From June 29 to July 1, Nelson has the privilege of hosting farmer and speaker Angus Buchan from South Africa. His life inspired the award-winning film Faith like Potatoes.
We presented Buchan with Nelson T-shirts and logos in London, England, in October 2010, inviting him to come to speak in Nelson.
Later, Nelson Mayor John Dooley sent Buchan an invitation. Soon after, Buchan agreed to come to Nelson.
Buchan is Africa born and of Scottish descent. He also speaks Zulu. He and his young family moved from war torn Zimbabwe in the mid-‘70s to begin a new farm in South Africa.
His family encountered incredible challenges and losses that could have led to despair, but with the help of new friends, and finding fresh faith in God, Buchan found a new purpose in life.
Buchan continued to farm, and with unusual abundance taking place with his crops despite severe drought, he became well known in the area.
Over time, Angus began speaking at churches and other meetings in the province of Kwazulu Natal, SA. Eventually his speaking and work began to go to other nations.
Later, Buchan began Mighty Men’s meetings with the idea of mentoring men. The first meeting on his Shalom farm hosted about 240 men from around South Africa.
Seven years later, in April 2010, some 300,000 men camped at Shalom farm for three days of meetings. Men, their sons and grandfathers from many nations worshipped, prayed and fellowshipped together, from many backgrounds including professional athletes, politicians, farmers, businessmen, and students. Thousands committed themselves to a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Buchan is a passionate about Jesus, and a preacher God uses mightily. He has been used by God in other countries in spiritual awakening and Christian reconciliation between individuals and people groups in Ireland, Scotland, and England, Australia, Israel and other African nations. This will be his first time in Canada.
The Gathering is a family renewal conference and all are invited from around the Kootenays. We believe individuals, marriages and youth will be encouraged and strengthened in their faith, in their marriages and families.
We want to see young people to be reminded that God loves them, that they are important and that there is a positive vision and purpose for their lives. We want to pray for our nation.
All proceeds above costs are going it the Shalom Children’s home, Beth Hatlaim, or House of Lambs, on Shalom farm. The home has 24 children, mostly Zulu, whose relatives or themselves are victims of AIDS.
Buchan and his wife Jill have adopted all 24 children. The also have five children and nine grandchildren. Buchan has asked only for his plane ticket costs.
Tickets can be purchased at iTickets.com/events/277434 for a single meeting or the whole weekend. Meetings will be at the Prestige Lakeside convention centre. You can also email jzaks@telus.net. Look for posters in your local church. Tickets are limited.
You can see the children’s home at Shalom Ministries on the web shalomtrust.co.za The website for event is gathering2012.ca.
Jeff Zak
Nelson