Purpose
The purpose of the Agricultural Ministry is to help Christians share the love of Jesus by becoming involved in missions that address poverty and hunger wherever they exist.
Togo Projects
Baptists on Mission, through the Agricultural Advisory Team, has developed a relationship with a dedicated pastor and evangelist in the West African nation of Togo. The primary focus is to assist in the development of an agricuttural demonstration farm on 28 acres of land. There will be several phases to this over the course of the next several years. The goal is to provide a place where the Togolese people can come to learn effective agricultural techniques, while also being engaged with the Gospel of Christ.
Togo Christian Mission also operates a school for 200 children grades 1-9, a medical clinic, and other community outreaches. Two trips are being planned for church teams in 2025. The focus of the teams will be to conduct children's ministry as well as other outreach opportunity. Dates are August 18-26 and December 1-9. Click here for a flyer and contact Mark Abernathy (919-459-5607; mabernathy@ncbaptist.org) if your church would like to send a team to Togo.
Veteran's Farm of North Carolina
The Veteran's Farm of North Carolina, at the recommendation of Baptist Hospital, has reached out to the BOM Agricultural Missions Team to request help in completing some much-needed projects around the farm. The VFNC helps Veterans of all eras become self-sufficient farmers. They operate the only full-scale production farm for training Veterans in North Carolina. Over 1000 beginning farmer Veterans have been helped since the farm's inception seven years ago. The farm, located in Cameron, NC, is in great need of volunteer construction teams to help finish four new greenhouses, complete a deck around the outside of a shop buiding, and build a hay and equipment shelter. Work days could be flexible, and scheduled with the farm manager. The farm has materials, just needs some teams with "know how". (Of course any donations toward the cause would be appreciated, but not required). If you have a team that can help with this worthy project, please contact Mark Abernathy (919-459-5607; mabernathy@ncbaptist.org)
Cuba Partnership Update
WIth the help of Baptist on Mission, and the Agricultural Advisory team, the Eastern Baptist Convention of Cuba (based in Santiago) purchased 4 acres of land adjacent to Mi Campomento (My Camp) near Santa Clara, Cuba. The purpose is for food production to help feed the churches who come to the camp for retreats and events. The camp is expected to also house seminary students attending classes there in the future.
Hands-On Field Days
Each spring, hands-on field days are held at the Baptists on Mission mission camps. These field days feature demonstrations on farming and livestock techniques, as well as a speaker and children's progam. Stay tuned for information on the next Ag Field Day.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Community Gardens
Our Agricultural Missions Team works with churches to encourage the establishment of "community gardens" that can be used to develop relationships with those living around the church. This gives people an opportunity to work in the garden and to share the harvest of fresh vegetables in the name of Christ.
How to Start a Garden in Your Home or Church »
Short Term Mission Trips
The Agricultural Missions Team encourages individuals who have an interest in agriculture to participate in short-term mission trips to help missionaries and national leaders with water and food production projects while sharing their faith. Past trips have included those to Honduras, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Togo, and more. Check below for opportunities to serve on a short-term ag mission trip.