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Three Strand Cord has begun to work on its first “oasis” in Limbé, Haiti. For the most recent information, please see our Oasis Project blog. For a video describing the Oasis Project, please see Oasis Project on YouTube.
Beginning in December 2010, Three Strand Cord began working to address each element of an “oasis” community. In 2013, 3SC hopes to develop a local board of leadership to help further direct and manage the Oasis Project on the ground in Limbé. Other leadership is also being put into place to oversee the spiritual direction of the Oasis Community as well as to oversee the implementation of the operational elements.
Renewable Food
Solutions are being researched to fulfill the food needs of a still food-insecure community. Double Harvest, an agricultural organization working in Southern Haiti, has already agreed to aid with the training of those who would work farming. In the short term, 3SC is looking for more opportunities to partner with US-based organizations to hold food packing events in partnership with Change This World and Kids Against Hunger.
Clean Water
 Clean water is flowing in this community. Through the generous donations of Kelly Green Evangelical Association and individual donors, this community has secured a Living Water Treatment System by Water Missions International, located on the property of the Centre for Evangelism and Development of Acul du Nord (CEDAN). This solar powered system can treat enough water to provide the daily water needs of over 150 people for each hour it is operational.
Viable Economy
A microlending program has been begun in this community. Under this program, entrepreneurs are provided interest free loans with a term of one year to begin business. Usually, the loans are between US$50-$100. The first group of business people has already received loans and repayment has been faithful. In fact, 50 business people have received over $22,000 in loans, and some have already completed the repayment process. As a companion to the microloan program, 3SC is helping to develop a stewardship program aimed at small business to aid in the training of those receiving microloans.
So far, the microloan program has been very well received. Loan recipient Lusenie Guerrier was without a job or a supporting spouse to help care for herself and her daughter. She was without hope. She qualified for a loan of 3,000 Haitia
n Gourdes (about $75) from the CEDAN microloan program. Within a year, she writes, “My business ( Cosmetic ) picked up very fast and, now, I can take care of my daughter and myself as well as help others in my community in need.” Many others are still waiting, however.
Biblical Discipleship3SC partnered with Earl and Pat Sharp, previously of Master's Hands Ministries, to provide pastoral training in August 2011 and 2012. Gathering pastors from all over the Northern region of Haiti, the Sharps, together with Mike Russ, provided training to 125 pastors.
Additionally, discipleship is being woven into each element of the Oasis program. The training program being targeted for the microloan recipients will highlight the responsibility of godly stewardship; Biblical training will be explored in the educational element.
Reliable Power
3SC is researching the best and most sustainable power solution for this region. Under consideration are partnerships which provide diesel generators, solar and wind energy. Fundraising for the implementation of the chosen program will begin shortly after the ideal solution has been identified.
Available Medical Care
This fall, a complete Giving Children Hope clinic package was donated to the Oasis Project. 3SC is working to identify the clinic best prepared to receive this gift as well as to supplement the training and capabilities of the clinic staff. Furthermore, 3SC is soliciting partnerships with US clinics to provide medic
ines and medical expertise to the clinics throughout the region.
Appropriate Education
3SC is partnering with the Good Shepherd School located in a rural location outside Limbe to determine how best to provide aid to the educational system. 3SC is working with the director of this school, Mirdaige Pierre, to develop local funding sources, create partnerships with parents for payments in kind and to upgrade her current curricular materials.
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