Every human being on this planet is sustained from the Word of God and His creation. The Lord according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). “Us” is the key word here. Agriculture supplies a universal necessity we cannot live without. We can live without many things that are sold to consumers but without grains, fruits, vegetables, and herbs we perish. We can live without certain comforts and entertainment but we cannot live without the farmer who is sweating in the fields day after day. We also cannot live without Christ and His body, the church. We have need of each and every member.

“And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.” – 1 Corinthians 12:19-21

The Village will use donated funds to build an agricultural army that will support the poor and church planters. Instead of placing bills into hands we will be putting tools, seed, and fertilizer into the hands of the able who will support the weak (Acts 20:35). This is much more efficient and eliminates a lot of misappropriated funds. There are those who live in a voluntary community of goods and those who do not. But no one says that any thing which we possess is our own (Acts 4:32).

“Neither did we eat any man's bread for naught; but wrought with labor and travail night and day, that we might not be chargable to any of you: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an example unto you to follow us. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:8-10

Labor, travail, hardness, work, soldier, oxen . . . Paul used words that speak of carrying the burden of others. The bottom line is if an individual does not work when able he is an unworthy recipient of benevolence. We are only to receive alms if we are unable to support ourselves. The early church bishops who did not labor in their trades were sustained in the same manner of the widows. This idea is quite apostolic as seen in the verses above.

“It is right to supply need, but it is not well to support laziness . . . alms are to be given but to the deserving... woe to those who have enough, but who receive (alms) under false pretenses. Woe to those who are able to help themselves , yet want to take from others. For he who takes... out of laziness shall be condemned.” – Clement of Alexandria A.D. 195

Sustainable Science

“It is the agriculturist who should adapt himself, indeed must adapt himself, to the land for which he is responsible, this land which is lent him and from which he must bring out the best for everyone's benefit, not least his own, taking into account its character, its personality and its behavior according to the climate, the pedology (soil study) and the geology.” – Jean Pain

Agricultural science is similar to kingdom science. We must adapt ourselves to the church to which we serve. There is not a one size fits all formula. Agriculture is the same in that each piece of ground has different characteristics and is particular in nature. There are many things that are universal and function no matter what the personality of the land displays but there are many elements that must be tailored to the particular region.

“Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” – 1 Corinthians 12:27

Farming God's Way is one of the techniques that we are using to enhance productivity and sustainability. By implementing the steps taught in the 5 DVD course that I purchased from ECHO Books and Seeds we have seen that it contradicts many conventional methods taught in the local area. It is amazing how many sheep are without a shepherd.

Please read this article on FGW and the importance of agriculture in solving global starvation:

“Our model citizen is a sophistocate who, before puberty, understands how to produce a baby, but who at the age of thirty will not know how to produce a potato.” – Wendell Berry

It has been estimated that 80-90% of all businesses started in the United States fail. A radio program host asked a successful businessman, who was encouraging entreprenuers to start businesses themselves, "why do you suggest starting businesses when only 1 out of every 10 businesses succeed?" He responded by saying "then start 10 businesses".

Obviously this would be nearly impossible in a third world country. If maybe 10% succeed in the land of opportunity then imagine the plight of our third world brothers? Sustainable agriculture combined with koinonia (genuine fellowship . . .) I believe is God's way to truly supply the need of the saints and even those outside especially in lands of no-opportunity. It is the only way for everyone to have a seat at the table and eat together as one. Now, let's roll up our sleeves and get to work!

“To put the bounty and the health of our land, our only commonwealth, into the hands of people who do not live on it and share its fate will always be an error. For whatever determines the fortune of the land determines also the fortune of the people.” – Wendell Berry