Comments on: Sugarcane orphans

By: Julie

Julie — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:39:56 +0000

This is awesome, way to get them on a business track Mike!

By: Mike

Mike — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:51:52 +0000

I don’t see your comments, Teebert, as nay-saying but as realism. This decision comes, at least in part, after a three-year relationship almost completely void of financial obligations. Hopefully that relational foundation will increase our probability of ending up other than where you describe…and where I’ve unfortunately been in the past …

By: T Burt Dowden

T Burt Dowden — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 02:20:15 +0000

Not to be a na-sayer but ……… I’ve dug wells in Africa, bought goats, bought farm equipment and in the end I’ve probably only enriched the organizations that ran the program. I just hope that we are fully aware of Pastor D’s background and abilities. Many a good intention are rusting on the plains of Africa.

By: Jen B

Jen B — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 01:01:01 +0000

k. I’ve decided I LIKE IT! Plus it adds to the amount of sugar in the world. Let’s not ignore that major positive externality.

By: Linda Gatterdam

Linda Gatterdam — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 21:21:25 +0000

Sounds wonderful. Helping them to help themselves is the best form of help!

By: Paul Cash

Paul Cash — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 20:31:37 +0000

This really is the gift that keeps on giving.

By: Mike Smith

Mike Smith — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 18:29:20 +0000

Thanks for the question Eric. We already have the funds necessary through Vista’s previously faithful giving!

By: Eric Steverson

Eric Steverson — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:29:13 +0000

Are you looking for a one time donation or an ongoing or either?

By: Mike Smith

Mike Smith — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:55:08 +0000

Regarding Chad’s comment… It’s hard to run the profitability numbers on buying land. Primarily because one also takes on overhead, and that’s difficult to figure specifically with regard to equipment maintenance. Planting and wedding is done by hand. Harvesting (on the bigger farms is done by the owner with machines. Although, in the long run, buying land might be better…as investors from a distance…this is a more predictable and manageable starting point. It seems.

By: Mike Smith

Mike Smith — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:33:52 +0000

That is a confusing sentence, Jen. Ben’s response is exactly right. I’ll edit the sentence to avoid further confusion. Here’s another way to look at the contribution (with round numbers): For every $1000 we put in ONE time now, they will profit $350 annually – forEVER!