Today is the 5th of December. The ground is covered with snow so the pictures from our last post look similar to what our lives in this new adventure are like at the moment. I could tell you that this was intentional. To continue with the Narnia theme, I could tell you that the snow motif represents the endless winter experienced thanks to the White Witch until Aslan shows up. But the truth is that an entire summer has passed without any updates or pictures of Lamppost Farm. I am regretful for this.
So much has happened in building this ministry since our last update. The short(er) list is as follows:
Remodeled the entire second floor of the house, including two bathrooms along with new wiring, insulation and windows in the whole house;
Raised 25 chickens that are producing a dozen eggs per day at the moment;
Raised and processed 50 meat chickens and 25 thanksgiving turkeys. We will increase to 300-500 chickens next summer and are still debating about the viability of raising turkeys;
Started a milking goat herd with four does who are expecting to birth kids in April;
Began planning a farmer’s market network to put together five fresh fruit and vegetable stops in the city of Youngstown starting this summer;
Coordinated with the Canfield Fair to receive Grand Champion grade manure and bedding for a compost program. The compost will be used in the greenhouses at the church as well as on the fields at the farm to rebuild the soil and build greener pastures;
Hosted numerous visits from family and friends (anyone is welcome to “drop in” and see the place);
Drew and Nate played baseball and football. And, Nate is attending the local Christian school;
Lucy and Amelia took dance lessons. And, they are finding farm life to be so much fun;
Mel helps with the church youth group, attends various women’s groups, and teaches Drew and Amelia at home;
I, with the help of my brother, Joe, finally have my woodshop in order. And, I will be milling logs into boards with the bandsaw mill we bought in May.
It is difficult to sum up what 8 months have contained. Through the time, we have been buoyed by confidence in the Lord’s call to this work in this place. We have struggled with being new and developing new patterns. We are leaning on the Lord for direction and sustenance. Just like the raspberry plants, given to us by our great friends and New Wilmington neighbors, Art and Rosemary Fuller, and planted on the day we moved here, we are starting to see fruit.
And, just like in the long winter of Narnia, where it is always winter but never Christmas. Aslan is on the move. The snow is starting to melt. Life is beginning to return. And, our first Christmas in Ohio is right around the corner.
I have included a few pictures of life in our new town and on the farm. Enjoy!
So much has happened in building this ministry since our last update. The short(er) list is as follows:
Remodeled the entire second floor of the house, including two bathrooms along with new wiring, insulation and windows in the whole house;
Raised 25 chickens that are producing a dozen eggs per day at the moment;
Raised and processed 50 meat chickens and 25 thanksgiving turkeys. We will increase to 300-500 chickens next summer and are still debating about the viability of raising turkeys;
Started a milking goat herd with four does who are expecting to birth kids in April;
Began planning a farmer’s market network to put together five fresh fruit and vegetable stops in the city of Youngstown starting this summer;
Coordinated with the Canfield Fair to receive Grand Champion grade manure and bedding for a compost program. The compost will be used in the greenhouses at the church as well as on the fields at the farm to rebuild the soil and build greener pastures;
Hosted numerous visits from family and friends (anyone is welcome to “drop in” and see the place);
Drew and Nate played baseball and football. And, Nate is attending the local Christian school;
Lucy and Amelia took dance lessons. And, they are finding farm life to be so much fun;
Mel helps with the church youth group, attends various women’s groups, and teaches Drew and Amelia at home;
I, with the help of my brother, Joe, finally have my woodshop in order. And, I will be milling logs into boards with the bandsaw mill we bought in May.
It is difficult to sum up what 8 months have contained. Through the time, we have been buoyed by confidence in the Lord’s call to this work in this place. We have struggled with being new and developing new patterns. We are leaning on the Lord for direction and sustenance. Just like the raspberry plants, given to us by our great friends and New Wilmington neighbors, Art and Rosemary Fuller, and planted on the day we moved here, we are starting to see fruit.
And, just like in the long winter of Narnia, where it is always winter but never Christmas. Aslan is on the move. The snow is starting to melt. Life is beginning to return. And, our first Christmas in Ohio is right around the corner.
I have included a few pictures of life in our new town and on the farm. Enjoy!
A few prayer requests are as follows:
Our friends, the Fullers, are battling cancer. Pray for wisdom and strength.
Work to be done over the winter to prepare for next year’s efforts.
Wisdom for running the business end of the ministry. Specifically, how do we market, account, manage, grow well?
Partners in this ministry. There are so many places for people to plug in. This is a prayer for the Lord to raise up fellow laborers.
Currently, our church meets at the local high school. We are a church in transition with much potential and much needed work.
The relationships of our family to those around us would be deepened, strengthened, and grounded in Christ.
To the KING!!! To the RESTORATION!!!
Our friends, the Fullers, are battling cancer. Pray for wisdom and strength.
Work to be done over the winter to prepare for next year’s efforts.
Wisdom for running the business end of the ministry. Specifically, how do we market, account, manage, grow well?
Partners in this ministry. There are so many places for people to plug in. This is a prayer for the Lord to raise up fellow laborers.
Currently, our church meets at the local high school. We are a church in transition with much potential and much needed work.
The relationships of our family to those around us would be deepened, strengthened, and grounded in Christ.
To the KING!!! To the RESTORATION!!!
2 comments:
Steve,
So I check your blog once a month just to see if "the snow has melted" on your posting (if you know what I mean). And I just happened to check today (weird)! Good to finally see a post. I can't believe how big Nate and Drew are, how old are they? It sounds like God is doing great stuff in the ministry that your family (and your Church) is doing. Goats, chickens, turkeys and eggs. . . oh my.
Good to hear about the farmers market as well, sounds like a great opportunity. The Montgomerys are on the move.
Anyway, tell Mel I said hi.
God Bless,
-Tim
p.s. Sorry about not making the playoffs in FF, at least you can say you made a lot of trades.
Thanx for the update Steve. Blessings to you mel and family. As long as winter is, you spring WILL arrive. It is the eternal reminder of our Lord about the hope we hold.
Take care,
Edo
Post a Comment