A Field Trip with Alongside Hope
The wide-open expanse of the Alberta grain fields with the Rocky Mountains in the distance is the birthplace of the “Christian Response to World Hunger,” the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.
One sunny Saturday in early November, an enthusiastic busload of people toured the landscape of southern Alberta and learned from farmers who support CFGB and humanitarian aid around the globe. Those people were the Board members and staff of Alongside Hope and a gathering of its volunteers and supporters.
In 1983 Canadian Foodgrains Bank was born out the generosity of Alberta farmers when they experienced bumper crops of wheat and, at the same time, Ethiopia was in a drought and famine. They sent trainloads grain and many were fed. That was the beginning of what is now a Canadian organization that is working internationally. It is also in partnership with Alongside Hope in making a difference to those in need.
Canadian Foodgrains Bank raises millions of dollars each year from farmers, growers, church congregations and local communities. Their money offers local, on-the-ground agencies in 37 countries, emergency food, training and equipment, all for the goal of growing sustainable livelihoods. Does this sound familiar? This is exactly what Alongside Hope does, and with CFGB and its 15 partners combined with our organization and our many partners, we pool resources, talent, experience and expertise to bring relief, knowledge and dignity.
Our host was Abe Janzen, the Alberta Rep for CFGB and our tour guide was Gerald Dykstra, a long-time supporter. The field trip took us to farms and ranches that support the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, our Alongside Hope partner. We visited Rimrock Cattle Company where the manager, Shiloh, gave us a tour of the cow/calf operation. It was so impressive, and with real cowboys checking out the herd, it felt a little bit like the Old West with a very modern twist. We learned how leading industry practices guarantee the best possible conditions for the animals. More than that, we learned about an innovative technology that will safeguard our environment, a newly approved biodigester that changes methane into natural gas. Shiloh buys grain from a CFGB farmer at a premium price and that profit goes directly to Canadian Foodgrains Bank. Thank you Shiloh!
Down the highway was a grain farm, where Dan grows grain and Laura encourages city kids to learn about and care for farm animals - horses, ponies, pigs, goats and llamas. She not only teaches a love of animals, she also shares the love of God. She offers riding lessons, teaches a musical ride (to Christian songs) and provides farmhand job experience. Together, their gentle resolve to love the land, and love the people was so inspirational, that I wish we all could visit their farm. They grow grain, sell it and the profit goes to CFGB. Many in their church are farmers who, for decades, have been growing acres of grain and sending the profits to CFGB . Thank you Dan and Laura!
Our folks mingled with the animals, pet some soft horse noses, scratched the backs of pigs and scolded the billy goat that was butting every other animal in his pen. Everyone loved the farm experience and the mountain view. For one staff member, who grew up in Toronto, this was her first time ever of being on a farm.
Finally, we landed on the front porch of Gerald’s home for an Alberta Beef lunch prepare by his wife Sherri and her farm friends. We heard a presentation from Dawn Giles. She and her husband, Murray, felt led by God to somehow make a difference. But how? They were only lowly grain farmers, working hard. They weren’t famous or anything, so what impact could they have?? They started 10 years ago with 25 acres, they grew the grain, sold it and sent the profit to CFGB. They asked a neighbour to join them. Then two, then five. After 10 years, they now have a cadre of 12 farmers growing, selling and donating to CFGB. Over the past ten years, they have collectively donated $986,000. Thank you Gerald, Sheri, Dawn and Murray!
Memories from that day are vast and varied: the mountains, the open fields that go for miles, the animals, the dedication of the farmers, their faith in God, their belief in helping others. People could not arrive back to their homes or hotel without having been altered by this experience. The land, the people, the partnership has made a lasting impression. Cemented that day was the bond between Canadian Foodgrains Bank and Alongside Hope. Together, in Christ we can make a difference. Together, in Christ, we are making a difference.