This was a phrase that my late husband – Peter Feickert – used many times while teaching the farmers of Daliangshan, Southwest China and, I must admit, that we both had many moments when we were frightened too as we stepped out in faith to serve this remote Chinese community. But, as the years passed, we saw our dream produce much fruit and the farming improve. Peter’s practical farming skills, as well as his ability to train others, were highly effective.
Peter was a reluctant missionary, yet he was faithful to the call to China – a call that came from Dr. James Hudson Taylor II, great-grandson of the founder of the China Inland Mission. For the first three years of working in China as a Farm Consultant for MSI professional services, Peter treated the work as, “Just another farm consultants’ job”. But, on year four, things changed. The officials stopped making us apply for an Aliens Permit and we were trusted and accepted. The farmers had finally taken Peter’s advice and planted the fertilised grass seed correctly, and fields flourished and they were eager to learn more about animal husbandry. In so many ways, Peter was perfect for the job and that’s when Peter realised that God had a special plan for him.
God’s plan for Peter’s life was to continue to work with these farmers to bring them out of poverty and teach them how to produce extra for a market much wider than their own small community.
Jim Taylor told Peter to ‘keep telling your story’. So, Peter shared stories of the work in China for many years. We lived in and out of China for 23 years.
By 2017 we had:
- Formed a N.Z. livestock team from N.Z. who shared the work in two provinces.
- Developed a demonstration farm at an altitude of 3,000 metres above sea level
- Successfully settled many villages with elite sheep with good genetics
- Started a mobile library for the village schools.
- Supported and encouraged all the long termers working in the mountains of Daliangshan.
Peter died on 24th September after 16 months learning to live with prostate cancer, which had metastasized to his bones.
Peter was a good storyteller. He had formed a good relationship with his Doctor, Emma Ramsay, and she requested more stories each time he visited her. When he turned 80 years old, she asked AI to write a poem for her to give to Peter. This was the poem our grandson Elijah shared at Peter’s celebration funeral service on 27th September:
A Birthday Ode to a remarkable Kiwi Man, on your 80th Birthday.
Eighty years young, and oh, what a ride.
From Aotearoa’s hills to the vast countryside
On China’s great heartland, you gave all you knew –
With boots on the earth and a vision so true.
You taught them to sow, to harvest, to grow.
Shared secrets of soil and the crops that best show
How hard work and wisdom can bloom hand in hand –
You lifted up farmers, you strengthened the land
With Laughter that rang like a bell through the trees,
You joked through the toil, you smiled through the breeze
The people, they loved you they still do today –
For the knowledge you gave, and your kind Kiwi way
A farmer, a hunter, a heart full of cheer
With talks of the bush and the bold southern deer.
You lived for the chase, for the land and the lore,
And oh, how we wish for just one hunting trip more.
Though time has now slowed your strong, steady stride,
The joy that you planted still grows far and wide.
In the fields and the hearts of those you have touched.
Your legacy blooms – so rich and so much
So, here’s to your eighty – your story, your song.
To a life full of meaning, where roots have grown strong
May love be your comfort, and peace your reward.
Dear friend of the farmer, you’ve earned every word.
Happy Birthday, with love, from near and from far –
To the Kiwi whose spirit still shines like a star.
Written for Peter Feickert by Dr. Emma Ramsay (with the help of AI tools) May 2025.
As well as the large crowd who attended Peter’s funeral, it has been a joy to receive so many tributes from around the world from brothers and sisters we had worked with in Sichuan.
“…for those that honour me I will honour.” – I Samuel 2:30
Peter was a great storyteller and is no doubt holding audience with the King of Kings as he retells the many precious moments of working alongside the farmers in China. Meanwhile, I will continue to tell the stories here on earth to all who are keen to listen and marvel at what God has done. Thank you all for your support and prayers, and for the opportunity to serve Him from our humble farming background.
