“Moreover the profit of the earth is for all: the king himself is served by the field.” Ecclesiastes 5:9
Why agriculture? The question resounded in my ears as I sat down, pondering the title of the book on my lap. I had retired to a secluded spot in nature, hoping to gather a few thoughts about the books our Adventist youth organization had published and which I had to present that evening at camp-meeting. The one I was holding in my hands was Counsels on Agriculture.
What could I say about agriculture to the men, women, and youth who had gathered together that week? I knew other Spirit of Prophecy books such as Counsels on Education, Counsels on Health, Counsels on Diet and Foods, Counsels to Writers and Editors, and Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students.
But counsels on agriculture?
As I dwelt upon these thoughts, my mind raced back to my childhood and teenage years. “People might think it is natural for me to love agriculture, because I was raised that way,” I mused. If others had not been raised the same way, what could determine them to get into agriculture? What logical argument could be powerful enough?
The more I thought about it, the more striking became the contrast between the title of the book and the worldly mindset I had so often met, especially in my home country in Eastern Europe—the idea that agriculture was a low-ranking occupation, unfit for those who wanted to succeed in life.
Why would God choose, out of all occupations of humankind, something as mundane as agriculture?
“The earth has blessings hidden in her depths for those who have courage and will and perseverance to gather her treasures.... Many farmers […] have undertaken the work as though it was a degrading employment; they do not see that there is a blessing in it for themselves and their families.”
“In the cultivation of the soil the thoughtful worker will find that treasures little dreamed of are opening up before him.”
“The earth has its concealed treasures, and the Lord would have thousands and ten thousands working upon the soil.” (The Adventist Home, pp. 142, 143)
“The earth has blessings in her depths…” “There is a blessing in it…” “Treasures little dreamed of…” “The earth has its concealed treasures…”
Statements such as these reminds me of a similar statement uttered two thousand years ago: “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field...” (Matthew 13:44).
Who has put that treasure in the first place? Could it be that the real answer to my question did not lie in logical arguments, but in the authority of God’s word? Was it God Himself who had placed that treasure—that blessing—in agriculture?
“Let the teacher call attention to what the Bible says about agriculture: that it was God’s plan for [humanity] to till the earth; that the first man, the ruler of the whole world, was given a garden to cultivate; and that many of the world’s greatest [men and women], its real nobility, have been tillers of the soil. Show the opportunities in such a life.” (Education, p. 219)
Raquel Vasilache is 22 years old, lives in Romania, and is happily serving God at Integritas International Academy. She loves to spend time in nature and is passionate about true education.
Why a Farmer?
by Filip Buzdugan
"In God's plan for Israel every family had a home on the land, with sufficient ground for tilling. Thus were provided both the means and the incentive for a useful, industrious, and self-supporting life. And no devising of men has ever improved upon that plan. To the world's departure from it is owing, to a large degree, the poverty and wretchedness that exist today." (The Ministry of Healing, p. 183)
After reading God's opinion about agriculture in the Spirit of Prophecy and the Bible, I discovered that the best thing God has planned for me is to become a missionary farmer.
One thing I love about farming is the connection we form with people. The Spirit of Prophecy talks about the need of valuable farmers that will teach others how to prepare the soil in order to have healthy, organic produce.
Also, I really like working with plants and having an active life in the sunshine, working with the soil. I like organic farming, where you need to work as diligently as you can.
People such as the Dysinger family and Cristian Sipos have inspired me a lot.
I invite you to explore this fruitful occupation--organic farming.
Filip Buzdugan (17) is a student at Integritas International Academy, where he learns how to combine the gaining of practical and theoretical knowledge with Bible study, for serving others. His desire is to become a missionary farmer and to serve God through agriculture.
Additional resources:
Following Fully God's Original Plan, by John Dysinger
Agriculture and the Endtimes, by Darren Greenfield
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