For years, I watched my congregation struggle with a challenge that no sermon alone could solve: hunger. As both a pastor and a farmer in Lira City, I felt this burden deeply. Despite having access to land, our harvests were meager and my own passion for farming had withered like crops in drought.
The reality was hard to ignore. Sunday after Sunday, we would celebrate new believers coming to Christ through our outreach, only to see them arrive at church with empty stomachs. How can a hungry church effectively minister to others? This question weighed heavily on my heart.
But God had plans to transform both our fields and our faith.
When Equipping Farmers International came to our city, I discovered something remarkable: farming isn’t just about agriculture—it’s about discipleship. Their training opened my eyes to see farming through the lens of Scripture, beginning with Genesis where God commanded us to “keep the garden and work.” What I had seen as a burden, God intended as a blessing.
The results were immediate and inspiring. Starting with a small demonstration garden (6×6 meters), I witnessed yields I had never thought possible. Encouraged by this success, I expanded to a 16×39 meter plot using their methodology of 52 rows—each row capable of feeding six people. Suddenly, I saw not just improvement, but transformation.
This wasn’t just about growing food; it was about growing hope. Through EFI’s training, we learned that:
– God cares about our farming practices
– Local churches are the perfect ground for discipleship
– Farming is a blessing, not a punishment
– We can be good stewards of what God has given us
Today, over 700 families in our community can produce their own food and generate income by selling surplus crops. Unlike organizations that provide temporary relief, EFI’s approach empowers our people to help themselves, creating lasting change.
Perhaps most importantly, this transformation has strengthened our church’s ministry. Our leaders now understand that being good stewards of the land is part of our Christian witness. We’re better equipped to support our outreach efforts, and our congregation is growing both spiritually and physically.
As I look at our flourishing gardens today, I see more than crops—I see hope taking root. Families have joy. Church members have purpose. And we’re better positioned than ever to share the love of Christ with our community.
Through this journey, I’ve learned that true transformation happens when we align our agricultural practices with God’s Word. We’re not just feeding bodies; we’re nurturing souls. And for that, I am deeply grateful to Equipping Farmers International and all who support this vital ministry.
Pastor Jeremiah Ochien serves as a local church pastor in Lira City, Uganda, where he implements EFI’s agricultural training to transform both his congregation and community.
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To learn more about how EFI is equipping pastors and farmers across Africa, visit https://www.efi-intl.org/
