How Farmers in Africa are Planting Seeds of Salvation
Although the Gospel message and God’s Word itself is unchanging, the presentation of the Good News is often adapted for each group that is receiving it. In Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya, God gave Call of Hope a culturally appropriate method to connect with the people - Farmer Evangelism. Due to the rich agricultural area that makes up much of the land of these countries, most of the villagers have become farmers to feed and support their families.
Call of Hope Farmer Evangelists are trained in effective small-scale agricultural production, which they use to assist their neighbors and eventually start conversations about Jesus. The evangelists begin by planting crops on a leased plot of land, as the crops begin to grow, nearby villagers take notice and want to know how to improve their own farm productivity, beginning a conversation. Curiosity about farming methods and fertilizer leads to relational evangelism and the presentation of the Gospel message to Muslim farmers. When enough people in a village have come to faith in Christ, a church is established, believers are nourished in the Word of God, and are able to have fellowship one with another.
The Farmer Evangelist project has been remarkably successful. Many churches have been planted and more than 80 farmer evangelists have been placed in villages across the region! As the Gospel message continues to spread and seeking Muslims are coming to faith in Christ, Call of Hope has made discipleship training a priority. Every two months, the farmer evangelists gather for a time of encouragement and training in the Word of God. Despite strong opposition, the Good News of Jesus Christ is setting free villagers who were once bound by the chains of Islam.
