Winter 2009 The Sower Newsletter, Floresta

1. Winter 2009
A Publication of Floresta USA, Inc.
Sharing Vision, Sharing Hope Planting Hope Gala Meets
Director’s Corner with Unprecedented Success
By Scott Sabin, Executive Director
What a great week! The hotel was in a beautiful spot, overlooking a
rocky cove with a secluded beach, amidst lush tropical forest. Not the
Haiti of popular imagination, but the perfect spot for Floresta’s Fifth
International Meeting. Although not expensive, the hotel was nice
and other than a few UN workers, our international delegates had
it to ourselves. We had come from Thailand, Tanzania, Mexico, the
Dominican Republic, the United States, Canada and Haiti to be here in
Jacmel for the Floresta International meeting.
After dinner the first evening there was a small combo playing
merengue and konpa music on the patio, and gradually I noticed that
the saxophone player was in the midst of an extended solo. What I
wasn’t prepared for, when I turned around, was the fact that the soloist
was none other than our Dominican director, Carlos Disla, sitting in with
the hotel band.
Shirley and Barry Billingsley
Floresta would like to give special thanks to
all of our Gala Volunteers for making the
night a truly unforgettable evening. Thank
you, volunteers! We couldn’t have done it
without you!
continued on page 2...........................................
In This Issue:
DEPARTMENTS:
Director’s Corner ................................. 1
Tui (Thailand) Raul (Mexico) Albert (Tanzania) and Edith (Tanzania) enjoy a light
Volunteers of the Quarter .................... 3
moment at the International Meeting
Faces of Floresta ................................. 4
It was just one of the many moments that made our time together
FEATURES:
special. Others included multilingual devotions in Floresta’s new Planting Hope Gala Success .............. 1-2
office in Grand Colline, learning old Haitian folk songs from one of Haitian Hope ....................................... 5
our Haitian board members and visiting the villages to see both old Village Spotlight................................... 6
Breaking Floresta News ....................... 7
continued on page 4..............................................................................................
Call 800.633.5319 THE SOWER Winter 2009 | 1

2. Planting Hope Gala Meets with Unprecedented Success
photoessay continued from page 1
Gala Successes!
Planting Hope Gala held on Oct. 4th at
the San Diego, Marriott, La Jolla
its programs around the world
donated to the live and silent auctions
Relief in Haiti
Friends join together for a group shot during
tables—thank you Table Hosts! the gala excitement
Murray Decker, Board Member, and
Chris Elisara
Jeff (Board Chair) and Sally Busby, Shirley John and Sarah Lord, Brad Lewis, Scott Sabin, Rich Houk
Billingsley, Gala Committee Chair, and Doug Gala Volunteers
Satre, Floresta staff member
“Now all glory to God who is able through His mighty
power at work within us to accomplish infinitely more
than we might ask or think.” -Ephesians 3:20
The Village Market featured distinctive crafts from
a variety of villages where Floresta works around the
world. Throughout the evening, a buzz grew as guests
compared colorful Thai scarves, authentic corn husk
dolls from Mexico, and beautiful wooden crosses from
Tanzania, among other unique gifts.
Chris Castillero and Cristina Terry proudly
display their village market purchases
2 | THE SOWER Winter 2009 visit www.floresta.org

