Mountain Mission Farms began as a concept in mid 1995 when seven people living in Atlanta discussed the possiblity of creating a self sustaining community in a more rural area of the southeast. As time went on, each of the families, one by one, came up with reasons why they could not submit themselves to the radical change in lifestyle necessary or had reasons forbidding them from making the financial committment. All of them, but one. That one, however, felt so strongly about the need, that they took substantial risk in purchasing a large tract of land in the mountains of North Carolina and thus began one of the most bizarre and exciting adventures in their lives.
The reason for their decision was more than just an idea or an escape. It was a realization that they had to live a life with a deeper and more personal spiritual involvement. They wanted to escape the 'vortex of life' found in the big city and find a lifestyle that gave them back tranquility, serenity, and purpose. They wanted more time to spend with their children and they wanted to be rooted in the earth. They wanted to see things grow and to plant and grow things to see. They wanted to find that perfect mixture of people and paradise. They wanted to be caretakers of the earth and show others how to be 'good stewards' of God's resources.
The story of how they found the land in Ashe County can best be described as Providential. Once the decision was made to change their lives, miracle after miracle took place until they one day found themselves walking the land that they would call home.
Day by day they began meeting individuals who would influence their dream to encompass sustainability, voluntary simplicity, agriculture and permaculture, passive solar construction, alternative energy resources, and deep ecology. When these concepts finished molding the dream, there came an understanding: "We have learned that the resources we have been blessed with cannot be held closely, but must be shared with as many as possible. We have a responsibility to not only share the resources, but to also share the knowledge of how we must live if we are to provide a legacy to our children and their children which will be as pristine and bountiful as that provided to us."
From those humble beginnings came the concept of Mountain Mission Farms: A sustainable farm and ecovillage that would exemplify the ideal combination of man in harmony with nature. A model of appropriate technologies and strategies for sustainable, cost efficient living. A laboratory for experimentation and testing of new ideas. Finally, an educational facility to teach others how to harvest renewable resources and the fruits of nature, while protecting the environment in the process. The mission encompassed being good stewards, sharing God's gifts, understanding the natural law, and helping others to create and live within a new paradise.
Finding land suitable for the farm took over three years. It was hoped that land with a rich bio-diversity would allow a much broader possibilities to unfold. Water power and wind power were both also sought, but were difficult to find in a single location. Finally, southern exposure was absolutely necessary, but again, not easy to find in available land. Once again, it was through Divine Providence, or as other might describe it, a series of inexplicable coincidences that the Mountain Mission Farms land became available. The land was purchased in the summer of 1999 and site preparation began that winter.
The construction process is underway and is documented in this web site. As this venture continues, we will keep you updated on the miracle of Mountain Mission Farms.
