From Successful Farmer to Empty Heart
Born on August 5, 1947, in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Angus Buchan was a man of the soil, familiar with the hard labor and challenges of farming. In 1976, after years of farming maize and cattle in Zambia, he moved to Greytown, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, with his wife Jill and their children. Despite lacking basic amenities like electricity and water, Buchan successfully built a thriving farm within two years. Yet, success did not satisfy him. He confessed, "I'd made a success of the farm, had squared off debts… But there was something empty in my heart."
Life-Changing Conversion to Jesus Christ
On February 18, 1979, everything changed. Angus and his family attended a Methodist church service, which he later described as "the greatest day of my life." During the service, laymen spoke, and their words moved the congregation deeply. When an invitation was extended to accept Jesus, the entire Buchan family stepped forward. Angus remembers, "It changed my life. Jesus pulled me up out of that bottomless pit. Jesus gave me a second chance."
Faith Transforms Farm into Ministry
After his conversion, a new passion ignited within him. The farm, renamed "Shalom," became a testament to his faith. Buchan dedicated every aspect of their business to serving God and the community. They included daily chapel times on the farm, focusing on prayer and Bible reading, and Angus began to view the Bible as his guide in both life and agriculture. Remarkably, during intense droughts, Shalom Farm saw abundant harvests, which Buchan attributed to God's provision.
Mighty Men Conference Testimony Spreads
In 1980, Angus founded Shalom Ministries to share his story with the community. He became a full-time evangelist, dedicating his life to mentoring others. His "green cathedral," the cornfields, became a place of prayer and reflection, where he sought guidance from God. In 2003, feeling led to mentor young men, Angus initiated the Mighty Men Conference. Over the years, these gatherings grew from a small group to an assembly of hundreds of thousands.
Through his books and media appearances, including the film *Faith Like Potatoes*, Buchan's testimony of transformation and faith has reached a global audience. He remains a fervent advocate for trusting God, saying, "When we obey the Lord and just do what He tells us, miracles happen."
