Situation

Duriland is a region of both spiritual and economic need.  Farmers living in this agrarian land have never heard the Gospel.  They also live on less than $1-$2/day.  Due to government restrictions, however, it is very difficult to interact with and assist them.  The only place the government allows missionaries to live is the main city, which is far from where the majority of the people are.  There just isn't a natural context to develop relationships with the people.  And as the people of Duriland are naturally suspicious towards outsiders, there is a need to live among them to display the Gospel.

Approach

For about 6 months, Access Partners has been working with a team in Duriland to set up an agricultural project to reach these farmers.  As the team does not have much prior business experience, Access Partners has helped them develop a business plan, completing a feasibility study and exploring export possibilities.  In November, we went with the team to a Fruit Conference to establish partnerships and are now connecting with importers in the States.

Outcome

By God's grace, the team is now busy getting the business off the ground.  Access Partners is working with US-based wholesalers to sell the product and samples are receiving positive reviews.  2007 will be a busy year launching operations, but the team is encouraged with its current situation.  We'll plan to keep you updated on progress with this project, one of our key ones for 2007.  
 
One big request for them: please ask that they would find favor with the authorities.  They have faced a number of roadblocks in the past few months.