Dear *|FNAME|*,
The excitement is palpable: two years after planting coffee seeds, coffee producers are witnessing the first maturing coffee cherries! The Karawa Coffee Project, launched in 2017, is well on its way to reviving the local and regional economy in the northwest region of DR Congo.
And yet, just a few months ago, none of us could have imagined we would be facing a global pandemic. Loss of life and economic toll has shocked the world. According to the World Bank, 72% of the population in DR Congo lives in extreme poverty on less than $1.90 per day. Now that the country is facing a potential economic downturn due to COVID-19, revitalizing the coffee industry is more important than ever in attaining long-term economic stability.
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Even during times of uncertainty, many coffee producers have hope in God and what the Karawa Coffee Project can bring to their area. Gaspy Zongalinga, a coffee producer, reflects on the past,
“Coffee is the only resource that helped develop our province effectively. Many people were able to send their children to college, and they built houses. But when there was no longer a coffee business around, our local economy went down. Even during difficult times, coffee helps me stabilize my family finances, healthcare, and get my kids the needed education. Because of coffee, I cannot stay penniless for long.”
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The Karawa Coffee Project producers are excited to share their coffee with partners in North America. Karawa coffee will be available for individuals and churches to purchase this fall. We anticipate coffee production to reach more than 1,000 metric tons by 2022, becoming a dependable, profitable crop for generations to come. Imagine the long-term impact of this holistic, gospel ministry of economic development!
Would you consider a gift today towards our December goal of $190,000?
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“I know this new coffee field will support us better than the former one,” shares Kpoda Ngandali, a 54-year-old widow and coffee producer. “It will help our children complete their education. When we need medical treatment, coffee will help pay for it. It will generate revenue that would help supersede our current living standard. I’m happy because this is a guarantee not only for me but for my family as well.”
We are honored to share this opportunity with you to partner with our brothers and sisters in Congo. Very soon we will be enjoying Karawa coffee together.
With a thankful heart for your partnership,
Renée Hale
Executive Director
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Sign-Up
to be among the first to
pre-order Karawa coffee.
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PCP Sunday is November 1, 2020, but you can host a PCP Sunday any time! We have developed several resources that can be used in virtual worship services and gatherings, including:
- A worship service plan, liturgy, and songs in Lingala.
- A Children's Curriculum with discussion, exploration, and hands-on activities (can be done at home, too!), to help students understand why the Karawa Coffee Project is so important: to reduce extreme poverty, enhance food security, and build the economy.
- Choose a Karawa Coffee video to play during PCP Sunday.
- Set up an offering to give to the Karawa Coffee Project.
- Sign up to pre-order Karawa coffee.
- Let us know if you would like a PCP representative to speak at your church, meet with the missions team, or give a brief update. We can join you virtually, too!
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