Working at Maradi in Niger with SIM Both are agricultural scientists, involved in projects to improve productivity and nutrition Also involved in local church growth and development Two children: Aaron (about 6) and Steven (about 18 months) - Last updated:		(View Latest Update, Nov 2006- PDF file) Postal Address: SIM BP 121 Maradi, Niger Republic West Africa
		Click to View: Presentations on their work in Niger Short 3.5 Minute SIM Video* on Niger (* Permission granted by SIM) Copyright

Maradi Integrated Development Project (MIDP)		View Prayer Points View Latest Newsletter (PDF File)
Aim: To minimize the incidence of poverty through appropriate food security, community health and literacy Components
Adoption of sustainable agricultural methods Land restoration/sustainable farming Food/tree production Food Security (new/improved crops, diversification) Village ownership
Community managed health program Village health committee Preventative health Antenatal & postnatal care
Community managed literacy program Literacy teachers Focus on women & children
Anyone wishing to contribute to the operating budget of MIDP can do so by contacting David or Sue Riethmuller at SIMAID on tel. (Australia) +612- 9580-1422 or email simaid@sim.org.au. All donations are tax deductible in Australia. Please quote project number NE97230.

Prayer Points:

• for our team as we initiate partnerships with villages that are keen to learn and improve their lives.
• The operational costs of the project (approx A$120,000 p.a. used for national salaries, travel, training, research etc) are funded by individual and government donors through SIM in Canada and Australia.
  As of July this year we will lose about half of our regular funding due to changes in donor priorities. Please pray that the Lord would give us wisdom in pursuing other international funding sources, so that the project will be able to achieve its objectives.
• Christian Training Centre for Development - The idea is to produce graduates with a Christian World View that are capable of being leaders in their village communities, who can teach and demonstrate improved farming, health /hygiene practices and income generating activities. These young men and women will also be leaders in the struggling bush churches. Please pray for the fulfillment of this vision as there is much to be done in the next year or so.
• Peter was asked to present MIDP's work on farmer managed natural regeneration, and the domestication of Australian Acacias to a Workshop at the World Centre for Agroforestry Research in Mali in mid March. It was a stimulating time and he was invited to have a leadership role in further research, promotion and domestication of Aussie Acacias across the Sahel. This will involve travel to and teaching in surrounding countries each year. Whilst SIM is not a scientific research organisation, we see this as a strategic partnership that could potentially benefit millions of subsistence farmers. Please pray that Peter and the team will know God's leading for appropriate involvement in the Acacia work..
• After harvest we will commence training village leaders and a health and agricultural teaching program in several new villages that have shown significant interest in working with MIDP in our transformational development program. Please pray that the motivation of villagers to participate fully in the learning process would be high from the outset.
• We are thankful that the rains started early this year and the crops are in head on the farm here (although patchy in some other places due to rain deficit and degraded soils). With the very real threat of a major locust plague coming our way we are aware that it is not a good season until the harvest is in the silo in September/October! (Sound familiar?). As they wait for the harvest many families are hungry as food reserves are low or gone. Many come looking for work or food. Please pray for a good harvest and protection from the locusts.
• Living in Maradi we are very aware of the increasing strength of Islam in this area. Given what is happening on the world stage, we ask you to pray for N iger . Pray that the Christians in N iger would be bold and faithful to God as they demonstrate by their lives the transforming power of Christ and the glorious hope we have in Him. pray that they will know joy and victory in their own Christian lives and unity in the churches.
• Please pray for Steven as he has severe eczema all over his body, which is exacerbated by the heat/humidity and perhaps allergies. Despite treatment we have not been able to resolve it yet.
• Please pray for Aaron regarding friendships with other kids his own age, both English speaking and Hausa, and for continued joy in learning through the Distance Education Program.