Why should we move out to the country in the first place?

People need a goal, a reason and an understanding of why we do something. I say “people,” but maybe I really just mean me. When I was thinking about what to write on homesteading and country living, I asked myself the question: Why? Because if we do not know or understand why we are doing something—if we are not completely passionate and driven by it—then our motivation will be half gone when the trials and hardships come. So here are 7 reasons why we need to move out to the countryside in the first place.

1. Closer Connection to God Through Nature

"The Garden of Eden was the schoolroom, nature was the lesson book, the Creator Himself was the instructor, and the parents of the human family were the students." (EGW, Education, p. 20.1).

From the very beginning, God intended that we learn best in nature—His living classroom. There is something sacred about being surrounded by the works of His hands. The rustling trees, the warmth of the sun, the cycle of seedtime and harvest—all whisper of a loving, powerful Creator.

I once heard a story of a farmer—an atheist—who had worked tirelessly over the land. He planted, watered, and labored day and night. To him, it was all his own doing. But one evening, as harvest season came, he walked out into his field. The sun was setting, casting golden light across the grain. The stillness settled in around him like a blanket, and something shifted in his heart. Overwhelmed by the beauty, the abundance, and the majesty of it all, he quietly said: “There is a God.”

I have felt that same truth in my own experience. When you are out in nature—where distractions fade and silence speaks—you hear God's voice more clearly. It is as though you can finally tune into a frequency too often drowned out by noise and hurry.

And is that not what this life of faith is all about? Learning to hear God's voice?

If God is our Teacher, then should we not place ourselves in the best environment to learn? Sometimes that means stepping away from screens, crowds, or chaos, and simply being still in creation—where He still walks and talks with those who will listen.

"Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10).

“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made…” (Romans 1:20).

“In the country, children have the opportunity to behold the works of God in nature. He would have them not only look upon the natural world, but through it to Him.” (EGW, Counsels on Health, p. 167).

“Nature speaks to their senses, declaring that there is a living God, the Creator and Sustainer of all things.” (EGW, Child Guidance, p. 48).

2. Protection from Corrupting Influences

Enoch walked with God—not just in spirit, but also in practice. Though he lived in a sinful, corrupted world, he chose not to walk with the world. Patriarchs and Prophets tells us that:

“He did not make his abode with the wicked… He saw their influence upon others and realized the peril that would attend constant association with them. Therefore he chose to live in retirement, giving himself to communion with God.” (EGW, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 85).

This was not isolation for self-preservation alone. Enoch was not a hermit hiding from a broken world—he was an evangelist with a burden. He regularly went into the cities to proclaim God’s message, and the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary (Vol. 1, p. 1087–1088) gives us a beautiful insight:

“After proclaiming his message, he always took back with him to his place of retirement some who had received the warning.”

What a powerful example of the balance we are called to live: separation without isolation. Enoch lived in the country, but he worked the cities. He protected his heart from the corruption of society, but he carried God’s heart for the lostwherever he went.

This same mission is laid before us today. As Ellen White warns in Evangelism:

“As God’s commandment-keeping people, we must leave the cities. As did Enoch, we must work the cities but not dwell in them… The truth must be spoken, whether men will hear, or whether men will forbear.” (Evangelism, pp. 77–78).

And:

“The cities are filled with temptation. We should plan our work in such a way as to keep our young people as far as possible from contamination.” (Evangelism, p. 78).

There is a danger in misunderstanding country living—as if it is just about getting away to protect ourselves. But that is only half of the picture. The purpose of the outpost is not only for refuge but also for mission. God places us in peaceful, rural homes to be revived, trained, and spiritually prepared—so we can go back into the cities, like Enoch, and bring out those who are seeking God.

“Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 6:17).

“It is not God’s will that His people shall settle in the cities, where there is so much wickedness and corruption.” (EGW, Manuscript Releases, Vol. 10, p. 255).

“The cities are to be worked from outposts. Said the messenger of God, ‘Shall not the cities be warned? Yes, not by God’s people living in them, but by their visiting them…’” (EGW, Selected Messages, vol. 2, p. 358).

3. Better Environment for Raising Children

"Let parents understand that the training of their children is an important work in the saving of souls. In country places abundant, useful exercise will be found in doing those things that need to be done, and which will give physical health by developing nerve and muscle. ‘Out of the cities’ is my message for the education of our children." (EGW, Selected Messages, vol. 2, p. 355).

