the potatoes will be gathered in late September/early October. As before, vintage tractors and potato-diggers will be called upon, along with a willing army of volunteers with buckets at the ready, to gather the crop. In the run-up to harvest day, the congregation are praying for dry weather, which will make life easier for all involved. Again, it is anticipated that this will be another great community day for everyone, working side-by-side to bring the potato project to fruition. It is envisaged, as before, to sell the produce to Wilson’s Country Potatoes, where the potatoes will be processed, packaged and distributed for retail. Our congregation could not have undertaken this project without the support of many local companies and individuals. Thanks are due to Angus Wilson, Stuart Meredith and all the team at Wilson’s Country Potatoes for suppling seed, monitoring the progress of the crop and marketing the produce after it has been harvested, God-willing. The congregation is also indebted to Clarendon Agricare, Portadown, for supplying agricultural chemicals
The project has focused the congregation’s mind on the many provisions that our loving God has blessed us with. throughout the growing season, and Gortavoy Feeds and Farm Supplies, for providing the fertiliser needed to grow the crop. Thanks are also due to local potato producer Robin Watters and family for their practical advice, support and encouragement throughout the project. The congregation are particularly grateful to church member Ashley Morrow, who faithfully sprayed the potatoes on a weekly basis throughout the growing season. Without God’s help, such a project would not be possible, as he is the one who brings the increase. As a congregation, we are grateful to him, and we appreciate everyone who has contributed in any way to make this project a success.
The project has focused the congregation’s mind on the many provisions that our loving God has blessed us with. We appreciate the fertile land and harvest that it produces. We are thankful for sunshine, rain and for the growth that only God can provide, and for the God-given health and strength to do a day’s work, alongside our friends and family. We thank God for the opportunity to share the good news of the gospel with our community, praying that he will be glorified through all that’s been achieved with his help. These words of Jesus seem to encapsulate what our potato project has been all about: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbour as yourself ” (Matthew 22:37-39). David Brownlow is minister of Carland and Newmills Presbyterian Churches in County Tyrone.
Herald October 2019
17
