From small seeds of faith, great harvests of hope can grow
Overcoming challenges to growth through God’s grace
Pastor George Rabothata and his wife, Pastor Sarah, of Faith Restoration Born Again Church in the Winterveldt and Mmakaunyana areas, started a vegetable garden on a small plot of land back in 2021.
With just 15m x 20m at their disposal, they began to grow a variety of vegetables, but focused on nutrient-rich spinach and tomatoes.
They faced many challenges – drought and heat waves, and managing both the garden and their ministries. But through prayer and the power of the Lord, solutions were always in sight.
Pastor David came alongside Pastor George as manager of this smallholding, so that Pastor George could focus on his ministry work, and the rains would always arrive to nourish the soil.
For God is moving and shaking the rocks that were so difficult to carry. But now people are starting to see the hand of the Lord, the grace of the Lord in this project.”
– Pastor George
Growing from strength to strength
The garden doubled in size each year to become a viable farm where 80m x 80m of vegetables and plants are now grown.
On top of this, the farm now has 3 full-time workers tending to it, drawn from unemployed members of the community and giving them dignity in meaningful work.
And the spinach it yields has become ‘famous’ in the area – so much so that the project now supplies spinach to a sizeable local store.
From humble beginnings to evidence of His handiwork
For Pastor George, this growth and success is all evidence of God’s work:
This agricultural project is evangelizing to people. Because when they come and ask us ‘how do you do it and manage it so perfectly?’, we say ‘Oh, it’s by God’s grace’. So we emphasize God in everything that we do.”
– Pastor George
The farm is flourishing and the team also offer their 10% tithe to the Church, thereby benefiting the entire community. For Pastor George, this is a reminder of the words of Zechariah 4:10:
Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.”
– Zechariah 4:10
You can catch Pastor George’s story of success here:
