In this his third blog from Nepal, the Moderator, Rt. Rev. Dr. Frank Sellar, writes about a group of women he meet in rural Rupandehi to the south-west of Kathmandu who have been supported to form an agricultural cooperative, which has given communities hope and empowerment.

A goat for Christmas?

You know one of those 'alternative' presents? Well, we actually saw a project like that this week. Part of the United Mission to Nepal livelihood activities in rural Rupandehi, in the south of the country, local women have been supported to form a cooperative which has given communities hope and empowerment.

Separately they are vulnerable. Together they are stronger and among them 21 women now have 29 goats to care for, nurture and develop. No milk to sell just yet, but it won't be long until there is something to drink.

Not long after, we were taken to see an organic vegetable project, where support has been given to rural farmers to grow potatoes, cabbages, cauliflowers and beans. It's not registered yet as organic, but it will be, and then they will be able to sell their produce at premium rates and enjoy an enhanced standard of living.Tomatoes and mangoes to be made into juice to drink. It was a day for animals, vegetables and...minerals? Well tonight I'm going to enjoy a Fanta!

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You can read more about Dr. Sellar's overseas visit to Nepal here. You can also follow his travels on Twitter at @pcimoderator hashtag #pcioverseastour.