Expanding the Kingdom…

The Lord is so gracious and creative and always full of surprises. 

Just two weeks ago I was talking with our friend, Mark Neitz of Why Not Now Ministries in Cambodia. He mentioned to me the rescue home they oversee is building an aquaponics system to provide food for the exploited children they serve.

My spirit was stirred.

I discovered that The University of the Nations in Kona, Hawaii was conducting a two week seminar for those interested in learning the process and taking it to the nations.

I had just enough frequent flyer airline miles to fly the very next day to join the seminar. Praise God! He arranged the entire trip in a matter of hours!

What in the world is aquaponics?

Basically, it is a way to grow fruits, vegetables and raise fish in a system that does not require soil.

• Fish are raised in a tank
• Fish produce ammonia through their waste
• This is pumped up to a grow bed full of rocks while good bacteria converts it to nitrites
• Through a nitrification cycle the plants are nourished with nitrates
• Oxygen from the water is then returned to the fish tank
• Plant grow healthier at an accelerated rate
• 10% water usage compared to conventional growing, using 60 square feet to produce the same volume that would take 900 square feet if grown in the ground
• Everyone is happy:)

It has been two weeks of learning and reviewing subjects my mind has not thought of for years. Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Botony and so much more. I thank the Lord for great instructors and His grace.

How will we use aquaponics in our ministry?

Many communities near the riverbeds of the Amazon do not have great crops due to the fluctuation of the water levels. The aquaponics system provides them with a solution and will help wth sustainability. It is also a great tool to present the truth of Christ to the people. Just think how many times Jesus used farming, agriculture, sowing, etc. in His parables. I am looking forward to using the aquaponics system to transform a nation….physically as well as spiritually. This is true revival.

Testing for water quality at the aquaponics seminar University of the Nations