3. Volunteers of the Quarter:
The ‘Planting Hope’ Gala Committee
This year’s Planting Hope Gala was an extraordinary suc-
cess. An unprecedented number of Floresta supporters,
friends, and family joined in on the memorable evening
-
ing programs. This memorable evening and fundraiser
would not have been possible without the hard work and
dedication of this year’s Gala Committee. The committee,
Some of the committee members at the post-gala appreciation dinner. Front
row: left to right, Susan Forrest, Marlene Dominy and Eloise Housman;
a vital role in the planning and execution of this fabulous Middle row: Barbara Anderson, Kathy Harvey and Shirley Billingsley;
event. Under the detailed and dedicated direction of Shir- Top row: Linda Smith and Dianne Johnson
ley Billingsley, the committee planned the décor, recruited
guests, generated enthusiasm, and secured donations for Shirley Billingsley, Committee Chair
the silent and live auctions. They also planned and pro- Barbara Anderson Kathy Harvey Francie Murphy
duced the Village Market, which allowed guests to step into Kelley Carder Eloise Housman Stephanie Selarka
Floresta’s villages around the world by purchasing distinc- Joanie Crawford Debbie Inada Linda Smith
tive crafts such as hand-crafted pine needle baskets, deli- Marlene Dominy Cecily Jaynes Pearl Wong
cious Floresta coffee, and colorful Thai scarves and napkins. Susan Forrest Dianne Johnson
The committee contributed invaluable insight, time, Aimee Halfpenny Brad Lewis
and resources, many even devoting hundreds of hours to Next year’s Gala Committee is already hard at work plan-
making this year’s gala a success. We are incredibly grateful ning Floresta’s Planting Hope Gala 2009. If you have a knack
for the Committee’s priceless contribution and thank them for event planning or just love getting involved, contact
all for putting on a magnificent event. Thank you, Gala
Committee! be a part of Floresta’s biggest event of the year.
Ron Kimura and Lola Jordeth
Donna and Jay Shirley Albro Lundy with daughter, Neva, and son,
Aldon. Neva shared about her internship
experience in Tanzania last summer.
Save the date for next year’s Planting
hope
Hope Gala. It’s sure to be a night to remember! PLANTING
Planting Hope Gala 2009
October 10, 2009
Clay Westling, Sarah Ward, Nicole and Dave Franco San Diego Marriott La Jolla
GALA
Call 800.633.5319 THE SOWER Winter 2009 | 3

4. ..............................................continued from page 1
and new friends. It was a blessing just to be
Faces of Floresta:
here in Haiti – we had twice scheduled the Albert Samson, Mbwambo, Tanzania
meeting here in the past, only to move it
Whether on the soccer field or teaching sus-
due to political unrest. After the hurricanes
tainable agriculture techniques to farmers in
of August, we had briefly considered
the field, Albert Samson Mbwambo is a team
postponing it again. However, despite
player. Combining his love for the environ-
hurricanes and economic crisis, Floresta-
ment and desire to serve those in need,
Haiti was eager to host the growing Floresta
Albert works as Floresta Tanzania’s Agrono-
family.
mist. Thanks to Albert’s agricultural expertise,
Our international leadership meets as a
hundreds of farmers are increasing the yields
group every two years to solidify vision, enjoy
of their farms and gardens and learning to
fellowship and learn from the experiences
take care of their land for future generations.
of the host country. This year, we spent
two and a half days in meetings, three days Birthplace: Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
visiting the field and another two days Currently working in: Floresta Tanzania.
enjoying Haiti’s surprising tourist attractions. Years working with Floresta:
Albert teaching on the benefits of
For me, perhaps the most gratifying Job title: Agronomist
planting trees
aspect was seeing the interchange between
Brief job description: I am responsible for group formation and training
countries, as people from around the world
on environmental conservation techniques such as family gardens and tree
worked to overcome language and cultural
planting.
barriers to share what they had learned
about fighting poverty and deforestation How you became involved with Floresta: I was working with the Bureau of
and to enjoy one another as brothers and Forestry on a study tour to Kilimanjaro when I saw an advertisement for a
sisters in Jesus. Everywhere I looked there job at Floresta. I applied and the rest is history!
were informal meetings taking place, as Motivation for working with Floresta: I wanted to work in the Kilimanjaro
people from seven very different countries region and wanted to improve my skills.
worked together to solve common problems
– a single team was being forged. And Environmental conservation and
as I enjoyed the miracle of collaboration improving agriculture. I like the job because I have direct contact with
that was taking place, I remembered farmers and I enjoy the teamwork.
how important our partners in the US – Favorite Floresta memory:
supporters, prayer partners, volunteers and banks that grant loans, accumulate capital, and help community members
donors – are to this team.
groups!
my family
Favorite book: Books about agriculture and environment; a book on the
__________________________________ edible trees and shrubs of East Africa
The Sower Issue #83.
The Sower is published quarterly Favorite quote:
by Floresta USA “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” In other words, “Work hard so you
4903 Morena Blvd., Suite 1215 may eat.”
San Diego, California 92117 I am from the same tribe
Ph: (858) 274-3718, (800) 633-5319.
Fax: (858) 274-3728 auctioneer to raise funds for our VICOBA groups. Some Roman Catholic
E-mail: info@floresta.org sisters from the event were so impressed they asked me to raise money for
www.floresta.org one of their projects.
4 | THE SOWER Winter 2009 visit www.floresta.org

