'Provision & Presence'

You are invited to join the Hope Countryside partnership for a 'day on the farm', when, through presentations, conversations and prayer, we shall consider the 'provision and presence of the Lord in rural Britain'. 


The morning session will open with praise, prayer and introductions. We shall then explore God's 'provision' in and through the countryside. The Lord provides our material needs through His creation (Genesis 1:29, 9:3; Psalms 65:9-13, 104:14-15). Farmers cooperate with the Creator (Genesis 2:15; Psalm 104:14; James 5:7) to provide for both our sustenance and our enjoyment (Psalm 104:15). In the UK, and across the world, farming has been going through tremendous turbulence, due both to weather and climate and to the global economy and public policy. Through presentations and breakout groups, we shall examine these phenomena in the light of biblical principles and prophecy, and ask how we should pray and act in response.

Over a picnic lunch, there will be time for conversation and fellowship, followed by an optional guided farm walk or time just to be quiet.


The afternoon session will open with a time of prayer for the issues and concerns raised in the morning. We shall then go on to consider our second theme of 'presence'. The Lord is present in the countryside through His creation and His people, who are called to be lights in the darkness and to reach out with His love and the Gospel message. We shall hear both about the work of organisations, like Rural Missions and Arthur Rank Centre, that support existing rural churches in their mission and ministry, and about new pioneering, 'grass-roots' initiatives beyond current church institutions and structures. There will be opportunities for others to share their own experiences and vision - in breakout groups and a final plenary session.

The afternoon will conclude with a review of what we have learned and then time to listen and pray, before a final summing up and a closing time of prayer and worship. The day will end with tea and cake!

Book places by clicking 'get your ticket' opposite.

Speakers & leaders

The day will be led by by members of the Hope Countryside team, as below.

Dr Peter Carruthers is Executive Director of Village Hope and a founding member of Hope Countryside. With John Plumb, he will lead and speak at the morning session on 'provision'.

Jane Holloway, of the World Prayer Centre, is  a founding member of Hope Countryside. She will lead times of prayer throughout the day, as we respond to the input and sharing from our speakers and others. Nick James and Carolyn McQuaker of the Hope Countryside team will also lead prayers.

John Plumb farms Southfields Farm, the venue for this event. He is a founding member of Hope Countryside and chairman of Village Hope and Agricultural Christian Fellowship. With Peter Carruthers, he will lead and speak at the morning session on 'provision'.

Steve Weatherill lives and ministers in North Yorkshire. He is a member of the Hope Countryside team, and will lead the afternoon session on 'Presence'.

In addition, in the afternoon, we shall hear from Bob Goody, CEO of Rural Missions, Matt Jeffrey, CEO of Arthur Rank Centre and others.

Venue & arrangements

The event will be hosted by John & Betty Plumb at Southfields Farm, Coleshill, Warwickshire, B46 3EJ. 

There is plenty of parking available. Please drive slowly when you enter the farm!

Bring your own picnic lunch. Hot and cold drinks and afternoon tea and cakes will be provided.

In case of inclement weather, remember to bring suitable footwear and rainwear for the farm walk.

There is no charge for the event, but there will an opportunity to give on the day, for those who wish to do so.

Coffee will be available from 9.30 AM. The programme will start at 10.00 AM.

Hope Countryside

Hope Countryside (originally Hope for the Countryside) is a partnership between Agricultural Christian Fellowship, Village Hope, World Prayer Centre and others. 'Hope Countryside' expresses our growing vision of beacons of prayer lighting up across rural Britain, bringing hope both to the countryside and from the countryside to the whole of the nation. Our aim is to promote understanding of, and prayer for, rural life and communities, church and mission, and farming and the land.