Ellen White could not have been any clearer about this subject. She saw not only the spiritual urgency but also the practical wisdom of raising children in the country. The nature, the stillness, the understanding of hard work, the fresh air, and the absence of constant worldly influence—the list of blessings is endless.

And now, science is affirming what inspiration taught long ago. A systematic review published in Educational Psychology Review (2022) concluded that exposure to nature enhances working memory, sustained attention, and selective attention in children and adolescents. The researchers advocate integrating nature into learning environments to support healthy cognitive development.

Country living is not just a lifestyle preference—it is a divinely-appointed environment for the physical, mental, and spiritual growth of our children.

“It is not best to send our children to the public schools, where they are liable to learn that which will be of injury to them… It is in the order of God that those who can do so shall locate their families where they will be so situated that they can educate their children at home.” (EGW, Country Living, p. 13).

“The little ones should be carefully shielded from the evil influences of city life.”(EGW, Child Guidance, p. 356).

4. Physical and Mental Health Benefits

“A shepherd boy, tending his father’s flocks, Joseph’s pure and simple life had favored the development of both physical and mental power. By communion with God through nature and the study of the great truths handed down as a sacred trust from father to son, he had gained strength of mind and firmness of principle.” (EGW, Education, p. 52.2).

This passage perfectly illustrates how a life closely connected to nature fosters not only spiritual growth, but also physical and mental strength. Modern science confirms this timeless wisdom. A 2019 study published in Nature Sustainability found that children who grow up surrounded by greenery have up to a 55% lower risk of developing mental health disorders later in life.

Growing up as an Adventist, I had heard our NEWSTART principles all my life. Yet living an agrarian lifestyle allowed me to experience them almost instinctively: going to bed on time, enjoying fresh air and sunshine, and engaging in abundant physical activity. In this lifestyle, physical health is not a separate effort—it flows from the rhythm of daily life.

God, in His wisdom, knows exactly what we need—physically, mentally, and spiritually. Because God knows exactly what we need, we can trust His counsel to move to the countryside as a way to nurture our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. 

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

“To secure a good digestion, the nerves of the brain should be relieved from the excitement of amusements, and excessive labor. The mind should be at rest. Living in the country will be beneficial to many who cannot obtain health in the cities.” (EGW, Testimonies for the church, vol. 2, p. 531).

5. Opportunity for Self-Sufficiency and Simplicity

“Who will be warned? We say again, ‘Out of the cities.’ Do not consider it a great deprivation, that you must go into the hills and mountains, but seek for that retirement where you can be alone with God, to learn His will and way…” (EGW, Selected Messages, vol. 2, p. 355).

We should understand that the call to leave the cities and move to the country is not a privation. Rich blessings await those who will grab them, is written. Among these blessings is the opportunity to learn self-sufficiency and live out simplicity—principles that shape character and strengthen families.

Ellen White emphasizes the urgency of avoiding corrupting influences:

“If we place ourselves under objectionable influences, can we expect God to work a miracle to undo the results of our wrong course?—No, indeed. Get out of the cities as soon as possible, and purchase a little piece of land, where you can have a garden, where your children can watch the flowers growing, and learn from them lessons of simplicity and purity.”— General Conference Bulletin, March 30, 1903 (EGW, Selected Messages, vol. 2, p. 356).

Here, the emphasis is clear: country living is both a safeguard and a blessing. It provides a healthy environment, nurtures simplicity, and allows children to grow in spiritual sensitivity, character, and practical skills—all while being close to God in His creation.

“Aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands…” (1 Thessalonians 4:11).

“The earth has blessings hidden in her depths for those who have courage and will and perseverance to gather her treasures. Fathers and mothers who possess a piece of land and a comfortable home are kings and queens.” (EGW, Adventist Home, p. 141).

“God intended that man should labor with his hands and mind. The more quiet and simple the life of the child, the more free from artificial excitement, and the more in harmony with nature, the more favorable is it to physical and mental vigor and to spiritual strength.” (EGW, Child Guidance, p. 50).

6. Better Spiritual Atmosphere for Character Development

“The study of nature… trains the mind to a knowledge of God, develops habits of patient observation and careful thought, and impresses the heart with the principles of truth and righteousness.” (EGW, Education, p. 21).

This chapter in Education emphasizes how a natural, God-centered atmosphere is essential for character development. For those with experience in homesteading, gardening, or farming, we know this path is not easy. It requires hard work, patience, and perseverance. Yet, time and again, we see that humans grow through hardship and trials.

As the Bible affirms:

“Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.” (Isaiah 48:10, NKJV).

