A Day of Thanks, Reaping the Rewards in Nicaragua

By Wendy Van Klinken, Partnership Manager

You are my God and I will give you thanks; you are my God and I will exalt you.  Give thanks to the Lord for he is good his love endures forever. (Psalm 118: 28-29) Reading Bible verses is just one way the Nicaraguan farmers give thanks to God during this celebration when the corn begins to ripen. In this hillside community of El Progresso over 100 people come together in scripture reading, singing, prayer and thanks for the harvest that God has given them this year.

At the celebration the youth dance and tell stories with clothes, shoes, hats and jewelry all made out of parts of the corn and its stalk.  They tell how their parents and grandparents have passed on the significance of farming and caring for the land. Then, because no harvest celebration is complete without sharing a meal, all the families come together to enjoy the bounty of their crops. It was also a time to fellowship with some of the North American partners who were able visit. They brought greetings from their brothers and sisters in Christ who live in North America, reminding the Nicaraguans that their partners and churches were continuing to pray for them.

Farmer-to-Farmer and Acción Medica Cristiana were thanked for making the “impossible” dream of land ownership attainable. Any visitor to the landbanks can attest to the fact that while these farming families have very little in material possessions, they are still wealthy beyond measure. They are rich in their resilient spirit and deep relationship to God is an example to their North American partners.

One goal of Farmer to Farmer is for the families to have enough to feed their families, as well as an excess to sell and store for the future; yet, heavy rains or drought make it tough for the Nicaraguan farmers to have a year without some loss.  Most often adverse weather limits the amount of corn and beans for family consumption. We are seeing successes as well as struggles in the farms and we are continuing to move forward with crop diversification, education in farming practices, preventive health-care and the all-important Biblical Worldview trainings.  This continues to be the strategy of the Farmer to Farmer program. 

David and I wanted to express our thanks to all of you who feel compelled to continue to be a part of this work.  Prayer support, financial support to F2F, or support of our personal living needs are so very much appreciated— thank you!  God Bless. 

 Three Ways You Can Be Involved

1. Commit to praying for the Nicaraguan farmers and their families. Write to tmhubers@mtcnet.net to received regular up-dates and prayer items.
2. Financially support Partnership Managers David and Wendy VanKlinken by entering “Van Klinken Support” in the special instructions line.
3. Purchase a bag of Mombachito coffee that is grown, harvested, roasted and packaged by farmers on the landbank. Write to tmhubers@mtcnet.net for retail locations.

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