Angus Buchan grew up in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) and South Africa. His parents were from Scotland. They immigrated to Africa after the II World War. Their chief entertainment was the movie theater on the weekends since Zimbabwe didn’t have TV at the time. Buchan shares the story of workers from a Billy Graham Crusade preaching at the movie theater. He states:
He must have presented his message well, because my young heart was gripped; when he asked us if we wanted to ask Jesus into our lives, I was one of the first to respond. I don’t know how much I understood about it, but I knew I wanted to have that new life that he was talking about. [Page 14].
Angus was the only family member attending church after the crusade. He enjoyed the LOVE shown him by the church members. He taught Sunday School at 15 and began preaching sermons age 16. His goal in life was to be a farmer. Therefore, after earning his “school-leaving certificate”, he was sent to Scotland to attend Craibstone Agricultural College.
He returned to Zambia in 1968 to begin working as an assistant manager on a farm in the copper belt. Unfortunately, while his job suited him, he was living a life away from God. He was a restless, unfulfilled young man. Therefore, he decided to travel to Australia where he checked out the girls on the beaches. He held several jobs while in Australia. Finally, his brother wrote him about available jobs back in Zambia.
While managing a farm in Broken Hill, Zambia, he met his wife Jill. Faith Like Potatoes is the story of their life together, through all its trials and successes. You’ll learn how a strong Christian family eventually shows Angus back to the Lord.
I am really impressed with how God took a farmer and turned him into an evangelist. His farm is used by families needing to get settled in a new faith, or just needing a home. God provided a young man willing to handle the farm so that Buchan could go preaching throughout Africa, as the Holy Spirit leads him. God himself proves faithful by meeting every financial need.
Recommendation
Is God calling you to use your vocation (farmer, teacher, store clerk, etc.) to evangelize for Him? Are you struggling with whether God will provide all your needs? I can guarantee you that Reading, Faith Like Potatoes will strengthen you and give you courage to step out boldly for God.
Angus Buchan. Faith Like Potatoes Distributed by Kregel. 2006.
