From 20 to 22 March 2025, God’s Way of Farming hosted a three-day training program at Nyavani focused on the intersection of spirituality, management, and technology in sustainable farming. Led by passionate trainers and embraced by the local MU members from the Vhembe Archdeaconry in the Diocese of St Marks the Evangelist, church members, and the wider Nyavani community, the training emphasized the biblical principles of stewardship through.
Day 1: Spiritual Foundations for Sustainable Farming
The session opened with 17 MU women in attendance. Karla, the trainer, introduced the concept of “Farming God’s Way,” grounding the practice in scripture—Acts 20:30 and Luke 6:38.
She structured her message around four key principles:
- Sow Bountifully (2 Corinthians 9:6)
We start small but with excellence, trusting that sowing generously will yield a generous harvest. - Sow Knowledgeable (Isaiah 4:6)
With humility and repentance, we align our practices with God’s wisdom, allowing Him to transform our thinking. - Sow Faithfully
Using the parable of the three servants, Karla reminded participants to be faithful stewards, learning from small beginnings and producing abundantly. - Sow with Joy (2 Corinthians 9:7, Zechariah 4:10)
Joyful sowing pleases God. Contentment and gratitude are reflected in our work, and we reap spiritual and physical rewards.
The day ended with a practical demonstration comparing conventional farming to “Farming God’s Way,” focusing on setting high, Godly standards in all agricultural efforts.
Day 2: Restoration and Responsible Practice
Attendance grew on Day 2, with 16 MU women, 5 Anglican men, and 12 local community members. From 08h00 to 16h00, participants engaged in teachings on restoration and preparation techniques.
Key Lessons:
- Restoration: Quoting Ephesians 3:16–17, the trainer emphasized that healthy soil management requires accurate measurement and restoration. Grass cover (“blanketing”) is vital to retain soil moisture.
- Planting Preparation: Essential tools and materials included:
- Tablespoons
- Wood-ash
- Compost/manure (cow/chicken)
- Marked ropes and visible markers
Staggered Planting (Rotational Farming):
Participants learned about planting in a Fruit-Leaf-Root (FLR) cycle (e.g., beans, spinach, beetroot/spring onion). It was noted that maize should always be planted next to beans, as beans naturally enrich the soil with nitrogen—demonstrating God’s perfect design.
A “Garden of Remembrance” was planted during the practical session using this method.
Making Compost (2 Corinthians 9:8):
High-standard compost is made using specific layers:
- 10% small wood
- 15cm dry materials (leaves/grass)
- 20cm green materials (fresh grass/leaves)
- Two wheelbarrows of manure
- 5–19 litres of water per layer
Compost must be turned in after 10 days, then every 3 days. Temperature should be maintained between 50–60°C.
Day 3: Good Life Through Godly Farming
On the final day, the focus shifted to planting with spiritual awareness, management, and appropriate technology. Scripture readings included Genesis 1:29, Ecclesiastes 3:11, Isaiah 51:3, John 3:16, and Galatians 5:22–23, among others.
Highlights:
- Use of Open Pollinated Variety (OPV) seeds.
- Planting three seeds per hole.
- Techniques for covering and uncovering seedlings at various growth stages (monocot and dicot).
- Importance of timely planting with minimal waste.
- Emphasis on embodying the Fruits of the Spirit as farmers.
- Prayer over the land was encouraged before sowing.
Conclusion
The training was well-received, with high participation and engagement from the MU and the Nyavani community. The sessions effectively merged biblical teachings with practical agricultural knowledge, reinforcing the call to steward the earth faithfully and joyfully. Participants left empowered—not just with skills, but with a renewed vision of farming as worship, restoration, and a pathway to sustainable livelihoods.
By: Mme Sefularo Ramohale
MU Eco-Champ Mrs Ramohale
Training in session
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