundraising
Mexic
o
Tanzania
ThailandBurun
di
Othe
r Co
untri
es
Man
agem
ent
&Ad
min
.
S U P P O R T 1 6 %
P R OG R A M S 8 4 %
18%
12%
1%
15%
7%
7% 9%
6%
11%
14%
2013 2012
SOURCES OF REVENUE
RESOURCE ALLOCATION
48% 28% 13%
7% 2%2%
14 15
SUPPORTING PLANT WITH PURPOSE TRICIA ELISARAFARM TO SCHOOL COORDINATOR, JULIAN SCHOOLS
CHRIS ELISARAFOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF THE CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL
LEADERSHIP, DIRECTOR OF THE WEA CREATION CARE TASK FORCE,
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF CREATION CARE STUDY PROGRAM
ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Chris and I have been involved with Plant With Purpose since our college days when we began studying community development. The holis-tic model of Plant With Purpose, and the com-mitment of Plant With Purpose staff around the world, has kept us involved over the years as vol-unteers, board members, donors, and advocates at our local church. We understand that the issues of poverty and deforestation are complex, requir-ing multi-faceted approaches, and we feel confi-dent that Plant With Purpose is leading the way in sustainable development.
FOUNDATIONS/ CORPORATIONS
INDIVIDUALS EVENTS
CHURCHES GOVERNMENT GRANTS SEASONAL CAMPAIGNS
Plant With Purpose strives to uphold the highest standards of financial stewardship. For the third year in a row, Plant With Purpose earned Char-ity Navigators highest 4-stars rating and has met the rigorous qualifications for accreditations by ECFA. 2013 Plant With Purpose Independent Au-ditors Report has been prepared by RBTK LLP Certified Public Accountants. The full report can be accessed at plantwithpurpose.org/financials.
STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES
TOTAL TOTAL
REVENUES AND SUPPORT
Contributions & grants 3,089,032 3,402,642
Interest & dividend income 2,952 3,884
Net realized & unrealized gain on investments 337 (1,591)
Total Revenues 3,092,321 3,404,935
EXPENSES
Program activities:
Haiti 563,546 531,534
Tanzania 475,693 432,366
Dominican Republic 456,212 399,294
Mexico 376,626 324,815
Constituent Education 362,494 360,552
Thailand 218,398 179,305
Burundi 202,223 164,916
Other Countries 18,589 19,076
Total Program Activities 2,673,781 2,411,858
Supporting activities:
Fundraising 277,690 280,582
Management & administrative 212,113 203,558
Total Supporting Activities 489,803 484,140
Total Expenses 3,163,584 2,895,998
Change in Net Assets (71,263) 508,937
Net assets, beginning of year 1,021,298 512,361
NET ASSETS, END OF YEAR $950,035 $1,021,298
Haiti
DominicanRepublic
Constituent
Education
Fundraising
Mexic
o
Tanzania
ThailandBurun
di
Othe
r Co
untri
es
Man
agem
ent
&Ad
min
.
S U P P O R T 1 6 %
P R OG R A M S 8 4 %
18%
12%
1%
15%
7%
7% 9%
6%
11%
14%
2013 2012
SOURCES OF REVENUE
RESOURCE ALLOCATION
48% 28% 13%
7% 2%2%
14 15
SUPPORTING PLANT WITH PURPOSE TRICIA ELISARAFARM TO SCHOOL COORDINATOR, JULIAN SCHOOLS
CHRIS ELISARAFOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF THE CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL
LEADERSHIP, DIRECTOR OF THE WEA CREATION CARE TASK FORCE,
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF CREATION CARE STUDY PROGRAM
ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Chris and I have been involved with Plant With Purpose since our college days when we began studying community development. The holis-tic model of Plant With Purpose, and the com-mitment of Plant With Purpose staff around the world, has kept us involved over the years as vol-unteers, board members, donors, and advocates at our local church. We understand that the issues of poverty and deforestation are complex, requir-ing multi-faceted approaches, and we feel confi-dent that Plant With Purpose is leading the way in sustainable development.
FOUNDATIONS/ CORPORATIONS
INDIVIDUALS EVENTS
CHURCHES GOVERNMENT GRANTS SEASONAL CAMPAIGNS
Plant With Purpose strives to uphold the highest standards of financial stewardship. For the third year in a row, Plant With Purpose earned Char-ity Navigators highest 4-stars rating and has met the rigorous qualifications for accreditations by ECFA. 2013 Plant With Purpose Independent Au-ditors Report has been prepared by RBTK LLP Certified Public Accountants. The full report can be accessed at plantwithpurpose.org/financials.
The poor and needy search for water,but there is none;their tongues are parched with thirst.But I the Lord will answer them;I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.I will make rivers flow on barren heights,and springs within the valleys.I will turn the desert into pools of water,and the parched ground into springs.I will put in the desertthe cedar and the acacia, the myrtle and the olive.I will set junipers in the wasteland,the fir and the cypress together,so that people may see and know,may consider and understand,that the hand of the Lord has done this,that the Holy One of Israel has created it.ISAIAH 41:17-20
Plant With Purpose
Ph: 800.633.5319
Email: [email protected]
Web: plantwithpurpose.org
PLANT WITH PURPOSE | FORMERLY KNOWN AS FLORESTA USA
4747 Morena Blvd. Suite 100 San Diego, CA 92117
800.633.5319 | www.plantwithpurpose.org
Plant With Purpose is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, identification no. 33-0052976 Environmental Solutions To Humanitarian Problems
YOUR GIFTS ARE CHANGING LIVES. We use soy-based ink and 80# environment text with 80% post-consumer fiber. FSC certified.
Cover, page 2, 6, 9, and back cover photo credit: AaronChang.com
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