CONGREGATIONAL STORY
No couch potatoes at Carland
David Brownlow, minister of Carland Presbyterian Church, Tyrone, explains how the congregation have been working hard to put some of the church land to good use.
H
aving successfully carried out a similar project five years ago, members of Carland Presbyterian Church in County Tyrone decided in the spring that they would undertake a ‘potato project’ for a second time. This would involve the growing of three acres of potatoes on manse ground owned by the church. As before, the proceeds raised would go to Fields of Life, a charity that, among other things, provides clean drinking water through the provision of bore wells throughout East Africa. The first phase of the project involved the ploughing of the field. This was undertaken by church members and friends on 13 April and involved the use of a vast array of vintage and classic tractors and ploughs. Drivers were young and old, male and female, experienced and not so experienced! The job was well executed and in record time. The drivers’ efforts were rewarded with a hearty supply of hot soup and rolls, which were
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Herald October 2019
also enjoyed by those who had come to spectate and support the effort. One week later, as the ground dried out, the field was cultivated and drilled in preparation for the seed potatoes. These were planted using three vintage tractors and potato-droppers that were manned by members of the congregation. Everyone, old and young, got a turn at ‘dropping spuds’. Lunch and good craic were enjoyed by all. Angus Wilson from Fields of Life addressed everyone present, telling them how vital the proceeds would be in bringing about a positive change for those who live in rural communities in East Africa. This project has been about much more than raising money for a very worthwhile
It has given our congregation the opportunity…to come together as a community.
cause. It has given our congregation the opportunity, along with other local people, to come together as a community. There has been a oneness of spirit to help those less fortunate than ourselves, as well as building friendships as we have spent time together. As a congregation, we wanted this project to be Christcentred, following his command to love our neighbour. On the day the potato field was ploughed, George Conn from Faith Mission presented the story of Cyrus McCormick, a pioneering agricultural engineer. Mr Conn told those gathered that Cyrus, who invented the McCormick reaper, gave his life to Christ as a young man and lived out his faith through his work. Those in the field that day were encouraged to do likewise. Mr Conn’s message was well received, and he was invited to return for the potatogathering day. At the time of writing, the crop is maturing well, and it is anticipated that
