Partners Worldwide Stories

Sharing God’s Provisions

October 1, 2007

By Wendy VanKlinken, Partnership Manager, Nicaragua

When Hurricane Felix struck many of the communities of Northern Nicaragua and Honduras, I was concerned about the condition of the communities in the five Partners Worldwide farmer-to-farmer land banks. Shortly after, I attended a Harvest Celebration at the El Progresso land bank in Matagalpa. I was amazed that neither their spirits nor their crops were devastated, but found a community grateful to God for His provision and care.

I went to the Harvest Celebration along with members of Acción Medica Cristiana (AMC), which is one of three Christian organizations that Partners Worldwide is affiliated with in the farmer-to-farmer program. There was clear evidence of bountiful fruits, vegetables, and grateful hearts. This was confirmation that God is truly blessing them. We shared Atole, a corn-based drink, Tamal, a steam-cooked corn meal, Ellote, corn on the cob, and Guirila, a fresh corn tortilla. The feast was enjoyed by all, especially the farmers as they eagerly shared their harvest.

Only two years into the farmer-to-farmer program and there have been many visible signs of transformation. The biggest change that we have witnessed is how they view poverty. God’s love is very evident in the lives of these proud new land owners. They now have resources that they are able to share, they understand stewardship in all areas of life, and have a desire to help others before themselves. I can now relate to and have had a firsthand glimpse of what the Bible talks about in Luke 21:3,“I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on”. This verse has now become a living reality for our partners in Nicaragua.

After the news had reached this community in El Progresso that Hurricane Felix had hit part of Nicaragua, they wrote to AMC, asking if they could take up a collection of their produce from their personal farms to have it delivered to their hurting and hungry brothers and sisters on the Atlantic coast. On September 22, AMC loaded two pickup-truck loads of produce and brought it to the areas of greatest need. AMC and World Relief have been very instrumental in the relief efforts of the hurricane.

Please join me in giving thanks, not only for the corn and vegetable harvest for our small farmers but for the Kingdom Harvest for the table of the Lord.

Wendy VanKlinken