During the last three years, Nazarene churches in Burundi, Malawi, and Zambia have partnered with Nazarene Compassionate Ministries to address hunger and malnutrition. The individuals and families who have joined these projects are finding new hope after years of food insecurity.

Fabiola is a single mom who struggled to make ends meet before joining one of the projects.

"Before, we had no plans and were not saving for the future," Fabiola said.

Many in her community experienced illness due to malnutrition. Fabiola had the opportunity to join a farmers’ association, part of a church-led food security project, where she and 19 other women learned sustainable farming practices, how to save for the future, and small-business skills.

The projects are designed to progress participants from learning farming techniques to opening small businesses once reliable harvests are assured. By selling their crops or livestock, participants generate income that they can use to invest in other small businesses, pay for school fees, or otherwise boost their economic standing.

Brenda lives in Zambia with her seven children. Prior to joining the project, she struggled to provide for her family.

"Before the project, we didn't know anything, especially how to do the gardens," she explained. "So, when we started receiving seeds, we were able to do our own gardens, and we are raising some money to help provide food for the family."

After feeding her own family, Brenda then sells her extra produce at the market. School fees and other expenses are now in reach, thanks to what she's learned.

"As a woman, my dignity is restored," Brenda said. "In the past, I could walk without shoes and not feed my kids properly. But now, after receiving the training, we are able to ... provide for our children."

Local churches that host these projects are encouraged. Most pastors involved report that their members are growing spiritually and new people are joining the church.

"Before the project, the pastor only was doing outreach to help the community in bringing transformation," explained one church member in Malawi. "When the project came, we sat down as a church, meditating on what the project team taught us and on how we can implement the lessons. Those trainings have made us [successful]. We started contributions that we used to support our initiative of supporting the needy. As a church, we became very united."

After receiving agricultural training, Cecilia took the profits from selling her extra produce in the market and started a baked-goods business. She sells close to the school so she can take her children to class each day. She is optimistic about her future.

"Before the project, I did not know how to save food. And also, I did not know how to handle my finances," Cecilia reported. "But after that project, we learned about food preservation and financial literacy. I'm now able to save. I can now buy anything I want."

Adapted from the latest issue of NCM Magazine. Read the full story and other stories of hope here.