It’s nice to see things hopping (literally) at the Ag institute where several people are trained every week and some schools are now bringing their children for classes. Several hundred rabbits and several thousand chickens were produced here last year for needy families and the training continues to reach many of the authorities in the surrounding villages. The production of rabbits is an incredible opportunity that few people realize or even understand for that matter. With only 3 to 4 females and one male to help a family start their own production, in one year those rabbits can actually produce more meat than a cow and with less investment or risk. The meat is also higher in protein with less cholesterol.That’s a reason why one of the most closed countries in the world, recently not only allowed a foreigner to come in and help them with their extreme hunger issues, but he was actually invited in by the government! … Duuude! … it doesn’t get any better than that!!I must also point out that not only are there many great ways to prepare rabbit meals, but if nothing else … they make great pets, produce needed fertilizer and they definately DON’T make a lot of noise like the neighbor’s dogs.These little wonders come in all shapes, sizes and colors and only need a fraction of the feed that a cow would eat to gain the same kilo of weight.The gestation period (or pregnancy time for you urbanites) is only a month and each litter normaly has 6 to 8, but we’ve seen some litters of up to 11 … WOW! now that’s like popping popcorn.They can actually be so productive, that it could be a problem. A case in point was the infamous Robbin Island prison where Nelson Mandela was kept for 18 years. They recently had to shut down the whole island (which is one of South Africas most famous tourist sites) for two weeks to address the over-population of rabbits.

I recently met a young boy named Hugo, it broke my heart to see what happened to his finger. A few days ago we went to his village to check on an incubation cycle of chicken eggs. He came to greet us and see how the chicken production was going, I noticed his arm was in a sling and his finger was bandaged. As we taught them how to clean the wound, left some medical supplies and took some photos for the doctor, we inquired as to what happened, he went on to explain, that as it was close to the “day of the dead” celebration, he had been building his own altar to the spirits of his dead ancestors and had a bad accident. (they build these because of traditions and customs, also for good luck, but mainly out of fear for not paying respect to their ancestors)But sadly enough for Hugo and very unlucky as well, he chopped off the end of his thumb with a machete while diligently working to fabricate an altar with an idol. As a young boy of only six years old he is learning a very painful lesson … that his work was not only dangerous but also counterproductive. The prophet Isaiah shares with us what God told him to say about this topic in chapter 44:9 through verse 20.Take some time and read it, then please pray for this young boy and many others just like him that are so religious, but have no relationship with Christ … the One, True, All Powerful Spirit.

This is actually my first ever post … going solo anyway … so just hang in there with me.Sometimes it’s easy to take things for granted and cultivated friendships are one of the most often ignored or overlooked items.  The photo of this little girl reminds me that a little love goes a long way and in most cases, it far exceeds our own expectations.  When I first starting going to her village, visiting her dad … she would run away screaming and crying, as she was not accustomed to having visits by outsiders.  Nowadays it’s not unusual to have her, or some of the other kids run towards us when we drive up and later on fall asleep in my lap when we’re sitting around talking.Out in the villages, relationships are everything and Christ left us many examples of that.

David has been pressuring me to post a video on the blog, so here is a quick introduction.My First Video Blog from Miguel Johnson on Vimeo.

Welcome to the new blog for Communityfor projects based out of Oaxaca, Mexico. In the near future, it will be regularly updated by Field Coordinators Kerry and Mauri Johnson, with occasional guest posts. It will include regular updates on specific projects, new photographs, prayer requests, and more.  Do add us to your RSS-feed, and commit to walking alongside us in this work.