The Rural Voice, 1982-02, Page 9\,1' /n% Christian Farmers believe in
a
.
Some people consider the Christian
Farmers Federation of Ontario (CFFO) a
fighting, articulate group of committed
farmers, but a group that's a bit on the
fringe of the province's farm politics. A
little time spent with a young man called
Bill Jongejan will change that opinion.
Bill is president of the Central Huron
Association of the Christian Farmer
Federation and finished a five year term
this spring.
A family man Bill is active in groups and
organizations that he believes in strongly.
But to understand his involvement with
the CFFO you have to know the
background of the group.
In 1954 in Strathroy, a group of
Christian farmers representing four
Christian farmer associations which had
been established by Dutch immigrant
farmers. met and voiced concern that
farmers with like ideas start working
together.
stewardship of the land
In our society "Christian" implies
many denominations. This group is much
simpler and follows defin'`e guidelines.
As Bill explains it, th;, philosophy goes
back to Dutch theologian John Calvin
(1509-1564), who advocated reformed
religious thinking. Calvin said you not
only accept Jesus as your saviour but also
as your lord, and that the lordship should
be applied in all areas of life, not just the
church. This means the home, agri-
culture, labor associations and education.
"God works communally through the
nation or people causing us to live
together in a Christian life working and
sharing together." Bill says.
In an introductory pamphlet the CFFO
basis and purpose is outlined as
encouraging "Christians engaged in our
enterprise to approach current issues from
a biblical point of view."
The group organizes farmers and
growers, does research in production and
marketing, represents a Christian voice in
agriculture through various channels and
co-operates with other groups with similar
goals.
Bill points out that if they were not
motivated bibically then the work would
all be in vain. "We can't ignore our
Christian leanings and therefore cannot
affiliate with other groups like the Ontario
Federation of Agriculture for instance,"
by Rhea Hamilton
BILL JONGEJAN AND DAUGHTER ANN
Bill says. "We let our principles be
known. Therefore the name Christian
Farmers." The membership is not re-
stricted to those of the Dutch Reform
persuasion but to those who are in
agreement with the group's purpose.
The term family farm and the pre-
servation of that way of life was initially a
CFFO concern and now is commonly
supported by other farm organizations.
Bill is a family farm man. Along with
help from the Jongejan's five children, he
has relied heavily on his father who was a
partner on their farm, located 7 miles
south of Goderich on Highway No. 21.
TH E
After working for sometime away from
the farm, Bill went into partnership witil
his father and another man, Peter Van
Driel, five years ago. They purchased
three farms and together worked the land,
and shared the work. As time went on his
father dropped out of the partnership to
retire and Bill and Peter have continued.
This is part of the CFFO's sharing
philosophy. You share with your
neighbour. "Mind you not everyone
would be able to find such a suitable or
more agreeable arrangment," comments
Bill and he feels that he and his partner
have been quite fortunate in how well they
RURAL VOICE/FEBRUARY 1982 PG. 7