Olive Branch Newsletter For April 2001
Stewardship
YOUR APPORRTIONMENT DOLLARS AT WORK
A Mission and Ministry Story
Give Ye Them to Eat
During February, three Nebraskans involved with Encounter with Christ in Latin America visited Tlancualpican, Puebla, Mexico, one of the
United Methodist Church’s greatest mission success stories. Peggy Shorney, Glenn Shorney, and Lloyd Ambrosius reported with enthusiasm that
wonderful things are happening in agriculture and “Give Ye Them to Eat.” (GYTTE)
What began as a Heifer Project has grown far beyond anyone’s expectations. Terry and Muriel Henderson, United Methodist missionaries in Mexico
for 29 years have been a part of giving away 10,000 livestock units (cows, sheep, milking goats, swine) through GYTTE during their ministry. The
purpose of their program is to train pastors and laity to teach improved farming methods for increased food production and to set up cottage industries
for additional income in rural areas. Additionally, GYTTE employs 20 persons.
Some agricultural methods taught include terracing and composting. An emphasis on ecology is central to this work. They also use water pumps powered
by running water and not electricity to provide water for all of the animals at the top of the hill. Solar panels provide free electricity. They have toilets
that do not use water, which is a special item promoted by GYTTE in a water-limited country.
Terry and Muriel are now living in their new straw bale house. Straw bales are stacked up and then coated with a mud mixture. The roof is of tiles and
they have their own iguana living under those tiles. A straw bale house keeps the residents cool in summer, warm in winter, is very affordable for
Mexicans with limited incomes and last for years. Many people there have houses, which are essentially brick with metal roofs, and they “fry” in hot weather.
GYTTE also provides materials and leadership in Spanish for Sunday Schools, Bible Schools and adult education classes.
For more information, check the Internet address:
http://gbgm-umc.ore/mission/people/henderson99.html
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