Unlike much of the third world, only 2-3 percent of the population of the United States was directly employed in agriculture in 2008._[1] For most of the third world, agriculture is a life-sustaining activity.  Harvesters' partners throughout the globe struggle with a lack of sufficient, nutritious food.  Scripturally, Harvesters feels the obligation to meet the needs of those who are in need as well as the more specific needs of widows and orphans. 

When we show the love of Christ through meeting the physical needs of the people we open doors to being able to share the Gospel.  The ministry is growing globally, but each new partner is challenged with meeting the nutritional needs his particular people group whether it is school children, orphans, widows or disaster victims.  Harvesters is committed to assisting our partners and encouraging them in their agricultural endeavors so they may be able to supply those in need thereby showing the love of Christ and creating an open and loving relationship based on caring and trust.  We feel that we cannot effectively share the Gospel without meeting the needs of our partners whether through drilling water wells, purchasing land, supplying seed and fertilizer or purchasing pigs.

Our Lord said in Matthew 25, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.' Harvesters and our partners need to honor Christ by assisting the least of these with their daily need.

 _[1]Wikipedia "Agriculture in the United States - Employment"