12:10pm Sunday 9th November 2008
By Matthew Pardo
A WOMAN whose work is transforming the lives of African farmers is preparing for a return trip to Zimbabwe.
Donna Bloomfield is heading back to the African nation for the fourth time this year next week.
Once there the 42-year-old will continue working for an international Christian organisation promoting a religious programme which applies lessons learned from the Bible to farming, health and business.
She was last there when the country was at risk of collapsing into civil war.
At the time rival political factions were on the verge of fighting over disputed election results.
“That was unnerving because of the intimidation,” she said.
“Schools were closing and there was rioting on the streets.
“The country is in a complete economic crisis, with inflation changing every day.
“It’s in excess of 231,000,000 per cent and daily life for everyone is challenging.
“People have to queue round the bank for four to five hours to get out a daily cash allowance, which is the equivalent of a few pennies, then have to buy food the same day or the money will be devalued.
“There are water cuts, which last for days, and sometimes weeks, and power cuts.
“Many people are now starving and hundreds of thousands have fled the country.”
Her latest visit will see Swindon Gateway Church employee Donna, flag up the Farming God’s Way programme, which is already working in 20 countries.
Under the programme Donna says farmers can increase their yields from the land and make money.
“Farming God’s Way is not just a farming method but it’s about changing people’s hearts, and when people understand God’s love for them and that God’s ways actually work, it brings hope and that’s when it makes an impact,” she said.
“Despite the challenges of living in Zimbabwe, this is something that could potentially transform a nation – the increased yields could literally feed the nation.
“It’s been amazing to see people who previously had no hope now absolutely full of joy because their lives have changed – they can feed their families and they are making a profit.”
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