Each summer, farmers across Oklahoma, north Texas and Kansas support Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children through the 10-Acre Challenge. The 10-Acre Challenge provides an opportunity for farmers to donate a portion of their crop through their local co-op to benefit OBHC.
These donations impact more than 200 children and families who live on OBHC’s four campuses. OBHC relies on generous donors for support, because they do not charge for services or receive money from the government. Donating crop production is a unique way farmers have been able to support OBHC’s ministries.
Kolton, a young man living at Boys Ranch Town in Edmond, Oklahoma, had the opportunity to visit three farms this summer. On these visits, farmers from All Aboard Wheat Harvest teach students about everything from the crop production to the equipment. OBHC residents get a hands-on learning experience driving a combine or a tractor. Kolton said he never knew how much effort goes into farming until he experienced it for himself. “It’s quite a lot of work to do, and it makes it even more meaningful to see how hard they work and donate part of their crop to us.”
Kolton’s favorite experience at the harvest came just last month. “I got to drive a half a million dollar John Deere combine. I love learning how to harvest and how the machines work,” Kolton said. “It was really awesome but I was so nervous I would mess something up.”
On another trip near Garden City, Kansas, the unexpected happened. After the boys arrived for their adventure, a combine broke down. While one of the farmers went to town for new parts, the boys stayed behind with another farmer. Kolton saw this as an opportunity to jump in and learn how to repair the equipment. In his eagerness, he volunteered to clean oil and learn the parts of the machine. Once the new parts arrived, Kolton was able to help repair the combine. “They taught me how to fix it and he went step by step,” he said. “I just thought it was a good opportunity to learn and wanted to make myself useful and help. I loved being able to help fix it and clean it up.”
Kolton says farming could be in his future, “I love farming. It’s been in my family for a long time. I know how important it is and it’s a lot of work but I could see myself doing this one day.”
Kolton knows how special the opportunity is to not only learn about the harvest, but for farmers to take time out of their busy schedules to teach and support the children at OBHC. “They really take the time to try to get to know us and ask questions about OBHC and our experience,” Kolton said. “I appreciate the opportunity to let us come out and see what farming is all about and how to run a combine. I also appreciate their willingness to be a part of OBHC’s 10-Acre Challenge and support us.”
For more information on the 10-Acre Challenge or if you would like to participate, visit obhc.org/10AcreChallenge or contact Mike Williams at 405-818-8833 or [email protected]. Donations can also be mailed to Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children, 10-Acre Challenge, 3800 N. May Ave., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73112.