5. Despite Four Hurricanes, Haitian Hope
and Tenacity Continues
It is easy to overlook if you are not paying attention. People
still smile and offer friendly greetings as you walk down
the narrow paths. The sun is shining and corn is coming
up on the hillsides. However on closer observation, the
downed trees and ragged crowns of disheveled palms are
everywhere.
Late this summer, four storms hit Haiti within the space Maurice Decoline of Savanet with his children
of a month: Fay, Gustav, Hanna and Ike. Gustav, they said,
brought the worst winds, knocking down trees, leveling group has a tree nursery and a cistern. Their main source
cornfields and sending aluminum roofs scything through of income is bananas, breadfruit and corn, all of which were
the air. Then Hanna came and stayed, with eight straight hit hard. The president of the group, Jean Francios, told
days of torrential rains. That was what killed the animals. us that right now even the firewood is wet, so they couldn’t
Homes are still missing roofs or walls, whereas on churches cook their food even if they could afford it.
and schools, brand new aluminum stands out on the roof, However, in nearby Savanet we got some good news
contrasting with the rust of older pieces. The fresh scars as we walked through a micro-watershed project. In these
of new landslides are everywhere, and only one lane of the projects, Floresta brings together all of the landowners
main highway to Jacmel is open. around a stream or drainage area and helps them to work
When you begin to talk with people, an even starker together to apply soil conservation techniques and plant
picture comes out. Most families are down to two meals a trees to protect the water source. In Savanet, fifty families
day. Contaminated water and disease are a big problem. are participating in the protection of the watershed,
planting trees, establishing rock barriers and installing
percent suffered significant damage to their homes and contour canals. Jean Baptist, the president of the group,
said that he was certain that the corn they had planted just
are traditionally used as a savings account to be sold when
times are tough, died in the hundreds. Most families have of rain that lashed the hillsides. However, he was stunned
received no outside assistance, other than what Floresta that where the erosion control techniques had been
has been able to offer. So once again the people of Haiti applied, the corn had sprouted and was doing well, in sharp
tighten their belts and put a brave face on their hardship. contrast to the land around it.
We visited Kanje, near Bainet, where a new Floresta Nonetheless, they have been heavily impacted. The
secretary of the group, Maurice Decoline, showed me
his home, with most of two walls still missing. Another
Maurice Decoline, home had been leveled and the entire family was living in
Secretary of the Floresta
group in Savanet, in the separate kitchen. In spite of all this, the spirit of the
front of his damaged Haitians is amazing. They remain positive and courageous.
house At Floresta we are committed to serving our brothers and
sisters in this difficult time. As The Sower goes to press, Guy
is distributing goats to families that lost animals. Later they
will repay Floresta with the firstborn kids, which will be
distributed to additional families. We are also buying seed
to be distributed in time for planting. We hope to help
help, please respond in the enclosed envelope or online.
New roofs and ragged
palms in Savanet which have been pledged to match contributions to Haiti
hurricane relief. Thank you so much.
Call 800.633.5319 THE SOWER Winter 2009 | 5

