Genesis 2:15 tells us, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” At OM, we take this command seriously. We believe that caring for creation is not just a good idea—it’s a biblical mandate. David Greenlee, a member of OM’s Creation Care Working Group, shares inspiring stories from around the world in his Creation Care Newsletters. These stories highlight how believers are living out their faith by stewarding the environment in practical, transformative ways. 

Portrait of  Levy and Philip Lim. Photo by Alex Coleman.

Farming, faith and feeding communities – Philippines 

In Palawan, Philippines, local pastors and farmers often struggle to provide for their families. Pastor Jury experienced this firsthand. But through OM’s Ethnos Training Center, he and his wife Nancy learned sustainable farming techniques—like composting and mulching—that avoid synthetic chemicals and promote healthy soil. 

They started a garden next to their church, involving church members and students in its care. They now share naturally pollinated seeds with neighbors and teach them how to garden God’s way. Their garden not only feeds their family and supports church outreach to tribal communities but also generates income through surplus produce. 

Levy and Philip Lim, another couple passionate about creation care, moved from Cebu to Palawan, where they transformed a 2,000-square-foot plot into a thriving garden and are working to install rain catchment systems, solar panels and energy-efficient appliances. Their hope is that other churches across the Philippines will be inspired to follow their lead. 

Nurturing children and healing the land – Zambia 

Lorrin’s journey began at age 13 when she moved to a village with her grandmother. There, she saw firsthand the damage caused by deforestation and air pollution. As she grew in her faith, so did her passion for teaching children and caring for the environment. 

As an adult, Lorrin and her family opened their home to children who weren’t in school. Through Discovery Bible Studies (DBS), she taught them about God and equipped them with practical skills like grinding corn and caring for animals. A decade later, these children are now teens who have learned to value animals, take care of plants, trees and fruit and find ways to better dispose of trash. 

Transforming communities through cleanup – USA & UK 

In Atlanta, Georgia, OM partnered with local churches and the county to clean up a parking lot that had become a public dumping ground for furniture, mattresses and building waste. Even when official support from the county faded, the team continued their weekly Bible study and cleanup efforts. As a result, there has been a drop in crime, stronger community ties and open doors to share the gospel. 

In the UK, cleaning up public spaces has been used as a form of ministry. OM worker, Chris, saw potential in a neglected area outside a prison, so with help from the community and students in OM’s English Language and Cultural Opportunities program, they promoted a clean-up day for the Great Big Green Week to turn this run-down piece of land into an area flourishing with beauty that has the potential to be a blessing to prison staff and visitors. 

Teaching sustainability – Southeast Asia 

On islands in Southeast Asia, plastic pollution is a prominent problem. Two teachers at a Christian school aimed to educate their students on the dangers and impact of garbage on the environment, but the traditional lessons did not stick. So, they got creative, turning to more practical and engaging approaches—turning trash into treasure. They made compost, soap and even chairs from plastic bottles and fabric. 

This hands-on approach caught the attention of students and the wider community. The teachers explained that they serve because they believe in a Creator who made a beautiful world—and it dishonors Him to fill it with waste. Their ministry has since grown to include entire families, and many are now coming to know God through this work. 

Why it matters  

God handcrafted every part of creation. These stories remind us that caring for the environment is a form of worship and a way to reflect His character. When we nurture the earth, we not only obey His command—we also bless our communities in tangible ways. 

Ways to pray—

Pray with us for the OM workers around the world who are caring for God’s creation. Pray that they would influence others to join them in their mission. Pray that God will continue to show how nature can be a blessing to His children.  

You can sign up to receive our prayer newsletters here.