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FARMING GOD'S WAY
Last week, I was able to attend a great conference in Gulu called Farming God’s Way. This program provides training that is being taught throughout many countries in Africa. It flips many farming practices upside down and produces some amazing results. However, the best part is that it is based on Biblical principles. It teaches out how to take care of the land God has given us. As well as how to use the tools and materials he has given us rather than wish we had something bigger or better. It also encourages trust in God to provide rather than being dependent on others.
We’re looking forward to including this program as a part of the
discipleship program. It does a great job of incorporating Biblical principles into the daily lives of farmers who comprise a big chunk of Uganda’s population. Their techniques have seen crops produce from two to ten times as much as traditional farming methods. Because the significantly larger yields it gives amazing opportunities to share about God’s provision to neighbors who see the results. If you’d like to see more about their methods, check out their website: Farming God's Way.
We’re looking forward to including this program as a part of the
discipleship program. It does a great job of incorporating Biblical principles into the daily lives of farmers who comprise a big chunk of Uganda’s population. Their techniques have seen crops produce from two to ten times as much as traditional farming methods. Because the significantly larger yields it gives amazing opportunities to share about God’s provision to neighbors who see the results. If you’d like to see more about their methods, check out their website: Farming God's Way.
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THE MARKETPLACE: RUTH
The Marketplace Discipleship group has started up again since our return and we've finished our study of Ruth and will be moving onto the book of Esther in the weeks to come. In our discipleship group, we discussed how God had his hand on Ruth by leading her to a certain field that belonged to a certain man. God had his hand on Boaz, softening his heart towards a foreign woman and welcoming her into his care. God also had his hand on Naomi, revealing through provision that he still had a plan in the midst of suffering.
What we found incredible was that Ruth's story seemed hopeless but it sure didn't end there. Not that Ruth or Naomi knew it, but God was actually setting the stage for an epic story of redemption. And the redemption of Ruth's story continued down the family line to King David and ultimately to Jesus Christ. If God can do that in Ruth and Naomi's life, surely he can do that in ours. This incredible story that offers so much hope, despite the circumstances that enter our lives. And like Boaz redeemed what was lost in Ruth and Naomi's lives, Christ redeems what's lost in ours.
For more thoughts on our study on Ruth,
check out The Marketplace: Home Is Where You Are.
What we found incredible was that Ruth's story seemed hopeless but it sure didn't end there. Not that Ruth or Naomi knew it, but God was actually setting the stage for an epic story of redemption. And the redemption of Ruth's story continued down the family line to King David and ultimately to Jesus Christ. If God can do that in Ruth and Naomi's life, surely he can do that in ours. This incredible story that offers so much hope, despite the circumstances that enter our lives. And like Boaz redeemed what was lost in Ruth and Naomi's lives, Christ redeems what's lost in ours.
For more thoughts on our study on Ruth,
check out The Marketplace: Home Is Where You Are.
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THE SEARCH CONTINUES...
This past month we’ve been very busy looking for the right land to buy so we can build the discipleship center. And by “we’ve been busy” I mean two pastors working with us, Pastor Thomas and Pastor Alex. Unfortunately, when a foreigner shows up looking for land, the price seems to increase quite a bit. One place Pastor Alex was looking at, found out that the land was for an organization and the price instantly doubled. So for me (Tim) this process can be a little bit frustrating. I’d love to be driving around looking for land and checking different spots out but I can’t. Instead, Pastor Thomas and Pastor Alex do all the hard work, while I wait to hear how things go.
However, we have found a few possible spots so far, but are still considering more options. Since land here is generally owned but family groups, it adds another wrinkle in the process. Instead of coming to an agreement with one person, you’re dealing with a large group of people. Some want to sell the land to get money, while others want to hold onto it for the future. Then, if they do agree on a price they also need to
agree what percent all the different family members will receive. It’s not a simple process, but we know God has the right place prepared for us.
Last week while Pastor Thomas and Pastor Alex were out looking for land someone came to the office were I was working and asked what the ministry was for. I shared with him about our vision and our plan to buy land and he told me he knew two places for sale! In this process I’ve been reminded of Proverbs 21:31,
“The horse is made ready for the day of battle but the victory belongs to the LORD.”
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This past month we’ve been very busy looking for the right land to buy so we can build the discipleship center. And by “we’ve been busy” I mean two pastors working with us, Pastor Thomas and Pastor Alex. Unfortunately, when a foreigner shows up looking for land, the price seems to increase quite a bit. One place Pastor Alex was looking at, found out that the land was for an organization and the price instantly doubled. So for me (Tim) this process can be a little bit frustrating. I’d love to be driving around looking for land and checking different spots out but I can’t. Instead, Pastor Thomas and Pastor Alex do all the hard work, while I wait to hear how things go.
However, we have found a few possible spots so far, but are still considering more options. Since land here is generally owned but family groups, it adds another wrinkle in the process. Instead of coming to an agreement with one person, you’re dealing with a large group of people. Some want to sell the land to get money, while others want to hold onto it for the future. Then, if they do agree on a price they also need to
agree what percent all the different family members will receive. It’s not a simple process, but we know God has the right place prepared for us.
Last week while Pastor Thomas and Pastor Alex were out looking for land someone came to the office were I was working and asked what the ministry was for. I shared with him about our vision and our plan to buy land and he told me he knew two places for sale! In this process I’ve been reminded of Proverbs 21:31,
“The horse is made ready for the day of battle but the victory belongs to the LORD.”
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PRAYER POINTS
- Please continue to pray that the Lord leads us to the land for the Discipleship Training Center.
- Understanding and patience as we continue to practice our Acholi and make it part of our everyday life.
- Wisdom as we develop the curriculum for the Discipleship Program.
Africa is no longer the abandoned, desolate place it used to be. It’s been getting a lot of support from other countries for decades, and it’s amazing how the land is becoming greener and more bountiful every day. I’d love to have my own farm there and give jobs to as many families as I can just to give them the good life they deserve.
ReplyDeleteKeneth Parish @ Lion Land Marketing