I saw Abraham's household

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When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he led out his trained men, born in his house, three hundred and eighteen, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. - Gen 14:14

This is a short verse in Genesis that describes the size of Abraham's household. He had 318 trained men, born in his household, to fight as soldiers! That is a big family! When I read about this verse and its significance towards business in a book by Dave Kahle, "The Good Book on Business" it illustrated the size of Abraham's household, or business as the book explains. If there were 318 trained men to fight, born in Abraham's household, how many more people where part of his household. The families of those men. The cooks to prepare food for them. The care takers of the cattle those men were responsible to protect, and on and on! A huge enterprise!

I have used this example as an illustration of business in the Bible to coach pastors and entrepreneurs in our ministry. It is a great example to help people see the relationship to business and their own households, and what that term means beyond their immediate family. This week I saw this relationship with my own eyes, at Finca Santa Jo*. We spent a day here with Jari's friends who came to host an end of the year celebration for the children who live on the farm. Over 60 families live here year-round.  

A view of the lodges
This farm is located about an hours drive northeast of the city of Jinotega. It is a very large farm, over 1,600 acres, or 684 hectares in land. The primary crop is coffee. It has lodges where families live during the coffee harvest. There is also a private school on the property and a chapel. There is a hacienda, or guest house for visitors to stay. The administration office also has a health clinic and pharmacy right on the property. You will even find a small hydro-electric plant generating electricity from the mountain springs. 

Jari has been to this farm to host health clinics with her friend Dra. Karla. A small portion of the doctors team was there to have games for the children and share gifts of school supplies for next year. They even received rubber boots! A presentation of the Gospel, the reason for the donations was shared with the parents and children, God provides all things! 

The hacienda

Fun times for the families!

During the day my mind was opened more, and I saw the size of Abraham's household! Sixty families live an work on this farm all year. There are people who plant and harvest trees, coffee, and livestock. There are security guards, (the fighting men!), and equipment operators. Truck drivers and farm administrators. A nurse in the clinic and teachers for the school. There were over 70 children at the days event. A small village, and all of its workers on one family's farm! 


A middle school classroom 
The school is the closest school for miles around. Parents who do not live directly on the farm send their children there to learn. During the farms best days, over a thousand workers would come to harvest coffee! This means during the harvest season, the farm had a thousand families living there for four months or longer during the year. All working, for one household. Children being born, under one household. 


Now what happens when the owner of this farm is a Christian man. A man of faith like Abraham? Hebrews 11 says by faith, Abraham was called out of his nation, and had as many descendants as the stars in heaven, and sand on the seashore. The owner of Finca Santa Jo*, has the potential to share his faith and live it out with the people on his farm. He opens his farms gates for Christian doctors, nurses and nutritionist to share God's love to the people in his household. To play games and love the children there. One business owner bringing the Kingdom of God here on earth, until he has returned to the city that God has prepared for him! (Heb. 11:16) 

I know the Holy Spirit showed a small demonstration of the impact Abraham's faithfulness to God had for generations long after he was on earth. I have a renewed understanding of why I have a desire to open a metal shop. I pray, by faith, for my own household so "God is not ashamed to be called their God.." (Heb 11:16) 

Generations of Finca Santa Jo's household
May we all do our work, and our business, by faith unto God! Have a prosperous New Year 2022!

The potential of Finca Santa Jo household!

These trucks lined the street



*name changed
Location: Jinotega, Nicaragua

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