The Farming Community Network Harvest Thanksgiving

Summer and......Winter and......Springtime and......Harvest

The Earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it ‘He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for man to cultivate – bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread that sustains his heart.’ Psalm 104: 14-15

We have so much to thank God for Without food to eat we would die; without the countryside to enjoy our spirits would not be inspired; without nature and God’s creation cared for by farmers our land would lose its beauty.

We have so much to thank farmers for … They produce the food we eat. They care for the land. They manage the countryside for our benefit.

And yet much of our farming community is threatened and suffering Low incomes, increasing bureaucracy, high suicide levels, depression, debts and farmers going out of business losing their livelihood and the home for their family

Poverty … One in four farming families are living on or below the poverty line.* The average income for an upland tenant farmer is £8,000 per year. Debt of tens and hundreds of thousands of pounds is commonplace. * Government figures December 2009

Bovine Tuberculosis Bovine TB is spreading fast around Britain. Last year almost 40,000 cattle were slaughtered in Britain in an attempt to arrest the disease. The effect on farmers and their family is devastating.

What is the Church doing to help ? The Farming Community Network (FCN) has a Christian ministry in the farming community, with wonderful volunteers across the UK providing support and help to those who are in difficulty. They are showing the love of God to farming people in a very practical way.

… and it really does make a difference “When I called the Helpline all those months ago all I could see was a black hole - no hope and no way out. I never thought I would find a way through. Now I can see light at the end of the tunnel and I am so grateful for the help I have received from FCN. I know that I am not on my own”.

Volunteers come from all denominations. Churches are vital in supporting FCN’s volunteers through prayer, through financial support and by raising awareness. Many church members feel called to the mission of FCN themselves and many rural churches see support of the farming community as part of their mission. FCN is the church in action

You can make a difference If you know farming people let them know they are valued; buy local food; ask FCN to keep you updated on its work; donate; volunteer; and most importantly please pray for the farming community and FCN.

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