Farming God's Way
In 2001 David took a gap year and travelled to Zimbabwe where he got involved with an initiative called Farming God’s Way. Seven years later, having completed a degree and served as a Student Worker at Jubilee Church, Derby, he returned to Harare and is now serving on the team for God’s Way International.
Farming God’s Way is a method of farming based on Biblical principles that can result in yields 10 times greater than conventional farming techniques, whilst also helping to preserve the soil and prevent erosion. It’s an apostolic initiative for preaching the gospel, strengthening and planting churches and extending the kingdom of God with an emphasis on sustainable agriculture as a model for life-transformation of individuals, communities and nations.
Farming God’s Way is based on the principle of 1 Cor 10:31; “Whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God.” It was pioneered by Brian Oldreive, an African who has faithfully sought God about the problems in Africa; the poorest continent on earth. God showed him that to lift Africa out of its poverty we must teach people to make a profit. This may seem basic but we know that God chooses the foolish things of the world to shame the wise (1 Cor 1:27). God showed him four foundational principles. Everything we do must be 1) on time, 2) at a high standard, 3) without wastage and 4) with joy, which is the result of doing the first three well and thus making a profit.
Farming God’s Way now works in more than 16 African nations with churches of all denominations working together to break the twin yokes of poverty and dependency, which are so common in Africa.
Zimbabwe, once a proud and affluent nation, is struggling with inflation estimated at 231 million percent in July 08 and now believed to be much higher! In December a 100 million Zimbabwean dollar bill was introduced at a value of 14 US dollars. One week later it was worth less than 50 US cents! People are struggling to buy the most basic of necessities and much of the nation’s infrastructure is crumbling. In the midst of these great difficulties God is doing an incredible work. In early November we travelled across the nation presenting to thousands of people these tools for equipping the church. As part of this roadshow we felt God prompt us to bring a call to repentance for our indifference to the needs of the poor and to make a plan to help them as God has clearly spoken about in His word. This was an incredible time of the wider body of Christ working together to see God’s plan outworked across the nation. It was particularly exciting because we were beginning to see the first fruits of a reconciliation process as leaders from various church streams met together to seek God and repent, uniting for a common purpose.
God has also provided the opportunity to produce a seven-part television series, which has now been aired on Zimbabwe state television station, explaining the basics of Farming God’s Way in a primetime slot on Tuesday evenings. This has been a wonderful chance for the message to be spread much more widely than has been possible before. There are also plans for a new radio programme to be aired on the national station, with a similar purpose and message. It is wonderful to see God’s word in action, being presented so clearly on the television, with a strong emphasis on bringing good news to the poor!
God is doing a fantastic work in Zimbabwe in these difficult days! Please pray that He will continue to open doors for us to make greater impact across Africa, for the safety of the team as we travel and for God’s blessing as we teach the poorest people in our continent. I urge you also to remember the poor. Seek God’s plan for your life and how you can make an impact in your sphere of influence, however large or small it may be, for as you are faithful with the little God has given you He will add much more.
You can find out more about Farming God’s Way by visiting www.farming-gods-way.org or e-mailing fgwzim@gmail.com. To read more about the situation in Zimbabwe and click here for details of the Newfrontiers Emergency Crisis Appeal.
