This year, Equipping Leaders International had the privilege of training pastors, church leaders, and farmers across Nimba County, Liberia, in biblical agriculture principles and curriculum from Equipping Farmers International’s curriculum. With generous financial support totaling $7,260, we were able to bring conservation farming training to multiple towns and villages. This included:
- $6,750 for the training itself
- $100 for electricity
- $350 for stationery
- $30 for communication
- $30 for transportation
Every dollar was used with care, and the results were remarkable.
A Message That Took Root
Across every training site, participants were deeply moved by the new approach to farming. For many, it was the first time they heard that burning fields and disturbing the soil were actually harming their land. As one participant said, “We never knew God’s blankets on the ground were very important. From today, I will use it all the time.”
Others echoed similar discoveries:
“Oh God, we have always burned everything, not knowing we were doing harm to ourselves. Thanks to our pastor and ELI who opened our eyes to this.”
This shift in thinking wasn’t just practical—it was spiritual. Participants connected the farming method to stewardship, biblical wisdom, and God’s care for creation. In several towns, church leaders declared their intent to take what they learned and teach it to their congregations.
Lives and Communities Changed
Once the initial group of Timothy’s was trained in the Equipping Farmers International curriculum, we spent an additional $12,000 to mobilize the trained leaders to take the training to 45 villages. This resulted in training 700 men and women in these life-changing farming practices. Each community brought its own energy and testimony. In Garr-Dingamon, one man donated two lots of land so participants could practice the method together. In Zehglay, the town chief himself committed to sharing what he learned with the rest of the town. Women in the training expressed joy and a new sense of responsibility, eager to apply their knowledge and provide for their families.
In Saclepea, Pastor Patrick Gborie put it simply:
“We have been in great error. We bless God that today, the light has come.”
Participants reported powerful realizations about time management, working with excellence, and honoring God with their labor. In multiple towns, farmers formed groups to apply their learning together and continue growing food in a way that restores the land rather than depleting it.
Testimonies from the Field
Here are just a few of the voices that stood out:
- Pastor George Paye in Boe-Tuonwea said, “This training has been a blessing for the churches. We hope to teach it to improve the livelihoods of our members.”
- Elder Mataye shared, “I learned to do compost for the first time. I pray to use this knowledge to empower our church.”
- Mr. P in Cooper Village testified, “All my corn spoiled except the small part I tried this method on. That’s the only corn I could eat.”
- Deaconess Anna Yealue said, “I promised to use this knowledge to sustain my family, the church, and share it with women in my church region.”
From Siligar to Vayenglay, from Glenyeeluu to Zone#7 in Karnplay, participants voiced gratitude for the opportunity to learn. One called it a “precious gift from God.” Another said the lesson on “eating the elephant one bite at a time” helped them understand how to tackle farming challenges step by step.
Lasting Impact and Local Ownership
In several places, farmers immediately began practicing what they learned. One radio host who attended the training promised to broadcast the message across his community. In Behwalay Town, attendees formed a commercial farming group to grow rice and sell it together. In Sarkorlay, participants praised the low-cost, God-centered approach as an alternative to expensive and ineffective chemical fertilizers.
These testimonies represent more than improved farming techniques. They reflect a deeper understanding of stewardship, sustainability, and the power of God’s Word to transform both lives and land.
Thank you for helping us make this possible. Your support of ELI’s agricultural training in Nimba is planting more than crops. It is planting hope, dignity, and faithfulness in communities hungry to learn and grow.
If you’d like to continue supporting trainings like this, or hear more stories from the field, please reach out to us or visit equippingleadersinternational.org.
