The past two weeks, we have looked at how God put Development for Sustainability on our hearts and how we set up our model. Today, we look in depth at one of our most successful projects within our sustainability model – Farmer John’s Abatwa, or butcher shop.

Bobby and Sherry’s vision to help develop the new Fond Parisien residents for their own sustainability is best represented by Farmer John’s Abatwa, a true pillar of Sustainability for Haiti.

​Farmer John’s has evolved into much more than a local business; it is a critical engine for the LAC sustainability programs. By bridging the gap between mountain farmers and the dinner tables of local families, Farmer John’s is proving that a sustainable Haitian-operated business isn’t just possible – it’s thriving.

​Fundamental to Love A Child’s successful Development for Sustainability program is the 47 local people now employed at Farmer John’s: more than 37 trained to work at the butcher shop; 5 operating the new water plant; 2 at the Poul Mirak chicken farm; and 3 managing their local gardens.

​Beyond direct employment, Farmer John’s supplies over 50 independent small entrepreneurs (Marchands) who purchase meat, chicken, water, and eggs wholesale from Farmer John’s to resell in their own communities, creating a ripple effect of economic opportunity.

​Gwo Maché Mirak and Farmer John’s is the primary market for the area, with farmers and customers coming from as far as 5 hours away. God’s plan for Love A Child to help the Haitian people with a huge integrated Marketplace is a great example of Development for Sustainability. The many donors and supporters of this outreach will be reaping harvests long into the future. Thank you, and God bless you.

Rad Hazelip, Assistant Executive Director