Thinking aloud

GGOOD Morning to everyone, how was your week. When ever I mail a letter its an exercise of trust, let me explain, when I send a letter to distant friend or a business communication, its impossible for me to deliver the letter myself, I need help from the postal service I trust them to deliver my mail. Likewise, whenever were faced with a problem, our faith is challenged, we know that its impossible to resolve the problem ourselves. We know we need gods help. And must go to him in prayer. But how many of us has this kind of faith, although, we can't see what he's doing, our faith is “the evidence of things not seen,” The assurance that his work is as good as done. Lets pause for prayer: = Help us Lord, to give our burdens to your tender, loving care, grant us faith to trust you fully knowing that each one you bear. Trusting God turns problem into opportunities.

Our topic: over the years I have been writing my column, I have tried t help and encourage the farmers to try new ideas and to except the new technologies to advance their ability in the field, to earn money for a better standard of living. I have also tried to encourage the younger generation that their abilities would be much better expressed her, rather than chasing after that elusive dollar abroad. After all, this is their country, and it needs their help. But it would appear in both cases, that my help and advice seems to have fallen on deaf ears, and has been a waste of time- or has it? Even if one farmer needed my advice and put into practice what I had suggested, I myself have achieved something, likewise, If my advice has changed the outlook of some of the young people about staying home and trying to make agriculture the back bone of this great nation, then if only one or two decide to stay, I have still achieved success.

Being a foreigner, many of my foreigner friends say, why do you care or bother to help then, my answer is quite simple, I am a human being, a Christian and an agriculturists, and like all true Christians I have been commissioned by our creator to help my fellowmen regardless of who or where they are which I try to do despite the difficulties at times. As I live here in Bohol , my one hope is that this beautiful island could become the leader in agriculture. Unlike tourism, agriculture is a year around money earner, tourism is a seasonal thing. To make Bohol the leader in agriculture it requires the effort of everyone, that means working together as team to achieve success.

The countries economy is in a poor state, and it needs all the help it can get, can agriculture reverse he trend, yes it can. What an eye opener if Bohol emerged as the leader in agriculture, but also the pathway for a better economy nationwide. Many will say this is wishful thinking, but the question is will these same people help. We must all remember the immortal words of John F. Kennedy, I quote “Its not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country”. So there is your answer, self-centeredness is out, God-centerness is in, thinking of each other and helping one another can improve your life daily.

Let us start thinking about filling our stores with produce produced here in Bohol rather than importing from other islands. When I have asked why this is done I'm told various stories like it wont grow here because of the climate, its to wet, poor quality soil fertility, the exclusive are endless, come on people, if I could grow crops in an area of nothing but sand, coupled with high temperatures and no rain, I'm sure, given the opportunity, I could grow all the crops needed here the main thing to help achieve this is the will and the effort friends, you can do it, You are good farmers lets start to encourage the younger generation to consider agriculture as a career, this might just make a difference. I hope my comments have meant something to you. Take care, see you next week.