Grain from the desert-2

Abundant Grain Sprouts in Egypt’s Desert..!

The Bible holds a beautiful promise: “The desert will bloom.” We’ve seen this unfold in Israel; and now, it’s happening in Egypt too! Our first project (2023–2024) was met with incredible enthusiasm, and we’re excited to launch a second initiative.

Urgency
Southern Egypt is plagued by extreme poverty. In the governorate of Minya lies the village of Bani Khaled, home to over 12,000 people. A large portion of the population lives below the poverty line, and unemployment is high. Roughly 20% of residents are Christians. Like their Muslim neighbors, they face a severe lack of job opportunities and income. Since 2022, the situation has only worsened due to skyrocketing food prices. Egypt produces too little of its own food and relies heavily on imports, so the need continues to grow.

Project
The Nile Valley Foundation, led by Jos Strengholt — who has worked in Egypt for more than 30 years — is partnering with a nationwide Coptic organization focused on serving local Christian communities. Together, they’ve launched a new project in Bani Khaled. Many Christian farmers in the region own small, underdeveloped plots of land on the edge of Egypt’s western desert. Because they lack the resources to cultivate this land, we’re stepping in to help. This initiative will enable Christian farmers to transform 50 acres of desert into productive farmland—benefiting dozens of farming families.

‘Your one-time contribution enables hundreds of Christian families in Bani Khaled to thank the Lord for His faithful care. – Jos Strengholt, Nile Valley Foundation

Approach
The Coptic organization has already provided a water well and solar-powered electricity to the area. They now need our help to install irrigation systems across the 50 acres and improve the quality of the desert soil. If we can secure the necessary funding, there are plans to add a fish pond and a small sheep farm in the same location. But first, turning the desert green is the top priority.

Impact
This 50-acre project is expected to yield between 100 and 150 tons of wheat per year; enough to bake more than 600,000 Egyptian loaves of bread. That’s sufficient to feed 1,000 people for a full year, every year. From a food security perspective, the impact is enormous. Additionally, the project will provide jobs and training in sustainable farming techniques for 200 individuals, including both landowners and farm workers.

Costs
In collaboration with the local church, we aim to develop another 50 acres of desert in 2025 and 2026. To make this a reality, we urgently need funding for irrigation systems, soil improvement, and seeds. We also require additional support for project management and follow-up. The one-time cost for this phase of the project is $128,000. Once the land is cultivated and the first harvest comes in, no further donations will be needed. This is a one-time investment to jumpstart grain production. After that, the project will sustain itself financially. If enough donations come in, we also plan to move forward with the fish pond and sheep farm as a second phase. That will require an additional $60,500.

Unique ‘investment’ project!
This is a project that captures the imagination: 50 acres of desert turned into fertile farmland! Last year’s pilot was a major success, and we’re now ready to expand to a new area. Would you like to “invest” in something this transformative? With a one-time donation, you can help create lasting change. You’ll be standing with our Coptic brothers and sisters in Egypt—already facing immense challenges—as they work to feed their children and build a better future.

MissionInvest USA invites you to be part of this extraordinary opportunity. The total funding needed is $128,000, which works out to just $2,560 per acre. The beauty of your support is this: the seed you plant today will bear a rich harvest, year after year.