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A call for Country Living and Missional Business

Writer's picture: Rob BertholfRob Bertholf

We read clearly that it is not God’s purpose that we live in cities:


However, in our journey towards a life as God has instructed, many of us find ourselves seemingly faced with a choice between living in the country and financially sustaining ourselves. In some minds, it feels like we must choose between the two, creating a disconnect between what God has asked us to do and how we will sustain doing it.

 

Anyone paying attention can see how the entire system is rigged against us following God’s plan of country living. We have been born into industrial complexes and elaborate supply chains, which have spawned education systems designed to train drones, not free thinkers. We are taught to be specialists, unable to function independently. We are so dependent on their jobs that the idea of making money outside of a corporation or providing for ourselves outside of the industrial food chain seems unfathomable.

 

We need a reset of thinking! We must return to God’s plan, where we can provide for ourselves through God’s blessings. But how?


Can business be done from the country?


When imagining running a business, what environment and setting come to mind? Is it a small cubicle in a concrete jungle in the city? If so, it may be challenging to reconcile both the call for country living and the call for business. From my experience, this is one of the reasons many do not consider business to be an option, as it contradicts the notion we have about leaving cities.

 

If we really look at what is written, we will find that Country Living and Missional Entrepreneurship harmonize perfectly.



Here we are called to move out of the cities and establish sanitariums (which is a business), training centers (which could be run like businesses) and offices (which are clearly businesses).  We are just told to do this away from large centers of population. So we are clearly to have offices, but not in the heart of the city as many entrepreneurs desire to be.


The critical question then arises: where will the revenue and customers come from? Will they be sourced from outside the rural community or can they be generated within the community itself?


Additionally, we need to consider the nature of the revenue streams. Are they active sources requiring additional efforts beyond the numerous existing responsibilities at the rural outpost, or are they passive, emerging naturally from the lifestyle of country living? Instead of solely focusing on launching new ventures, we should also explore how to monetize everyday activities found in outpost life.

 

A significant mindset shift is required here. For example, while chickens may be initially acquired for their role in enhancing soil quality, their eggs can become a source of income. We need to train our minds to be more entrepreneurial and to see monetizable aspects of daily outpost life, transforming seemingly menial tasks into profitable ventures.

 

The popularity of platforms like YouTube or Patreon, where ordinary, everyday activities can attract viewers and generate revenue, exemplifies this idea. While this alone may not fully finance an outpost, it demonstrates the potential of creative thinking in supplementing income, all while sharing the mission of country living and opening up opportunities to witness beyond our fences.

 

Because I like visualizing things, I have plotted the various axes below. Both external and internal revenue sources and extra ventures or a byproduct of daily life.


I challenge you to pray and reflect on each quadrant, asking God to inspire you to see what is in your hand. Just a few ideas to get our creativity flowing:

 

External Additional:

  • Restaurant: “Hygienic restaurants are to be established in the cities, and by them the message of temperance is to be proclaimed.” (EGW, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7,  115.2)     

  • Cooking School: “But in every place where there is a church and a church school, instruction should be given in regard to the preparation of simple health foods for the use of those who wish to live in accordance with the principles of health reform.” (EGW, Counsels on Diet and Foods, 470.3)

  • Remote Work Opportunities: Residents with skills amenable to remote work can seek employment or freelancing opportunities, bringing income from outside the outpost.

 

Internal Additional:

  • Online Business: Engage in your own online businesses such as selling unique products, services, or content.

  • Agricultural Products: If the outpost engages in farming, selling surplus produce or value-added products locally can be a source of income.

  • Artisanal Crafts: Residents with skills in crafting can produce and sell handmade items, creating a local market or even selling online.

  • Sustainable Energy: If feasible, setting up renewable energy sources like solar panels can not only reduce costs but potentially generate surplus energy for sale.

  • Educational Programs: If the outpost has knowledge or skills to share, offering workshops or educational programs can attract participants and generate income.

  • Treatment Room: Providing health and wellness services within the outpost, such as massage therapy, herbal remedies, or holistic treatments, can be a valuable revenue source.

  • Publishing House: Establish a publishing house (physical or digital) within the outpost for creating and selling books, newsletters or other written materials.

  • Online Courses: Leveraging knowledge and expertise within the outpost to create and sell online courses can attract a broader audience beyond the local community.  

External Byproduct:

  • YouTube Channel: Creating content for a YouTube channel can attract a global audience and revenue can be generated through ads, sponsorships and other monetization methods.

  • Patreon / Sponsorship: Setting up a Patreon account or seeking sponsorships from individuals or businesses interested in supporting the outpost's mission.

  • Donations: Welcoming donations from individuals or organizations aligned with the outpost's values and goals.

 

Internal Byproduct:

  • Eco-Tourism: If the outpost is located in an attractive natural setting, offering eco-tourism experiences or accommodations can generate revenue.

  • Family Restaurant (Open Table to the Public): Opening your table to the public, providing a family-style restaurant experience within the outpost, can attract locals and visitors, providing a source of income and promoting community engagement.

 

The takeaway here is that many opportunities exist, we just need to get creative and take action. Please reach out to share with me additional ideas you may have that I missed.


Walking by Faith to Freedom


It brings to mind the story of the Israelites and the crossing of the Red Sea. They too were called out of Egypt, in front of them on their journey was the seemingly impossible obstacle of the sea. Do we relate to this today? Just as the Egyptian army was fast closing in behind them, it feels the end times are fast approaching and there becomes a greater urgency to find a path through the sea. By placing their trust in God's command, a way was made where none seemed possible. May we also experience this miraculous deliverance through the power of faith and obedience, even when our path forward is obscured.



Just as God provided manna to the Israelites in the wilderness, He promises to meet our needs when we follow His path. We must develop a mindset that looks for opportunities in our daily lives to serve and sustain ourselves.




Rob Bertholf is a servant to God aspiring to the character of Jesus. A former Staff Sergeant with the US Air Force and a serial entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in marketing and technology founding several successful startups and agencies. After being called out of the world, Rob has focused on his true passion of teaching True Education and mentoring people how to make country living sustainable through missional entrepreneurship.



 

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