Homesteading
Homestead operations & egalitarian communities
A call to leave the cities...
“Educate our people to get out of the cities into the country, where they can obtain a small piece of land, and make a home for themselves and their children...”
Country Living (CL 10.4)
First, prepare your mindset
“Do not consider it a great deprivation that you must go into the hills and mountains, but seek for that retirement where you can be alone with God, to learn His will and way.”
10MR 263.1
“Do not consider it a privation when you are called to leave the cities and move out into country places. Here there await rich blessings for those who will grasp them. By beholding the scenes of nature, the works of the Creator, by studying God's handiwork, imperceptibly you will be changed into the same image.”
10MR 263.2
Next, Remember the Purpose
Returning to God’s original plan for humanity...
Then: Pray, Fast & Trust in God
We are clearly called to move forward, but we must do so with prayer, fasting and great trust in God.
“The wisdom of any human agent is not sufficient for the planning and devising in this time. Spread every plan before God with fasting, and with the humbling of the soul before the Lord Jesus, and commit thy ways unto the Lord. The sure promise is, He will direct thy paths.”
Selected Messages (2SM 364.2)
“Think candidly, prayerfully, studying the Word with all carefulness and prayerfulness, with mind and heart awake to hear the voice of God... To understand the will of God is a great thing.”
Country Living (CL 26.2)
“If, in this opportune time, the members of the churches will come humbly before God, putting out of their hearts all that is wrong, and consulting Him at every step, He will manifest Himself to them, and will give them courage in Him.”
The Review and Herald, December 20, 1906.
“To every man was given his work according to his several ability. Then let him not move hesitatingly, but firmly, and yet humbly trusting in God.”
Country Living (CL 26.1)
Recognize the importance of planning
We must not hesitate! We must move forward, but nothing must be done rashly or without planning.
“God is a God of order. Everything connected with heaven is in perfect order; subjection and thorough discipline mark the movements of the angelic host. Success can only attend order and harmonious action.”
Patriarchs and Prophets (PP 376)
“Let there be nothing done in a disorderly manner, that there shall be a great loss or sacrifice made upon property because of ardent, impulsive speeches which stir up an enthusiasm which is not after the order of God...”
Selected Messages (2SM 363.1)
“Let everyone take time to consider carefully and not be like the man in the parable who began to build and was not able to finish. Not a move should be made but that movement and all that it portends are carefully considered—everything weighed...”
Selected Messages (2SM 362.1)
Assess experience level
“Great caution must be exercised by these men who have not genuine experience in practical life, and who will be in danger of giving advice, ignorant of what that advice may lead others to do.”
Country Living (CL 25.4)
“There may be individuals who will make a rush to do something, and enter into some business they know nothing about. This God does not require...”
Selected Messages (2SM 362.2)
For those with no country living experience, moving into the country can be a big learning curve. If you do not have any experience yet with country life, it would be wise to first access the Homestead Academy to gain a foundational understanding of what it takes to live in the country.
Homestead Academy
Level Up
Homestead Aptitude Assessment
Are you prepared to live in the country? Do you know what your role would be on the homestead? Take the homestead score to see where you have the greatest natural or cultivated abilities.
Get Your Score
Homestead Academy
Improve your homestead skills by accessing our Homestead Academy with courses covering the following topics.
Permaculture
Understand and harness the land
Infrastructure
Setup utilities and build essential structures
Gardening Basics
Fundamentals of growing your own food
Soil
Preparing healthy soil
Beneficials
Using nature to aid in gardening
Companion Planting
Gardening as God intended
Food Preservation
Extending the lifespan of the harvest
Food Preparation
Cooking healthy & delicious vegan meals
Natural Remedies
Medicine from the garden
End Time Living
Off-grid and Off-supply chain living
Then, acquire land
“We are to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves in our efforts to secure country properties at a low figure, and from these outpost centers we are to work the cities.”
Special Testimonies, Series B, 14:7
“Let men of sound judgment be appointed, not to publish abroad their intentions, but to search for such properties in the rural districts, in easy access to the cities, suitable for small training schools for workers, and where facilities may also be provided for treating the sick and weary souls who know not the truth. Look for such places just out from the large cities, where suitable buildings may be secured, either as a gift from the owners, or purchased at a reasonable price by the gifts of our people. Do not erect buildings in the noisy cities.”
Medical Ministry, 308-309 (1909)
recognize our limitations
To live in the country itself seems to be full time responsibility... and yet, we are also instructed that "at the same time" (Life Sketches, p. 410) we must actively minister to the cities. This seems like a tough balance, more than one person or even a couple can do!
finally, build community
Learn more about modern Advent communities