Can You Imagine?
March 5, 2025
“Farmer Herman and the Flooding Barn” is an inspiring true story written by Jason Weber. The book tells the story of a Nebraska farmer named Herman who needed to move a 16,000-pound barn to prevent it from being destroyed by floodwaters. Instead of using heavy machinery, Herman and his community gathered 344 people who worked together, each lifting a small portion of the barn’s weight. Amazingly, they successfully moved the barn just by carrying it with their own hands.
Can you imagine? Take a moment and try to imagine 344 people LIFTING A BARN OFF THE GROUND and carrying it up the hill. Incredible.
This true story is just what I needed today. Might it be what you need too?
Can you imagine realizing our vision of communities where no family is homeless? Have you tried to imagine this recently in your own community?
Big challenges are never meant to be tackled alone. The weight of the barn was too much for one person, but together, they could carry it. The weight of ending family homelessness is too much for one person, but together…
A man recently said to me, the government has all the money and power to fix the affordable housing situation. Another said, yes, but the body of Christ has the call to love our neighbors. While these statements are true, they also reveal a deeper truth – change doesn’t happen because of money or power alone. It happens when people step up, link arms and carry the weight together.
I’m not suggesting that we not name the real challenges we are facing right now. Be informed about what’s happening at your local, state and national levels. But might we ask ourselves, what part of the barn can I carry?
Are you in a position to engage a new church about the possibility of neighboring a family? Make the call.
Do you have a voice in politics? Use it and call for reform.
Can you encourage a nonprofit leader today? Take the time.
Do you know people who know people, who might be great board members? Start the conversation.
Do you know someone with resources? Invite them to join in your efforts.
When challenges feel overwhelming, let this story remind us of the power of teamwork, community and collective effort to solve seemingly impossible situations. This is the very heart of our mission of engaging Christian faith communities in ending family homelessness through neighboring relationships that demonstrate Christ’s love.
Melissa Diem
Chief Mission Officer
