Displaying items by tag: Hope for the Countryside

Turmoil in the world has resulted in volatility and unpredictability in the commodity markets. For example, the rapeseed price paid to farmers, which rose sharply at the beginning of the season, fell again by £100 per ton as Russia flooded cereal markets. While retail prices for groceries continue to escalate, the price paid for milk to farmers has just been reduced by 10p per litre, a cut of 20%. Buying and selling has become frustrating and hazardous for the farmer. It is hard to pray from the perspective of such instability, so our praying is founded on scripture telling us that in the midst of confusion and difficulty, the Lord is in control, and He will be the stability of your times (Isaiah 33:5). The countryside and farming offer many signs of 'hope after despair’. Spring’s new life swallows up winter's death. Farmers sow seed in hope of reaping a harvest (John 12:24).

The Roman god Janus, after which January is named, has two faces, one looking forward, the other backward. In mythology he may represent a door or gateway. Praise God our call is to look forward, to press on (Philippians 3:12b -14), following our Lord with a sure and certain hope of his promises (Hebrews 6:19-20). He promises to open new doors, ones that cannot be shut, and closing those we do not need to worry about (Revelation 3:8-11). Jesus himself is also our gate, our doorway into the very presence of God and to our future hope (John 10:1-10). He is our good shepherd leading us in the right paths whilst guarding what is behind, following us with goodness and mercy (Psalm 23). In 2023, pray that our focus will not be on what the future holds, which will do us no good, but rather on the One who holds the future.

There has been a significant downturn in avian influenza cases since the beginning of November. Case rates peaked at over six a day in mid-October, but are now running at less than one a day, the majority of those being backyard flocks: the housing order for kept birds in England and Wales is seen as a contributing factor. Epidemiologists still predict another peak and are genuinely perplexed as to why we have not seen one yet, as there is a sustained increase in winter cases in wild bird carcasses. Housing orders and good biosecurity by commercial flock owners no doubt continue to play their part. Thank God for His mercy and continue to pray for His protection as the upturn threat is still anticipated for our wild bird colonies.

Avian flu has brought devastation to our wild and sea birds. From Cornwall to Scotland, gannets, terns, gulls and puffins have died in thousands as the deadly disease spread through breeding colonies. Cases in farmers' flocks, too, have risen exponentially. Last year's annual record was quickly exceeded as a new, more lethal strain emerged. Thousands of poultry birds, including many turkeys, have been culled. This disease, devastating for farmers, veterinary, other staff and businesses, adds pressure to public and private finances. As it becomes commonplace, like bovine TB in cattle and wildlife, it has the potential to harm people. Hosea warns, ‘Therefore the land mourns and all who live in it languish; together with the birds of the air, even the fish of the sea are perishing’. (Hosea 4:3). Pray for farmers and others on the frontline tackling it.

This year, the Day of Atonement and the Feast of Tabernacles occur in October, preceded by the Feast of Trumpets in September. Along with the spring biblical festivals, these mark the agricultural and liturgical year, prompting us to remember God’s deeds in history, give thanks for His material and spiritual provision, and pray for His blessing on the year to come, including on its harvest. They are also eschatological. ‘Trumpets’ looks to the coming of Jesus, the rising up of believers, the releasing of God’s judgements, and the coming of His Kingdom (Revelation 8:6-11:19). ‘Atonement’ is fulfilled by Jesus’ once-for-all sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 9:7-14), by the repentance and redemption of Israel (Zechariah 12:10-13:1), and the day of God’s favour and vengeance (Isaiah 61:1-3). ’Tabernacles’ looks forward to the final harvest and the Messianic kingdom (Zechariah 14:16-19). As we ponder our present times, give thanks that God is still working His purpose out.

At the time of writing, 11 of 14 English Environment Agency areas have declared a drought. Spain’s olive oil production is devastated, and French wine making is threatened (Haggai 1:10-11). The provision of grain, oil, food and energy are challenged. Farmers are in the front line: lost harvests, grazing or planting new crops, and livestock being fed as if it is winter already. This will increasingly impact all relying on agriculture and related industries. Thus, the challenge grows for faithful obedience and wholehearted trust in the Lord, for who He is and not just as provider. Ask the Lord to strengthen believers in this season so we may display faithfulness, generosity, hope and stability to those around us, prompting them to seek the reason for our hope (1 Peter 3:15; Psalm 27:13). May we encourage one another and look to the Lord to supply all our needs, whether He sends drought or rain.

This issue departs from core concerns to pray for Ukraine. Agriculture is the largest sector of Ukraine's economy (10% of GDP and 41% of total exports in 2021). Ukraine supplies 10% of the world’s wheat; Russia a further 18% . The war and sanctions will severely disrupt Ukrainian and Russian agricultural production and trade, with profound effects on national and global food supplies, especially hitting lower-income countries reliant on imports from these countries. It will also impact farming and food in the UK. Pray for Ukrainian and Russian farmers, and for all whose livelihoods rely on farming and food production in every country affected. The bishops of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (USA) have issued this prayer: ‘We beseech Your lovingkindness and abundant blessings upon the nation - the people - of Ukraine during these days of great danger to their safety and wellbeing’.

A recent report concluded that 36% of farming people in England and Wales were 'probably or possibly depressed', 52% 'experienced pain and discomfort', 25% had 'mobility problems', and 58% of women in the sector said they 'experienced mild, moderate or severe anxiety'. The most common sources of stress were regulations, compliance and inspection, Covid, unpredictable weather, and loss of subsidies. In response the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution has launched two new mental-health support and counselling services. Pray for all agencies and individuals who are providing farming people with practical and moral support. Also, rural CofE churches report that ‘clergy and congregations are increasingly pessimistic about the long-term future of their churches’. Leadership was seen as a critical issue. However, through Covid, it seems the Lord has ‘sifted’ His church: some have fallen away, but others have drawn closer to Him.

In a recent TV documentary series, the presenter met people living and working in various locations in Cumbria, from high on the fells to the rivers, flood plains, and urban settings. In one episode he met a young man aged 19 running the family farm with the help of just two friends following the tragic death of both his parents. Meanwhile young people from Brathay, an impoverished coastal town, who had little to do and few expectations or encouragement, found new abilities and achievements learning to sail, navigate and work as a team. Give thanks for the inspiration and example these young people demonstrated. Pray that others find purpose, healing and hope through engagement with the land and rural life; also pray for a growing understanding and respect among the younger generation from town and country, investment for young people in farming and rural communities.

Brexit is having both expected and unexpected impacts on trade in agricultural and food products, and is blamed even when other factors may be at play (current fisheries dispute, lorry drivers shortage, increased red tape and costs in trading with the EU). Trade thrives on trust. Honesty and fairness in buying and selling are pleasing to God and make for a good society (Leviticus 19:36). Pray for all seeking to resolve trade disputes and for all affected by them, for peace, truth and equity to prevail in trade negotiations, and for Christians in trade to shine as lights of integrity and reconciliation. The UK's net zero strategy will profoundly impact farming and the countryside. The Lord has promised ‘seed time and harvest while the earth remains’ but holds us responsible for our stewardship of the earth (Genesis 1:28, 2:15; Revelation 11:18). Unlike some of today’s environmentalists, we have a message of hope. Large numbers of Christians are praying and present at COP26.