In 2009, Sinai 30 bought 34 acres of empty acres of land with a dream to create a self-sufficient farm with vegetation, fruit and animals. Not only would the farm eventually provide jobs for children in the orphanage, it would also generate profits for the ministries, ending their need for outside support. Ultimately, Sinai 30 is hoping to have a large farm with plenty of job opportunities and enough produce to create an independent marketplace within Cornesti.
When purchased, the land was bare. But with help from volunteer groups, the land was cultivated and expanded. Fruit and vegetable plants were sewn; chickens, beavers and pigs were purchased. Stairs from the top of the hill to the bottom of the hill, a well and a shelter for animals were built.
These days, the farmland currently has 250 trees of different varieties, including apples, cherries, prunes, apricots and nuts. Cucumbers, tomatoes, eggplants and carrots are also grown and harvested there.
The fruit and vegetables are used to make meals for the orphanage and distributed to 20 needy families that Sinai 30 takes supplies to every month.
The animals provide a source of meat for the orphanage’s meals. The meat is also sold for profit to help sustain the ministry.
The farm has come a long way since Sinai 30 purchased the land, but there are still improvements to be made. One major change will take place in October 2011, when construction on a greenhouse will begin. In the past, cold winters have prevented harvesting of fruits and vegetables for part of the year, which has taken a toll on meals for the orphanage and supplies taken to supported families. Instead of the normal delivery of homegrown goods to families who desperately need the nourishment, the winter deliveries bring only clothes and oil.
With a greenhouse on the property, Sinai 30 can continue its journey toward becoming self-sufficient by ensuring that there will be crops to harvest all year round and giving its future employees job security. The orphanage and families will be given healthy food even in the winter.
The labor in constructing the greenhouse will be supplied through volunteers from various missions, including the World Race. Even though construction is scheduled to begin in October, all of the materials needed for the greenhouse have not been provided. Sinai 30 is stepping out in faith that God, just as He has in the past, will provide all they need. 