14Jun 10
Lord, Teach me to Farm
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An unexpected opportunity was recently afforded our family and a couple good friends to visit Jehovah Jireh farm – home of the Horst family – in Frederick Maryland. The Horsts are full time farmers who raise broiler hens, eggs, sheep, beef cattle, and honey bees. Like Joel Salatin, they farm contrary to conventional wisdom which encourages the use of chemicals, large unsanitary processing plants, and sub-marginal food.
With a similar desire to begin raising and selling farm fresh food, we looked forward with great anticipation to what was in store. The Horsts gave us a tour of their farm, stopping all along the way to explain, teach, and exhort. Mr. Horst has an earnest desire to farm in accordance with God’s principles insomuch that he frequently reminded us to ‘ask the Lord to teach you to farm (See Isaiah 28:23-29).’
The insights he is gleaning are of great encouragement, yet he consistently pointed all glory to the Creator. The Lord desires to impart wisdom and understanding. However, it is unto and for His glory. Countless times we were exhorted to turn to Scripture and the Lord for wisdom and understanding – what a refreshment!
So much could be shared on the nuts and bolts for raising egg layers, meat broilers, maintaining a high sugar (brix) level in your plants for utmost nutrition and good pest resistance, etc.
However, a lesson that was indelibly etched upon our minds was the powerful impact of a family working together in harmony, supporting the God given vision of their father. During the 3+ hours of our visit, farm operations continued. The Horst children did not need to be told what to do. They knew what was required and so performed it diligently. This freed their parents to invest into our family and so fulfill God’s call to disciple. Through the children’s diligence, our family received a great blessing of wisdom and a renewed vision for the powerful potential of families working together in harmony.
What an insightful day!
It was such a joy to see another family with the vision to farm according to God’s principles.
Wow I remember when Mr. Horst told us he was starting a farm and was going to name it Jehovah Jireh Farm. We were standing on a dirty street in Washington D.C. It is so great to see all the progress they have made and how their children are helping out so well! It has been so long since we’ve heard from them. By the way, that’s really important about the brix level in plats (2 Peter 1:8) – something I’d like to learn more of the science of myself.