English as a Second Language (ESL)Program

MTS Specialization

English as a Second Language (ESL) Program

Through the Agricultural Program at Missionary Training School and in partnership with Equipping Farmers International (EFI) and ECHO, participants will learn best practices in sustainable agriculture based on the Foundations for Farming principles while also learning how to teach these same principles to others. Oftentimes, missionary training programs include practical skills needed to live on the mission field and helpful tools to connect well with communities. Though evangelism readiness is often assumed, evangelism must be learned and practiced as well.


Global Frontier Missions is uniquely located within the diverse cultural context of Clarkston, GA. In the "most diverse square mile in America", there are over 13,000 refugees from 60+ nations. As our Missionary Training School students learn the principles of sustainable agriculture, they will also have time dedicated to cross-cultural evangelism within the GFM Community Garden and the larger Clarkston community and will have the opportunity to participate in a one-month overseas internship with EFI, allowing them to be equipped and ready to serve the nations in both word and deed.

Why Agricultural Missions is Important

  • One of the immediate effects of sin on the world was futility in agriculture (Genesis 3:17). As we seek to make disciples of all nations, we seek not only the spiritual renewal but also the physical renewal of all peoples as they seek to exercise their God given call to subdue the earth and exercise dominion over it (Genesis 2:28).


  • Sustainable agriculture helps local farmers get the most yield from their land year after year as it seeks to reverse the trends of harmful farming practices that often lead to food insecurity in undeveloped nations.


  • Many of the world’s unreached peoples live in agricultural societies. Agriculture missions has proved to be a strategic way to enter a community well, giving outsiders a natural identity as they “become all things to all people” (1 Corinthians 9:22).


  • Sustainable farming provides a way for missionaries and indigenous laborers in remote areas to reliably provide for their families and become more financially independent.
english as a second language

Upcoming Agriculture Program Info

2025 Schedule

* January – May: Attend Missionary Training School in Clarkston, GA serving among refugees with additional agriculture training, mentoring, and hands-on experience



* June - July: Further agriculture training in Clarkston and with ECHO and Redeeming the Dirt (EFI Alabama Training Center)


* August: Overseas agricultural missions internship with Equipping Farmers International. Various locations are available (Rwanda, Panama, India, Thailand, and others).


* Cost: $3,500 in addition to the Missionary Training School cost including housing for June and July plus approximately $3,000 for a one month overseas practicum (flight included).


* Dates and pricing are estimates as training opportunities can be modified to fit the students interests

Read our Alumni Impact Report

What you will learn in the Agriculture Program?


  • Foundations For Farming
  • Composting
  • Seedling Nurseries
  • Garden/Field Layout and Design
  • Pest and Disease Management
  • Drip Irrigation Installation, Maintenance, and Design
  • Animal Husbandry
  • Basic Solar Design and Installation
  • Community Garden Management
  • Bible Storying in Agriculture
  • Multi-week Intensive with a GFM Agriculture Training Partner
  • Overseas Practicum with Equipping Farmers International
Agriculture Farming Program, an add-on to Missionary Training School
esl program

Missionary Training School was eye-opening for us and we learned so much. The training on Farming God's Way was invaluable and we are currently using those skills in Burundi and have trained others on these agricultural practices in Zambia as well. We have always wanted to serve and we have found that helping with farming techniques is one of the main avenues for lifting rural communities out of poverty. Not only did we learn agriculture theory, but we also had the opportunity to put everything into practice in the community garden. Even though we didn't have an agriculture background before starting the program, we now feel equipped to the point that we are now training others. We love that evangelism and discipleship are both integrate into the process as well.

J & L - Missionary Training School Alumni

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