Awakening to the roosters crow we rise to the excitement of a new day. The goats, energy abounding, come forward seeking the security of the one who provides for them. A breeze carries the pollen to the bees as they disperse for a new days voyage. The leaves of rooted plants and towering vines lift up to the sky. Beauty is found in the simple growth that comes from life on a farm. An display of continued trust in a provider; a continuous journey of pouring your love into something beyond your control.
Ministry began only a few years ago with a single beehive and a large dream. In the outskirts of a small town relationships began to build as the doors to church were opened. Gathering in one of the bedrooms, the floor filled with the feet of strangers and dear friends. There were only a few at first, but soon the room will fill to the point of overflow into the hallway and onlookers through windows. The bees took a bit longer as they could only multiply once a year, but the dream never faltered. There were moments spent wondering if too much time had been spent focusing on the hope of sustainability, leaving ministry waiting. In time ministry and sustainability became unanimous.
Relationships built upon the soul necessity of meeting the locals where they were. They were in need of food, of income, of a connectedness to the land that would lead them to a greater understanding of their creator. Ministry became sharing the Gospel through sharing the harvest.
Recognition of the power in sustainable community development for ministry has grown exponentially in recent years. Throughout the “Jesus Freaks” movement of the Church the thought was to passionately love the ‘less fortunate’. Love was displayed through giving food, clothes, tents, and other monetary materials. In this display of love a relationship of dependency and inferiority was unintentionally formed.
In time a revelation began that awakened the truth to the old saying:
“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day;
teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime”
Not only does such a mind-set create sustainable living situations and the opportunity to restore dignity, it tears down the wall of superiority that would otherwise hinder the ability to build discipleship-oriented relationships.
The more obvious benefit is simple:
Imagine a morning on the farm in a village of single room cement homes. The sun is rising, and so are the animals. The seeds have begun to sprout as the rain overnight quenched a distant thirst. The cycle has worked its way in the small world again. In caring for the lilies in the field that have no need to labor or spin, God has provided for his children [Matthew 6:28]. The created reunited with their creator through his creation.
Reflection:
What do you know about sustainable community development? How can you see this becoming a ministry in your community?
A Beginners Guide to Sustainability
Prayer:
For the missionaries who are seeking to become self sustainable.
For sustainability to exist as a tool for ministry and outreach.
For those they encounter, and those who begin their own sustainable farms.
