After 45 years of communist rule, few villagers remember when farmers were entitled to the fruit of their labor. So, the village economy is almost non-existent. It is hard for farmers to get their produce to market. If they do succeed, prices are so low that produce from one harvest barely pays for seed for the next.

Young people leave the villages because there are no jobs, and they see no future in farming. For those who want to start a business, it is difficult to raise capital. If a bank lends them money, the interest rate is an unbelievable 80%. No, that is not a typo. The annual interest rate is eighty per cent.

These factors, among others, compel us to do what we can to help rebuild the village economy. It is impossible to estimate the costs of these measures, but we, along with the Somes Circle and Elpis Foundation are considering these ideas.

Farm Implements: Most farming is done by hand. Some villagers do not even have a horse. We would like to develop a small vehicle that could pull a plow or a small wagon. It would require fuel, but would "eat" only when in use. We have a 50s vintage American-made garden plow, which we hope to modify and produce in Romania. Volunteer mechanics and/or engineers could help us determine whether this idea is practical.

Farming Methods: Most village farmers plant the same crops in the same fields, and use the same methods that have been used for generations. What a difference a volunteer agriculturist could make by going to Romania to help village farmers to update their methods and upgrade their crops.

Village Employment: If the plow project works, we want to set up small assembly plants in villages to provide paying jobs; make better implements available to farmers; and provide income to support the church.

Cottage Industries: We would also like to provide interest free loans for villagers to buy the tools to start their own business. For example, we might help a seamstress get a sewing machine or a woodcutter a chain saw.

We would love to have help and advice from anyone who is interested in any of these projects. Please call or write Dr. Ken Shultz at this address: