Have you ever picked fruit from a tree and wondered how much fruit or money for the fruit could be gotten from that one tree?

Sandi a local farmer and businessman here in Niger had an answer for that question as he told a story about another farmer and one of his trees that had died because of extended flooding around the tree. That one tree had in times past produced in one growing season what amounted to the near equivalent of the average annual income of a person living in Niger. Many people in Niger are very poor; nevertheless that is an awesome story of possibility.

The "Orchardman Tree Project" began November 2008 with the help of FBC Sandersville Georgia, a Partnership church with the Zerma Team to reach Zerma people for Christ. Planting instructions were taught and Bible studies (below) given then the trees were given. Mostly mango, guava and lemon trees were given but also some trees for wood and shade, the Neem and Leucena were passed out.

The farmers part is to plant and care for the trees. They will for the most part be hand watered for the first year and they must be protected from animals which is a difficult proposal as a maintained protection around the tree must be done for several years until the tree is large. Follow up will be done with replacement trees if needed as well as expanding to other farmers and villages as workers come to help with the trees.

Hopefully an interest in the trees will be maintained as well as interest in the Gospel and why others want to help provide more food and income to families where one tree can make a significant impact in a family's life.