Women of Grace

The Presbyterian Women Palm Project is a new mission program in which groups or individuals can make donations for the establishment of palm plantations in Congo, once the world�s largest producer of palm oil. The destruction of agricultural capabilities in Congo has forced the country to import cooking oil from Malaysia for its domestic use. Rather than continuing this dependency, the Congolese could plant new varieties of palms, providing both needed palm oil and income. This opportunity does not require huge financial investments, but can have great returns. 

With funding from this project, women�s groups and hospitals in the Presbyterian community of Congo will be able to plant new varieties of Costa Rican palms that produce three times more palm oil than the current stock can produce. These new varieties of palms grow low to the ground, allowing women to participate in the planting, maintenance and harvest of the crop. One $20,000 investment from PW will fund 80 hectares of palms that will generate $200,000 per year for 30 years to subsidize educational programs, hospitals and clinics.

Presbyterian Women Palm Project facts

• A $20 gift to the Palm Project will purchase about 10 plants.
• Current old stock of palm trees produces only 1,000 to 2,000 liters per hectare.
• New varieties from Costa Rica produce 3,000 to 6,000 liters per hectare.
• There are 150 trees per hectare.
• Current prices for oil in the Kasai region of Congo varies from $0.40 to $1.00 per liter.
• A small plantation of 450 palms at a high school will cover the tuition costs for 60 girls.
• Current palm plantations at hospitals in Bibanga and Bulape will each produce from $60,000 to $90,000 per year when they start to produce in three years. This is more than twice the subsidy PC(USA) now gives to these mission hospitals.
• Carol Tigges is our Facilitator for this important endeavor.  Contact her at caroltigges@hotmail.com
  

Thank Offering

The Thank Offering is a PW offering collected in the fall of each year that gives women a tangible way to express their gratitude for the special blessings in their lives. The offering funds projects such as agricultural development,   child care, community organization, criminal justice, drug counseling, economic justice, elderly care, employment training, homelessness, literacy, violence and women’s concerns. At least 40 percent of this offering supports health ministries throughout the world. The remaining 60 percent funds new creative ideas for mission.

Soup and Scripture Supper:  Celebrating Our Blessings!

      --Sunday evening, October 4th at 5:00 pm with Massanetta's Keynote Speaker, Donna Tyson!  Hugely successful this year with 70+ attending and enjoying delicious soups and experiencing the presence of the Holy Spirit with us as we worshiped and learned together.  More than 21 guests were present and $300+ given to help bring relief and aid to children and families in the US and internationally.  Additionally, women purchased Haitian jewelry that provides gifts for food, clean water, and further ministry to Haitian children through the mission efforts of Donna Tyson.