Written by: Ken Wong (Communications Officer)
‘I used to farm barefoot as well, and it didn’t hurt at all!’ a farmer from the farm shared with me as he passed by. ‘I used to run around barefoot, and my soles developed thick calluses; how could it hurt?’ Looking across to the path on the other side of the farm, I saw participants and staff from the Barefoot Walk struggling to walk barefoot over a stretch of sharp stones, finding it difficult to move forward.
On 2 November, nearly two hundred participants in the Barefoot Walk journeyed to the Zen Organic Farm in Ta Kwu Ling, walking barefoot around the farm. Why do we choose to seek hardship? When asked what attracted the participants to participate in the Barefoot Walk, many responded, ‘To understand the situation of the poor’. It turns out that compassion drives everyone to join the event, aiming to empathise with the circumstances of impoverished farmers and experience the lives of those threatened by the climate crisis.
In addition to walking barefoot, participants also formed teams to engage in weeding and harvesting experiences, recreating the situation of climate refugees, imagining themselves forced to leave their homes due to climate issues and struggling to survive. After the event, one participant shared: ‘Our whole family learned a lot and thoroughly enjoyed this experience. The role-playing and various discussions made us feel the frustration, uncertainty, and helplessness of farmers affected by climate change. The barefoot experience was especially impactful, allowing us city dwellers to reconnect with nature.’
Thanks to the Lord’s protection, we were able to hold this event successfully, enjoying favourable weather, and we are grateful for the support of all the participants. We also appreciate the assistance of numerous co-organisers, supporting units, supporters, and over thirty dedicated volunteers. Everyone was willing to make time in their busy schedules to collaborate and support the mission of ‘Care for the Disaster-Stricken Poor’. We are thankful that the Lord has brought together many like-minded individuals, enabling us to support one another on our mission and walk alongside those threatened by the climate crisis.
We know that city dwellers have a greater impact on the planet. Still, when the Earth suffers from extreme weather and frequent disasters, city residents are less severely affected due to their better infrastructure and resources. In contrast, people in poorer countries face devastating consequences from extreme weather and disasters, leading to crop failures, loss of livelihoods, and pushed into poverty and hunger, putting their lives at risk. As one participant shared after the event: ‘I realised how our everyday actions can have such a negative impact on the poor. Now, as we feel the effects of global warming on our planet, this feeling is even stronger. I am beginning to pay more attention to this issue and will do my best.’
For many years, CEDAR has walked alongside the poor in various countries. We equip farmers in conservation farming and sustainable organic agriculture, encouraging them to grow climate-resilient crops such as macadamia nuts to adapt to climate change. Below is the ‘Care for the Disaster-Stricken Poor’ ministry report for 2023-2024. Whether or not you participated in this year’s Barefoot Walk, we hope you will witness how the Lord, through various partners and programmes in different places, is improving the lives of the poor and experiencing the Lord’s love.
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