100 Acre Farm
The idea for the 100 Acre Farm stemmed from wanting to generate sustainable funds to support educational facilities. The Farm will be the basis of all projects intended to create jobs for workers to provide for their families and communities. All of the proceeds will go towards increasing production and sustaining education.
Open Arms Coptic High School
The idea to build a school originated from my mission trip to Zambia as I was visiting Coptic elementary and middle schools. Out of curiosity, I asked Fr. Makarius, a local priest, what happens to these wonderful kids after they complete middle school. He said, "Majority of them will not continue their education." Instead, they will spend their time in the streets, occupying themselves with drugs and other dangerous acts. I looked at him in utter shock. His answer burned in my heart as I thought about my own children.
I took it upon myself to speak with Fr. Abraham and Fr. Nathaniel about this saddening fact. They offered continuous encouragement and support as I pondered on this notion for months while seeking God's will. That's when I realized God is calling me to fill this void within the community.
As it says in Luke 14:28-30, "For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it— lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish?'"These verses allude to the fact that a project of this magnitude cannot rely on donations alone. Thus, the "100 Acre Farm" initiative will create opportunities, both educationally and vocationally, to financially support the school.
When I discussed this with the Board of Directors, I received huge support from them and the community. I know that God will use this organization to change many lives in Africa. Thank you so much for supporting us to complete these projects. Together, we will make a difference.
-Sobhi Boktor, President of OAFA