Farming in Growing Faith and Food in the Midst of War
With Jeremie - Executive Director, Common Ground DRC
Standing in the fields, he explains why this is so vital: “Life is very difficult… this is a way to invest our efforts. As we grow and harvest, we get food, and it helps the church assist orphans and widows as well. It’s a model to inspire church members with, so they can also provide for their families.”
Beyond farming, Freddy has also introduced savings groups—small, community-based collectives where members pool their money and gain access to loans, something otherwise impossible in a village without banks. These groups are already helping families start small businesses and build resilience for the future.
One of Freddy’s students shared: “Everything Freddy teaches me changes my behavior so I can change others. The savings group makes us stronger—now we can support our families and even dream about new opportunities.”
When Pastor Freddy looks at the fields surrounding his church, he doesn’t just see rows of crops - he sees hope, provision, and transformation for his community.
Freddy is leading his students and neighbors in two ways: spiritually, through the Word of God and community, and physically, by teaching agriculture skills that put food on the table and even create opportunities for income. His vision is holistic ministry: growing the church both spiritually and economically.
Recently, war has disrupted this work. Important trade routes have been blocked, making it harder to access resources. Families are struggling, and survival has become more uncertain. Even so, Pastor Freddy continues to encourage his students to keep planting, to keep believing, and to keep working together.
For Freddy, this is what the church is called to do: not only to preach the Gospel but also to empower people to push back poverty, build dignity, and transform their communities.
As Jeremie, who recently visited Freddy’s church, put it: “Pastor Freddy is taking care of his community in powerful ways. We pray that God will amplify this work so his church continues to grow in strength—both spiritually and economically.”