It is amazing to think of the longevity of ECHO's ministry! More than 30 years ago ECHO started networking with development workers and missionaries overseas. Many of them received free packets of seeds that are now not even rare in the areas where they were working! This makes us smile! Here is another local and more recent example of the impact of a few trees.

Background: Community Cooperative Ministries Incorporated (CCMI) manages a number ofservices helping the poor in our community. Soup kitchens, food pantries, meals-on-wheels and their montessori preschool are only a few of the ways that they impact our community. When the opportunity came to make a lasting impact on their ministry, the answer was an easy "Yes!"

Fast forward three years, and Cindy Venezia, montessori director, has this to say:

"Three years ago you donated and planted 10 fruit trees at our preschool.  With the exception of two that were lost to the frost, we are proud to say the rest produced their first big batch of fruit this month!  The children have taken such good care of the trees which is surprising seeing how the branches are hanging at their eye level (they are ages 2-5!).  Thank you so much for this gift that is going to give and give! 

I’m not sure if you heard that shortly after the trees and garden were added to our school we started a “business”.  Beelicious Foods. We eat the food, cook with it, let the children take it home, donate it to our choice market (food pantry) or sell it to visitors.  Fifty percent of the money that is earned from the sale of the food and crafts is donated to a local charity.  We have given to United Way and ACT.  Again, we truly appreciate all that you did for us!"

ECHO wants to thank everyone who supports our ministry so that we can be part of incredible programs like this! 

To learn more about CCMI visit www.CCMILeeCounty.com

Welcome! Months of preparation have come together and the ECHO Asia Agriculture and Community Development Conference 2011 has arrived!

The ECHO Asia Regional Impact Center staff have been hard at work, delegates have arrived,  and the excitement is building! Monday's registration was a bustling time. Many delegates had not seen one another since the last ECHO Asia conference in 2009 and the sounds of greeting filled the hotel lobby.

Tuesday morning marked the official beginning of the conference. The day started with opening remarks by ECHO Asia Regional Director Rick Burnette, followed by Worship, and Devotion led by ECHO President/CEO Stan Doerr. Plenary sessions were 1) The Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration Domino Effect by Tony Rinaudo, 2) Natural Farming by Local Agricultural Input for Small and Medium-scale Farmers by Arnat Tancho, Ph. D. and 3) Overview of Tropical Aquaculture Species and Systems by Randall Bevis.

Coffee breaks offered time for delegates to meet and connect with one another. Be on the lookout for the next post for pictures of Registraion and Conference Day 1.

Thanks for your support of and interest in ECHO Asia Conference! We can't wait to share more with you as the conference continues...

Country Director/Program Manager, Sudan

The Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC), an agency of the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA) has a one year opening, with possibility of extension, for a Country Director/Program Manager in southern Sudan. The position will serve as CRWRC’s chief representative in southern Sudan and provide leadership to and manage the agency’s rehabilitation programs and staff. Please visit our website at www.crcna.org or www.crwrc.org for more information or to apply. Application deadline is July 4, 2011.

As parents, our natural inclination is to take care of our children. We are concerned about being fair. But in reality,
when it comes to leaving an inheritance, it can be challenging to balance fairness and stewardship.