Eastern North Dakota Synod

Submitted by Rev. Michael Jacobson, Trinity Lutheran Church – Cooperstown, ND 

A phone call started it all. A long-held dream was set in motion by the caller’s words: “Pastor, would your congregation like to be a partner in a joint farming mission project?” So, the partnering began: Ron DeWeered of the Food Resource Bank put us in contact with Bryan Nelson, a land owner from Grand Forks. The use of the 96 acres would mean that, as a congregation, we could raise funds for mission. It was reminiscent of our ancestors’ “first acre” giving. The land, the seed, and the work would translate into tangible mission support.

Our council president, Mark Urness, hit the ground running looking at ways and ideas to bring more people into this mission ministry. He contacted the following businesses to join forces in Ministry: Peterson Farm Seed (for seed), Dow (chemical for spraying), Pioneer (for seed treatment), local fuel providers (for fuel), the Local Elevator (helped with coordination), and the NDSU Extension office to show us soil research for the plot and a display tube to hold dirt from the field for Rogation Sunday. This project has brought together many members and friends of Trinity, eager and willing to do God’s Work, using Our Hands to support organizations locally, regionally, and globally.

Those who will receive the benefits of this project include:

• Lutheran World Relief
• Compassion International
• Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota
• Red Willow Bible Camp
• Bread of Life Food Pantry
• Pizza and Discussion

Undertaking this mission in ministry project is a great reminder of how if we listen when the Holy Spirit calls us to do something, we are only limited by the ideas we come up with to serve others in His name.