Good news for the countryside: Farming isn’t always straightforward
Every fortnight people from a farming background, or who have a heart for the countryside in the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, offer a personal reflection on faith and rural life. They hope that you will be encouraged by it.
‘Farming isn’t always straightforward’ is the title of a poster you will find in some agri- businesses across the country, especially in Counties Armagh and Down, where we mainly work. David Johnston, one of our Rural Chaplaincy team members (who also contributes to this regular column), came up with the phrase to connect with farmers, and farming families, who are finding life tough going.
We are currently in the middle of a very busy time of year for farmers. Spring-planted crops need to be harvested; final cuts of silage and round bales are to be brought in; potatoes in the drill have to be dug.
From my own experience on the farm, added to almost five years working as Rural Chaplain, I know that busy times build extra pressure. That is especially the case, if we are already physically tired and under significant mental strain. At such taxing times, farming is far from straightforward.
Is it possible that, even though you may not admit it to anyone else (not even your closest family member or most-trusted friend), this is where you are living right now?
All kind of circumstances may have brought you to this place… the loss of a loved one; a sense of loneliness, or hopelessness; family worries or disappointments; an accident that has changed what you are able to do; TB in your herd; an overdraft that is spiralling out of control… [Add in your own situation here]. For you, or for a family member, friend, or neighbour, farming isn’t straightforward.
In Rural Chaplaincy, we love to come alongside farmers and farming families, where there are challenges, uncertainty, and perhaps deep hurt. We seek to support, encourage, and bring solid hope, as we read with people what the Bible has to say to us about God’s completely sufficient Son: Jesus. We pray, bringing a person or family’s needs to God, who loves and cares so much, that He sent His Son Jesus into the world, and onto the cross, to forgive our straying from God, our sin. We love to point people to the hope only found in Jesus, of God’s forgiveness, and a complete and forever fresh start with God Himself.
I often leave with folk a copy of the New Testament, Psalms and Psalms, from Good News For Everyone, with its helpful index, signposting us to suitable Scripture, for any mood and situation. And, we leave a card, with a caring message, and an appropriate Bible verse inside.
The Bible verse inside the card is an offer from Jesus, of His welcoming, forgiving, forever love, to those who will come to Him. Jesus says: “Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28).
Farming isn’t always straightforward – there are many twists and turns, many setbacks and disappointments. Farming isn’t straightforward; but Jesus’ loving offer, to come to Him, is. I would warmly encourage you to come to Jesus. Trust God’s promise: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Don’t delay. Jesus warmly welcomes you, promising: “whoever comes to me I will never cast out” (John 6:37).
And, if you have come to Jesus, please be encouraged, that while farming isn’t always straightforward, Jesus’ forever love for you is sure and certain. My phone number is attached to this article and we are happy to help.
Rev Kenny Hanna is the Presbyterian Church in Ireland’s first Rural Chaplain. Growing up on the family farm in the Kingdom of Mourne, he began serving in parish ministry in 2001 in Glenwherry. Prior to his appointment as Rural Chaplain, he was minister of Second Dromara Presbyterian Church for 10 years. He continues to farm part-time.
If you would like to talk to someone about any of the issues raised in this article, please email Kenny at [email protected] or call him on 07938 488 372.