6. Village Spotlight: Church, Community,
and Change in Loma Ardilla, Mexico
Steep hills. Violent rains. Little access to the outside
world. From an outsider’s perspective, the small Mexican
hillside that renders the village inaccessible by vehicle
whenever it rains, seems to have little reason to hope. But
with the encouragement of Floresta, this isolated village
has joined together to improve their lives and their land.
Just last year, the Prince of Pastures Church, which sits
on the precarious hillside of Loma Ardilla, embarked Members of the Prince of Pastures Church, Ananias is standing
on an exciting new initiative called Church, Community, in the back center with the collared shirt
and Change, which utilizes Floresta’s unique Bible study Pastures Church. The old church building, small and
curriculum. The church members are now asking dilapidated, couldn’t hold the surge of new members, many
themselves how they can act as an agent for positive change of them children who are now eagerly participating in the
in their community. growing Sunday school program. “Since Floresta started
working with us, the children’s ministry has grown a lot…
We thank Floresta and thank God that a lot of children
attend church now,” said church member, Juan Perez.
The roof of the new building is completed, but it will
be a year before the wood dries out enough to put up the
walls. The church is not yet finished, but changes in the
hearts and lives’ of community members in Loma Ardilla
is already taking place.
Community members put the roof on The Prince of Pastures Church,
which will accommodate the growing number of active members
The community has already united to build a tree
nursery to produce countless seedlings that have been
planted to reforest and restore the steep, eroded hillsides
they depend on for their survival. In addition to the
tree nursery, community members have constructed a Juan Perez, left, and Rodolfo, church leader, gratefully recount Floresta’s
cistern to store life-giving rainwater, utilized fuel-efficient impact on their community
stoves to reduce the need to cut trees for fuel wood, built
ecologically friendly latrines to keep waste products out of Floresta village sponsors can make a difference in
village water sources, and initiated a chicken project that the lives of many other rural farmers and communities,
provides both income and nutrition. “We participated empowering them to cultivate their faith as well as trees.
in the nursery and reforestation. There have been many
challenges but God has blessed us and the trees are Ardilla. You will receive updates of your village along with
growing. Thank you for all the support; it has been a stories from farmers like Ananias and Juan Perez. First
great benefit to the church and the community,” said one time sponsors who sign up with our automatic payment
farmer, Ananias. option will have their first year’s donation matched!
The community is coming together for another To learn more or sign up, please fill out the enclosed
construction project, but this time instead of a tree nursery envelope, visit our website, or contact us at
or cistern, this building will be home to the Prince of
6 | THE SOWER Winter 2009 visit www.floresta.org

7. Breaking News: What’s New at Floresta
Artists Advocates in Action
entrepreneurs to speak up for those who don’t have
a voice, Vox Culture Houston has hosted two benefit or more public charities.
concerts on behalf of Floresta. A portion of the The Benefits: In most cases, the transfer counts toward
proceeds has gone to support Floresta’s Sponsor-A- your minimum required distributions, generates neither
Village program in Ashira, Tanzania. taxable income nor a tax deduction, and may be in
addition to or fulfill any charitable giving you have already
partnership program. Derren Raser, a San Diego planned.
based musician and our first partnering artist, will The Next Step: Be sure to contact tax professionals
be touring in the Midwest this spring where he and your IRA administrator if you are considering a gift
will continue to share about our ministry and to under this law.
encourage new supporters of our work. To find out
more about our artist partnership program, contact This fall Floresta’s board of directors unanimously
approved the establishment of Endow Floresta, an
endowment designed to perpetuate Floresta’s work of
Floresta Happenings transformation in the lives of the rural poor. With a pledge
changing work with the rural poor on a Floresta managed by the Rancho Santa Fe Foundation and will
Vision Trip to the field. 2009 Vision Trips: Tanzania, provide an ongoing source of revenue to support our
core programs. We encourage you to consider adding
Endow Floresta to your estate plans, and also to consider
a designated gift to help us get the endowment growing!
Please contact Doug Satre in the Floresta office for more
Christmas Gift Idea: give the gift of monthly information.
Floresta coffee. In partnership with Just Coffee,
we can now deliver a pound of delicious Fair Trade, Environmental tip of the quarter:
Shade Grown coffee every month directly to your It’s not too late to order environmentally friendly Floresta
Christmas Gifts!
Searching for a special, meaningful Christmas gift for your
Visit our blog at www. friends, family, or coworkers? We’ve got just the thing!
florestablog.org This year, plant a tree or Sponsor A Village in honor of
a loved one, and you’ll be giving some Christmas cheer
peeled for our exciting new marketing campaign!
month per village, you can give your family and friends a
New ways to support Floresta: gift that reflects the true spirit of the season. With each
Tax-free gifts from your IRA! gift purchased, you’ll
receive a Floresta
with individual retirement accounts. Thanks to the
extended charitable IRA legislation, you can once
again make outright gifts using IRA funds without for a stocking stuffer
tax complications. If you are required to receive or to mail out as your
minimum distributions from your IRA and you do regular holiday card.
not need the money for personal use, consider using To learn more, log on
those funds as a charitable gift. While you cannot to www.floresta.org or
claim a charitable deduction for the IRA gifts, you
will not pay income tax on the amount.
Call 800.633.5319 THE SOWER Winter 2009 | 7

8. Planting Hope Gala a record-breaking success!
Check out pictures from the memorable evening (page 2)
Haiti hit by four storms...
Find out how Floresta is helping Haitian farmers rebuild. (page 5)
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
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San Diego, CA 92117
OCEANSIDE, CA 4903 Morena Blvd., Suite 1215
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