Trainee to Trainer: Farm Training in Southern Africa
Last fall, The ITEC farm team travelled to Southern Africa, where we partnered with several groups and ministries to provide farm, as well as solar power, training to local Christ followers. This initial trip laid the groundwork for an ongoing partnership, preparing the partners for our return in February 2024 to conduct a 2 week long Trainer’s Training program.
The first week of our trip was dedicated to equipping the group of previously trained farm graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively teach others. Our team worked alongside these future trainers, refreshing their understanding of the materials learned in 2023 and guiding them through the process of communicating this knowledge in a clear and straightforward manner. Through collaborative work and hands-on instruction, the ITEC team worked hard to see that the trainees were well-prepared to step into their new roles as farm trainers.
The second week marked a significant milestone, as these trainees became trainers and took the teaching role. With our team stepping back to provide support from the sidelines, our indigenous partners hosted their own farm training sessions for local Christ followers.
While the two-week training trip was not without challenges, God‘s faithfulness and favor was prevalent throughout the entire process. James 1:2-3 reminds us to “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” Illness and family emergencies impacted several trainees throughout the week, but God remained faithful and provided strength and guidance for both our team and our partners.
Our team was encouraged and excited to see 8 new trainers equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to share the principles of conservation agriculture in their communities, opening the door to share the gospel by helping to meet a felt need.
As we continue this year with many training trips on the calendar, we continue to look to the Lord for provision and guidance.
We are humbled and thankful to be a part of the story God is using for His people to share the gospel through trainings around the world. If you or your church would like to learn more about what having a long-term impact on a short-term trip can look like, we’d love to connect with you!
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