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Genesis Acaye
March 2026
From tiny seeds to a living forest
Dear everyone, I greet you all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!
The new year has begun well though with challenges as well. This year, my role has been changed from agriculture to only focusing on agroforestry work, planting trees with the rural communities. I began the year with visitation and tree counts among our old group that planted trees almost five years ago and what we found out is very interesting. The trees have grown and the areas where they are planted have been transformed. The local micro-climate under the trees and around the gardens has changed. Birds and wild animals are thriving in and around the trees! These are all very encouraging signs.
Five years ago, what we see today as thriving trees began as something very small — tiny seeds placed carefully into simple potting bags. At the time, it was difficult to imagine that these fragile beginnings would one day grow into strong trees transforming both land and lives. However, just like many works of God, the beginning was humble yet filled with promise.
The agroforestry pilot project started in 2021 with a vision: to restore degraded land, support farming families, and protect God’s creation through tree planting integrated with agriculture. Community members gathered together, preparing soil and gently sowing small seeds into nursery bags.
Each day, the seedlings were watered faithfully. Care was taken even when growth was not immediately visible. Then, slowly but surely, life began to appear, tiny green shoots breaking through the soil.
This reminded us of the words of Jesus:
“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree.”— Matthew 13:31–32
What looked small and insignificant was already carrying God’s purpose within it.
As weeks passed, the seedlings grew stronger. Farmers and project participants nurtured them with patience — watering, protecting them from harsh weather, and preparing land for transplanting. The nursery became a symbol of hope. Families began to understand that caring for trees was not only an agricultural activity but also an act of stewardship. Scripture reminds us: “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”— Genesis 2:15
Planting trees became an expression of obedience to God’s calling to care for His creation. When the seedlings were ready, they were planted into participant’s field. At this stage, faith was essential. Once planted, growth could not be rushed, only nurtured. Farmers integrated trees with crops, improving soil fertility, providing shade, preventing erosion, and supporting food production. The project began transforming livelihoods as well as landscapes.
Like the Psalmist writes: “They will be like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.”— Psalm 1:3
The trees became living testimonies of resilience and provision.
Today, those once tiny seeds have grown into strong, flourishing trees, now approaching five years of growth. They stand tall across the landscape, improving biodiversity, restoring soil health, and providing long-term benefits to communities. What began as a pilot project has become a powerful demonstration that small faithful actions can create lasting environmental change. These trees now:
- Protect the environment
- Support farmers’ incomes
- Improve food security
- Capture carbon and combat climate change
- Provide shade, fuelwood, and future resources
We are reminded of God’s promise: “Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.”— Psalm 126:5
The labour invested years ago is now producing visible fruit. Creation care is not optional for believers; it is part of our worship and witness. As climate challenges grow globally, tree planting offers a practical way for Christians to love their neighbours and protect future generations. The Bible teaches: “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”— Psalm 24:1
Supporting tree planting means participating in God’s restoration work, healing land, sustaining communities, and safeguarding creation. We invite Christians, churches, and supporters in the UK to join this mission. Your support helps plant more trees, train more farmers, and restore more landscapes. Just as these trees grew from tiny seeds into a living forest, your partnership can grow into lasting environmental and spiritual impact. Together, we can plant hope, nurture creation, and leave a greener world for generations to come. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”— Galatians 6:9
Prayer points
- Pray for the current agroforestry work to be successful
- Pray for our family, Sarah lost her dad in February and we are still healing from it
- Pray for good rain distribution as we shall begin planting seedlings in April
May the Lord Bless you all,
Genesis