Seeds of Hope: Wisdom and Wonder from the World of Plants

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I must never forget the lessons I have learned here today. On the contrary, I must share what I have discovered here, that hope might take root again in the hearts of our countrymen. Of course, I understand her worries─these are not easy times for a true seeker of peace and friend to nature. And yet, I cannot help but feel that her emotions cloud her better judgment─that she is not seeing the forest for the trees, if you will. Seeds of Hope is a dream seed sown a few years ago. With a huge increase in demand for locally adapted, open-pollinated seed 2021 seemed the perfect time to launch membership of a seed library. My name's Charlie Gray and I've been saving seed at Horton Community Farm in Bradford for many years now. I continue to grow and save seed here and am also Northern Regional coordinator for Gaia Foundation's Seed Sovereignty programme.

My words as a friend will not reach Fufucha now─only a fellow botanist who understands the depths of her worries can heal the wounds in her heart. I beg of you, Forename, speak with this Roiteloin and seek his counsel. Peter Brinch of www.open-pollinated-seeds.org.uk explains why open pollinated seeds are so important Having finally come to peace with her role as a botanist in times of strife, Fufucha has decided to remain at the guild. She thanks you for helping her rediscover the sense of purpose she had lost, and applauds you as a model for all botanists to follow.The seeds, the art of botany, the love and reverence for nature that we brought to Ishgard have taken root in the lands and the hearts of the people, and grown strong...strong indeed. Fufucha has convinced herself that she is doing more harm than good to the natural world she so loves. Preposterous! Has she forgotten the countless trees she planted after the Calamity, journeying far and wide to return lush verdure to our shattered realm? Our battle with the Ixal rages on, and there are rumblings from the Empire as well. With each passing day, more people die, the soil is stained deeper with blood, and the Twelveswood weeps... Forgive me if I seemed a bit distant the last time we spoke, Forename. Allow me to get straight to the point. I have not come to this decision easily, but I have come to it all the same: as of today, I have resigned from the Botanists' Guild. On their long trip home to Metter in an ambulance, Michael broke the silence when he said, “Audrey, we have no assurance of tomorrow, so we need to do more for the Lord each day that he gives us. Other than our evangelistic revivals, what can we do to reach more people with the gospel message? We have just experienced the uncertainties of life and the possibility of death when we least expect it. What else can we do for the Lord?”

All hope is not lost, however, as I have hit upon an idea. Tell me, Forename, are you familiar with the spruce tree? At Yannie's request, Fufucha journeyed to Coerthas to see with her own eyes the forest she helped grow, and the experience has opened her eyes. Return to the Botanists' Guild and speak with Fufucha. I do not blame you if you are not, as it is a rare sight these days. As Fufucha would tell it, in the years before the Calamity, vast forests of spruce would stretch for malms and malms. Well met, Forename. Yannie told me to expect you. I am Roiteloin, a humble botanist plying his trade in these bleak lands. Rest easy, Forename. I will remain here at the Growery. How could I not? The forest needs every friend it can muster in these dark times, and it would seem I still have much to learn.

When Yannie suggested I travel to Coerthas, I had not the slightest idea what she had in mind. The moment I laid eyes on this forest, I remembered. How very strange,” Michael responded. “God laid the same burden on my heart, too.” There, the initial “seed” for a radio ministry was planted by God in the hearts and lives of Michael and Audrey. In a matter of weeks, the first radio program was recorded, and “A Seed From the Sower” was broadcast from station WVOP in Vidalia, Georgia. One day, the editor of a weekly newspaper read a “Seed of Hope” while waiting for his appointment to see his physician. After realizing how the brief devotional brought him a much-needed word of encouragement, he realized that through his paper, he could bring comfort and inspiration to many of his readers who were encountering difficult times in their lives. So, he called The Sower Studio and asked if he could print a “seed” weekly in his paper. His request was honored, and now over 225 newspapers publish one of our “seeds” each week. In Paul’s farewell message at Ephesus, he said, “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there…However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given to me – the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” (Acts 20: 22 -24) Is there not an echo of this message in the history of Guido Ministries? Michael and Audrey, like Paul, had no idea “what would happen to them…only that they would be found faithful to finish the race and complete the task God gave them of testifying the good news of God’s grace.” Only God knew what He had planned for this, His ministry. Over the years, God’s message of the Good News of His love, mercy, grace, salvation, hope, and eternal life has not changed. However, the methods and means of sharing this message continue to grow and be blessed by God – and will continue to grow and be blessed by God – if we are faithful to Him and honor Him in all that we do, and give Him all the glory for all that we accomplish in His Name.