Tucked away in the back woods, down a long, bumpy, gravel road was Hollingsworth Farm. The farm was one of the major ministry projects every time teams come to Johnstown. Teams have the opportunity to work along side of a family (Ben, Rachel, Dorothy, and their neighbor Rick) who’s long term goal is to be a training ground for future long term missionaries in third world countries. The techniques used are very low tech so it will be extremely practical and cheap to have a sustainable farm in a foreign countries where the luxuries of American living are not available. When Dorothy(grandmother) and her husband first moved to the farm she climbed up the top of the hill and looked down and said “this is going to be a place of peace.” The Lord has lead countless number of people to live there from 3 days all the way up to 6 years. People have come to the farm from all walks of life to get back on their feet. Travelers, recovering addicts, battered families, people battling depression, I mean you name it they’ve hosted and took them in as one of their own. Rachel said when someone leaves they are anxious to see who God brings next. It was such a phenomenal ministry to be a part of.
We had the opportunity to assist in many projects around the farm including, but not limited to, gardening, painting, feeding the animals, building chicken tractors, babysitting, picking berries, etc. yes the projects were important, but the family really stressed the importance of building relationships while being there. They wanted to build relationship with the kids, but also for the kids to build relationships with one another. The family too the time and had the patience to invest in these kids lives and have really made an impact on the way they think. When I asked the middle schoolers what their favorite ministry has been, majority of them have said the farm.
Here is what some of the kids said:
Angelica “My favorite ministry would be the farm, it was really cool to help them and the family was really nice. And I like how they use the farm to help others find God. Jesus taught me it’s not all about you.”
Dennis “The farm was my favorite ministry because it was built more on relationships and getting to know the family and other middle schoolers. Jesus taught me to trust him no matter where he leads me and he will bless me.
Noelle “My favorite ministry was the farm. It was great to learn and help people who serve on the farm on an everyday basis. We only had to give 100% one day, but they have to everyday. Jesus taught me the people we are serving are actual people no matter the poverty. They are often overlooked but they are people just like us.
We blessed the family and the farm, but I believe the farm was a bigger blessing to all of us.
