Dated: September 4, 2016

Five years ago, I laid my mother and stepfather to rest in Holland, Massachusetts. I’ve previously written about the experience, including a tribute to my stepfather.

Pastor Bruce Plumley of the Holland Church officiated the service. We had never met before that day, and our interaction was brief. However, we did correspond through email, and I sent him a copy of my book, Writings of a Deliberate Agrarian.

Therefore, I was surprised a couple of weeks ago to receive an unexpected email from Pastor Plumley (shared here with his consent).

Good morning Herrick,

I know it has been many years and you may not remember me as vividly as I remember you.  I am the pastor at Holland Church in Holland Ma that conducted a graveside service for your family.  That day that we met, God blessed me with a treasure in you and your family that you will not realize this side of heaven.  This morning I had to let you know that your ministry has encouraged a weary pastor this day, and has caused me to fall on my knees and give our mighty God all glory and honor for His hand upon His people.

I have a copy of your book Writings of a Deliberate Agrarian.  I had this little book made into a hard copy so that it will last longer and it is beautifully well preserved.  I did this because of the blessing and value to me and I pray to many others as the years go by.  I do share this book and others have been likewise blessed.

Yesterday I was so overwhelmed with the battle against the enemy as I ministered to God’s people, that I pulled out your book and began to read yet again of “The Good Life”.  Now do not get me wrong this does not take the place of God’s Word, but this little book is solace to me and reminds me that life is good and can be better.

Thank you for sowing into my life with your wisdom and passions as God has gifted you.  I am a blessed man.

May God bless you abundantly in return,

Pastor Bruce Plumley

My biggest accomplishment in life is writing a book about building a Whizbang chicken plucker. I wrote it to make money, and it was successful enough to allow me to self-publish a book without profit as the goal.

Writings of a Deliberate Agrarian is a book I felt compelled to write, almost like a calling. Since its publication ten years ago, I’ve received a few letters similar to Pastor Plumley’s.

Such feedback is incredibly meaningful to me. Receiving a hundred positive comments from readers of my chicken plucker book doesn’t compare to the feeling of fulfillment I receive from one letter like his.

It’s fascinating to see how this book, and its deeper message, has resonated with some while leaving others indifferent. This is probably true for any book, but I’m more aware of it with this one.

For example, a few weeks ago, an older couple visited our church. When I introduced myself, the woman’s first response was, “I read your book.”

I suspected she was referring to Writings of a Deliberate Agrarian, but I was still taken aback. “How did you come across my book?” I asked.

“I found it at the thrift store,” she replied.

It turned out she worked at the local thrift store run by the Methodist Church. Someone I likely gifted the book to had donated it. It held little value for them, but remarkably, it was discovered and cherished by someone who did.

There’s an old William Cowper quote:

“God moves in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform.”

I witness this repeatedly in my life. The stories surrounding this book are just one example.

A Final Thought

Being a church pastor has to be one of the most challenging jobs imaginable.

Pastors face many disheartening realities, including worldly and apathetic churchgoers, a lack of love and biblical understanding, and a disregard for personal responsibility and striving for holiness.

I have immense respect and admiration for those who answer the call to pastor a church.