God compares trials to a refining process, showing that He shapes and purifies His people through challenges. How beautiful that He wants to reveal Himself through the beauty of nature and the stillness of country life, while also allowing the hardships of labor, responsibility, and discipline to strengthen and develop our character.

Truly, what a God we serve—one who teaches through both the gentleness of creation and the discipline of trials, forming us into people of strength, wisdom, and righteousness.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2).

“The crowded cities are filled with temptations. We should plan our work in such a way as to keep our children as far as possible from this contamination.” (EGW, Country Living, p. 6).

“The student who is closely connected with nature will have a character formed in accordance with the principles of right. As he observes the works of God, he will learn lessons of patience, perseverance, and fidelity. Nature teaches lessons that the classroom alone cannot impart.” (EGW, Education, p. 21.1).

7. Preparation for End-Time Events

There will be a time of great trouble when the angels will feed God’s faithful. But let’s focus on the little time of trouble that is ahead. W. D. Frazee writes in Another Ark to Build:

“If there is coming a time before the close of probation where you cannot buy anything to eat, of what help is it going to be to you to have a promise that angels will feed you at some later time in a cave, if you starve to death before that? Is that a practical question?”

Even though inspired writings clearly teach that living in the country was God’s original plan, our world has moved away from it. Today, however, this message carries a deeper significance. We know a time is coming when people will not be able to buy or sell, and God has given clear counsel on how to prepare for those days. How amazing is His wisdom!

Ellen White warns:

“To parents who are living in the cities the Lord is sending the warning cry: Gather your children into your own houses; gather them away from those who are disregarding the commandments of God… Get out of the cities as fast as possible. Parents can secure small homes in the country, with land for cultivation where they can have orchards and raise vegetables and small fruits… God will help His people to find such homes outside of the cities… It is not God’s will that His people shall settle in the cities, where there is constant turmoil and confusion. Their children should be spared this; for the whole system is demoralized by the hurry, rush, and noise… The Lord desires His people to move into the country, where they can settle on the land and raise their own fruit and vegetables." (EGW, Medical Ministry, p. 310).

Frazee continues:

“God has three ways of caring for us in three different stages of the final events. At the very end He will take us clear away from the world. Before that, in that great time of trouble, angels will feed us. But in this first time of trouble we are to get our food by growing it ourselves on the land.”

So, is the purpose simply to learn how to grow food to save ourselves during the little time of trouble? No. Our responsibility goes far beyond personal survival. The example of Noah makes this clear. The Ark was not only a refuge for his family—it was a practical, living testimony to the people. Noah prepared a place of safety because he believed what he preached.

In our time, when the cities face judgment and refugees are fleeing, we are called to prepare our own homes as places of refuge. This is not only for family but also for others who will need shelter, food, and instruction. God wants every home to be a place of Refuge.

The question we must ask ourselves is:

• Are we ready to accommodate those who will flee from the cities?

• Are we prepared to pass on the practical knowledge we have acquired in farming, self-sufficiency, and godly living?

Let us act on this instruction now, in faith, before the storm comes. The time to prepare is not tomorrow—it is today. By faith and obedience, we can make our homes not only a sanctuary for our families but a blessing and refuge for others in the days to come.

“When you see the abomination of desolation… then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.” (Matthew 24:15–16).

“Erelong there will be such strife and confusion in the cities, that those who wish to leave them will not be able. We must be preparing for these issues.”(EGW, General Conference Bulletin, April 6, 1903).

“Get out of the cities as soon as possible and purchase a little piece of land, where you can have a garden… and where your children can be brought in direct contact with the works of God in nature.” (EGW, Selected Messages, vol. 2, p. 356).

Sarah Dehelt is originally from Belgium. Her journey into farming, homesteading and true education began not long ago, but it opened her eyes quickly to many new truths. God first led her to Tanzania, where she felt a strong desire to learn the practical skills needed for a self-sufficient lifestyle. Later, Sarah traveled to Tennessee for an internship at Bountiful Blessings Farm, where she realized that God was guiding her toward deeper understanding and growth. Sarah felt so called to stay longer and let God teach her that she stayed to work on the farm. 

After that transformative year, Sarah sensed God leading her to Canada, where she now serves at Paradise Fields as Program Coordinator in the Training School and Market Garden Lead. At every step, she has seen God preparing, guiding and teaching her to surrender more fully to the path He intended for her already from the very beginning. Each day, Sarah is grateful for His leading and for the opportunities to live out His plan.