Lahai Makieu cuts a piece of bamboo. Balancing on his crutch, he reaches to pick it up. But fellow workers pull the bamboo’s other end. He tumbles into the grass. 

“They forgot I had one leg,” the farmer says, laughing. He picks himself up. He says, “We fall and we rise.” 

From 1991 to 2002, there was a civil war in Sierra Leone. During the war, about 28,000 injured people had to have arms or legs removed—or amputated. Even now, accidents and poor medical care in the West African country sometimes lead to amputations.  

When Mr. Makieu was a boy, rebel soldiers shot him. Doctors had to amputate his left leg. As an adult, Mr. Makieu didn’t have a job. He depended on a friend for food and a place to stay. 

Mambud Samai is a pastor and the founder of Farming on Crutches. He was a refugee himself during the civil war. He wanted to help people like Mr. Makieu. 

First, Pastor Samai organized beach soccer matches for amputees. He thought the games would boost their confidence.  

But people needed something more. As a farmer, Pastor Samai saw agriculture as a path to helping people take care of themselves. In 2020, he started teaching amputees to farm. 

Today, Farming on Crutches offers help. The organization aims to restore amputees’ confidence and independence. Staff members teach farming skills. Then the injured can start farm businesses.  

The training transformed Mr. Makieu’s life. He now trains other amputee farmers. He set up a small farm with his wife, Zanib. She is also an amputee. They met during the training. Mr. Makieu wants to inspire future farmers. 

Why? Fulfilling work is a gift from God, and everyone has something to do in God’s good plan.