Plant a Small Field of Grain

Plant a Small Field of Grain
By: Van Yandell
Isaiah 9: 3 “You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder.”
We were high in the Himalaya. The Himalaya is a mountain range approximately 1,500 miles long and passes through the nations of India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Bhutan and Nepal.
Our trek was from Lukla, Nepal (elevation 9,300 feet) to Everest base camp (elevation 17,600 feet). Base camp is the last camp before Everest climbers begin the ascent to the summit of Mount Everest (29,035 feet above sea level).
When we reached the higher altitudes, over 15,000 feet, we found the living conditions quite inhospitable. There were people living there but only in the spring and summer months. Survival in the winter months is mostly impossible.
Houses were made of stone with roofs of slate. Any wood had to be carried in on the backs of Sherpas and consequently was in very short supply. I once saw a barefoot Sherpa carrying three sheets of what appeared to be ¾” plywood. This was nearing base camp so he had carried it many miles.
The environment is so harsh, even in the spring time, to be barefoot is unimaginable, yet seemed to be preferred for the Sherpas. Occasionally, one would be seen wearing flip-flops. My feet were freezing, even when wearing hiking boots.
“Tough” is not adequate to describe the indigenous peoples of Nepal. I soon discovered when passing above 15,000 feet, I am severely addicted to oxygen. When the Americans were gasping for a few molecules of air, the Sherpas were playing in the snow and throwing snowballs.
I spent several of the long cold nights in my tent reading the John Grisham novel, “Testament.” My eyes did not last long periods of time in the flickering candle light. I do remember on page 300, he gave an excellent Christian testimony.
A trek in the Himalaya is sometimes referred to as magnificent misery. The lack of oxygen, the cold and the perpetual uphill climbing on the rocky trails leaves one exhausted at the end of the day. A more beautiful place I think I have never seen.
Of particular interest were the Sherpa canes. T-shaped, they served as an aid to the hikes carrying extreme loads. With a cross bar handle about twelve inches long, the canes served also as a seat for the man to sit when a long anticipated rest period came.
I asked if one might find one of the original canes from “the early days” of Everest climbers. Such a cane was located by a Sherpa that had worked in the early climbs. I bought it from him and still have it.
But of all the surprises I had, the one that comes to mind are the wheat fields. In America, wheat fields may be over one-hundred acres. High in the Himalaya, a wheat field may be no larger than your bedroom.
Anywhere a plot of soil may be found (which is rare); it is planted with a bread making grain. When the grain dries, it is separated from the husks as done in Bible times.
The dried grain is placed on a straw mat, beaten with a pole, tossed into the air on a windy day (that’s most any day in the higher elevations) and the chaff is blown away.r
Farmers in the western world use combines to harvest grain. Whereas the mountain family is raising their crop to survive, we realized many in our world only eat what they grow or what is produced locally.
Most product to be had in some regions such as the mountains of Nepal, have to be carried in on foot on the backs of porters. Markets to purchase food products are simply not there.
In America and most of the western world, if we do not like what’s for dinner, we may run down to the local grocery store and get a pizza and chocolate ice cream. Millions on earth do not have that luxury. Because “that’s the way it is here” doesn’t mean it’s that way everywhere.
Of course, there is no such thing as 100% or always when addressing such a subject but my experiences lead to this thought of personal communication with smaller groups.
Those small fields of grain in Nepal speak volumes concerning the benefits of “small.” While articles on the internet have the potential to reach millions instantly, a one-on-one conversation definitely may provide opportunities for learning and spiritual awakening.
Never underestimate the great influence you may have on another person. Conversations over a cup of coffee may not be realized for a very long time.
Those small fields of grain provide sustenance for families that may otherwise go hungry. Those fields of grain high in the Himalaya are precious to those they feed.
Every soul is precious to God. 1 Timothy 2:4 “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” And this happens one at a time!
The fundamental teaching of Christianity is” Eternal salvation is a faith based belief that Christ Jesus was crucified for the remission of sin and resurrected from the dead. He was fully dead and three days later walked out of the tomb resurrected and alive.
This is the most valuable information anyone can ever receive and it can be done in small fields. The harvest of souls must be the end goal.
Exodus 23:16 “Celebrate the Festival of Harvest with the first fruits of the crops you sow in your field. “Celebrate the Festival of Ingathering at the end of the year, when you gather in your crops from the field.”
Van Yandell is a retired Industrial Arts teacher, an ordained gospel evangelist and commissioned missionary, from Fredonia, Kentucky. A part of the Bible Connection series. His email: [email protected].