Cultivating within His extraordinary creation

My name is Hans Jakobs, and from an early age, I’ve had a passion for nature. Even in my earliest memories, I would grow acorns, chestnuts, and flower seeds in my own little garden. I could often be found on the farms surrounding my childhood home because in addition to nature, I was crazy about tractors!

When I was 13, I came to know God through an interdenominational youth group just around the corner. A family member took me along, and it opened up a whole new world. God exists and He is real! That truth brings such joy!

This combination led me, after finishing secondary school, to pursue a vocational education (MBO) in arable farming a program that brought together plants, nature, and the powerful machinery of tractors. Right after graduation, I started working in “de polder” (the reclaimed land of the Netherlands). Maybe I couldn’t see it back then, but now I can say that God’s hand was already visible in my working life. Even though that time wasn’t all sunshine and roses, I thrived in the polder and grew immensely.

During this period, my interest in the Holy Spirit also deepened especially in how He wants to transform my thinking and actions. He showed me that creation is powerful and extraordinary: a mystery with so much truth hidden within that it takes a lifetime to unravel its meaning for us both in understanding God and in our physical and mental health. He revealed to me that there is an alternative path to farming one that is good for both people and the planet, and that fits in every season of life.

He showed me that creation is something incredibly powerful and special.” This realization led me, a few years ago, to start a small business called de Vrije Boer (“the Free Farmer”), with the goal of cultivating in a way that honors creation. I long for it to be a place where every person no matter their past is welcome and may encounter Him.

Thankfully, I’m still only 32 years old, with many working years ahead of me, I hope. Looking back, I can see that every step in my working life has been a step taken with God. And I’m very curious to see what else lies ahead on my path!