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| January 6, 2006 | |||
This barn belongs to a local farmer just outside Pender, Nebraska. |
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My introduction to rural life in Nebraska began with a wonderful story about how one farmer saw a need in his congregation and did what he could to remedy it. This corn and soybean farmer in northeastern Nebraska was a faithful member of a local congregation who noticed that oftentimes his church would have trouble raising enough money to pay for various expenses. In response to this, he donated 70 acres of his own land to the church, giving them the opportunity to farm it, sell the crops, and use the money raised for any necessary church expenses. On harvest day each year, farmers from the church with as many as eight combines (harvesting machines) would come and complete the harvest of the land in one day. With the help of willing members of the congregation, this man’s gift has been a tremendous blessing to the church for many years now. |
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This simple story was a powerful example of the way in which farmers in rural communities often find evidence of God’s presence through the rhythm of the seasons, planting and harvest, and having such a close relationship to God’s creation. The joy and strength that is found in reliance upon this God who causes the sun and rain to fall upon crops, causing them to grow, helps members of rural communities reach out to help their neighbors and congregations, trusting that God will take care of them, even during difficult times. Their hope is found in a very powerful way through this trust in God and their close relationships with the land and each other. |
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| Sunset over the Nebraska plains behind St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Pender, Nebraska. | |||
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