Africans all over sub-Saharan Africa burn off the dried grass near the end of the dry season (September - October) before they plant their new crops. They believe it makes the new crops grow better, makes it easier to plow, and flushes out any animals, making hunting easy for a short while.
If the wind is blowing much, they burn much more than their own fields. One of the reasons the soil is poor in some places, and there are no trees to speak of, is this practice of burning. Small trees have no chance of making it to the big time. A lot of voices have been telling them not to burn, but cultural norms change very slowly. (In our culture, we know that fast food is not really good for us, but McDonald's has never done better. We need to be careful when we think that other cultures are maybe not as smart as we are.)
Jacob's farm has several times been the recipient of out of control fires, and once the target of an intentional fire set by a disgruntled squatter. Jacob keeps the grass near the house cut short, and beyond that they cut fire breaks and, if a fire is coming, will set back fires. So far they have only had one devastating fire, and that was before the house was even completed. It destroyed a lot of newly set medicinal trees and some building materials.
Jaynie said that a fire was her worst fear, and that particular fire - the first one - was especially traumatic. But it forced her to trust God more and reminded her that the farm and all her ministry plans involving the farm were in His hands, not her control.
If the wind is blowing much, they burn much more than their own fields. One of the reasons the soil is poor in some places, and there are no trees to speak of, is this practice of burning. Small trees have no chance of making it to the big time. A lot of voices have been telling them not to burn, but cultural norms change very slowly. (In our culture, we know that fast food is not really good for us, but McDonald's has never done better. We need to be careful when we think that other cultures are maybe not as smart as we are.)
Jacob's farm has several times been the recipient of out of control fires, and once the target of an intentional fire set by a disgruntled squatter. Jacob keeps the grass near the house cut short, and beyond that they cut fire breaks and, if a fire is coming, will set back fires. So far they have only had one devastating fire, and that was before the house was even completed. It destroyed a lot of newly set medicinal trees and some building materials.Jaynie said that a fire was her worst fear, and that particular fire - the first one - was especially traumatic. But it forced her to trust God more and reminded her that the farm and all her ministry plans involving the farm were in His hands, not her control.
Hi Paul and Melonie, I find your blog very insightful. Thank you for taking the time and effort to keep this diary of your time in Africa. You will find it has blessed many people in time. Hope you are taking a lot of pictures. I would be most interested in seeing your pictures. It has cooled off here in Florida quite a bit. I think you will be surprised when you get home to cool sweater weather. May God be glorified in all you do.....Julie and Bret
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