A Small Obstacle

This past week we ran into a small obstacle. The bank we were talking to told us we have a great credit rating, have more than enough down payment but...

The but was we do not yet live or work in the area so they will not give us the loan. We first must establish a residence and employment in the local area to be approved for a loan.

I view this as a small obstacle because I believe that God is in control and He led us to this piece of property. If all of that is true then whether the bank we were talking to will loan or not is not a problem. After all God owns everything and He has ample enough resources for us to get right loan.

Let me say here that I did have my moment where I had this sense of panic. Where I wondered to myself what am I going to do now? I have sold my house, committed to moving and have told my employer I am leaving at the end of March. Right now I have no place to live after the 16th of March, I have no loan on the new property and my transfers have not been responded to. Logically I should be not be at peace but...

But then I was reminded that God is in charge and He has not led us to this point to say, "Just joking!" It will all work out and it will be according to His plan. I know that because I have no clue how to make it work out and so it has to be His plan.

Come back in a week and let's see what God has done.

Update on Farm Purchase

Kat and I have signed the contract to purchase the property near Eldon, MO. Now all we have to do is fill out the loan papers and if all goes well we will take possession of the farm on March 29th.

Here is what we plan to do soon after taking possession. Each of these will be identified with a sign.

A Possible Cabin for the Farm

This is what I am looking at for the cabin at Restoration Farm. This is a restored 1967 Forester.

Imagine your pastor, missionary friend or wounded soldier spending a few days in this rustic trailer. Nothing fancy but placed in the right setting it could be a great peaceful get away.

The Possible Site for Restoration Farms

Kat and I took a road trip this weekend to view several farms. There were six farms that we had picked out and our pray was for God to show us the one we should place an offer on.

An interesting thing happened on Friday. Two of the places including the number one site that we liked became unavailable. Then yesterday the other four turned out to be either too run down or lacked the areas we need for our hoop houses and garden beds.

The point here is we placed the process of looking for a farm in God's hand and we trust that He will guide us to the right farm. It will be the farm that fits us best and that can be used to benefit those of the community nearby.

Out of the blue here is a piece of land that we found that really spoke to us.

It is about twice the land we were looking for but has the woods/pasture mix we wanted. And it is more $10,000 above what we wanted to spend but with some negotiating we can cut that some.







Here is an overhead view of the farm, see property on left with pond.
There are about 20 acres of woods and 10 acres of hay.

The property sits one mile off of a hard top road on a private road shared with two other families.

It doesn't have a barn so we would have to build one as well as a chicken coop.

We would locate the Restoration Cabin down near the pond. The hoop house and garden beds will be located on the north side of the house.


The pond which has an algae problem but that can be taken care of by installing a couple of water moving fountains. It is stocked with bass, perch and cat fish.

While in the Eldon area we found out there is a group wanting to start a farmer's market and are looking for a person to lead the efforts. Kat and I will be contacting them to apply for the position.

I have been praying that we would sell our house and find our farm by my birthday. Today is Feb. 12th my birthday and it appears God has answered that prayer right on time, His time.

The property is located about 9 miles from Versailles, 12 miles from Eldon and about 30 miles from the center of the Lake of the Ozarks. Jefferson City is about 40 miles and Columbia is about 60 miles from the site. Within 50 miles there are well over 150,000 potential customers and in the summer that numbers swells by about 50,000 each and every weekend.

The property is not exactly what we were looking for but after walking the land we felt very comfortable that God had led us to it. If all goes well we should be on the farm sometime in April. We are hoping to work out some arrangement to store our household items in the two car garage until we are able to move in.

Of course this all depends upon us making an acceptable offer. Come back soon to see what God is doing through us on the farm and in the community.

It Sold and Now the Search Begins

It appears our house in Louisburg has sold and we will be moving in March. Next weekend, Feb. 11th and 12th, we are going to be looking at about 10 properties with the prayer that God will show us where He wants us to farm.

Here are the ones that interest us most.

11 acres and 2 homes in a remote setting yet just minutes to town or to the lake. 2 bed room 1 bath main house has a family room, screen porch, concrete patio. There is a guest house that needs finishing just a stones throw away. Both have great country views. Priced to sell by a motivated seller.

PRIVACY! 36.88 acres of timber and pasture with a stream, 3 bed room home, shed, on a solid gravel road just minutes from Versailles. Great fire place! New well and septic. Needs some TLC

Move in condition. Large kitchen with gorgeous oak cabinets. Split bedroom floor plan, wood deck, concrete slab ready for garage or workshop. Too many great amenities to mention. Must see.

6+/-Acres, Historic Home, Large, Solid, Dairy Barn, Fenced Pasture! This 1930's home has been wonderfully maintained with many original features! 4 bedrooms, 1 bath, central heat & air. Covered front porch to relax & entertain! The large dairy barn is built of solid oak & still has the 8 stall milking parlor with stanchions! It has 3 stables, a feed room and a loafing area with hay rack. The large hay loft can store plenty of hay or you could have an old fashioned Barn Dance up there! The fenced pasture has such heavy, thick grass you can hardly walk through it! Large shade trees dot the pasture & provide a shady resting spot for horses, cattle or any grazing animal. Walking distance to stores, school & city park! Take a look today!

Nice country farm house on 8 acres close to the lake lots of out buildings.

This adventure began several years ago but being the slow learning guy I am it has taken me a while to catch on to what God wanted of me. I can't wait to begin to work with my wife in restoring the lives of others.

Please take the time to ask God to make it clear where He wants to serve. This farm is the dream He planted in our hearts and we want to be where He wants us to be. We can make any of these work but we are sure there is a place that will best bring Him glory and that is where we want to be.