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Faith Like Potatoes: The Story of a Farmer Who Risked Everything for God
Angus Buchan is a straight-talking South African farmer of Scottish extraction. His abrupt conversion startled friends of the explosive hard-drinking man. Angus's bold faith has carried him through droughts, family tragedies and financial crisis. He has seen wonderful miracles of provision and healing. In obedience to God's call he started preaching, which led into a healing ministry. He has also set up an AIDS orphanage and a 500-seat auditorium on his land. Still a farmer, he is now an international evangelist, travelling through Africa in a refitted yellow fire engine, and filling the largest venues in South Africa. He has visited Scotland several times in recent years on speaking tours. In July 2006 he undertakes a UK-wide tour.
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First published January 1, 1998
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About the author
Angus Buchan
63 books26 followersANGUS & JILL BUCHAN
Jill and I found Jesus as our personal Lord and Saviour on the 18th of February 1979, just two years after settling in Greytown, Kwa-Zulu Natal Midlands, South Africa. Originally from Zambia, we bought a piece of land on which we planned to farm crops and livestock. We had very little to start with but even as brand new Christians, we were content with our farm, which we later called SHALOM.
In 1980, the Lord gave us a vision - very simply and clearly, through His Word. We believed our responsibility to be the following:
The Great Commission - Mark 16:15
Caring for Orphans and Widows - James 1:27
Equipping Saints for the Work of Ministry - Matthew 28:20
Everything undertaken at Shalom embraces this threefold vision and Shalom has become home to a community of families and believers who live and work as a team.
Jill and I found Jesus as our personal Lord and Saviour on the 18th of February 1979, just two years after settling in Greytown, Kwa-Zulu Natal Midlands, South Africa. Originally from Zambia, we bought a piece of land on which we planned to farm crops and livestock. We had very little to start with but even as brand new Christians, we were content with our farm, which we later called SHALOM.
In 1980, the Lord gave us a vision - very simply and clearly, through His Word. We believed our responsibility to be the following:
The Great Commission - Mark 16:15
Caring for Orphans and Widows - James 1:27
Equipping Saints for the Work of Ministry - Matthew 28:20
Everything undertaken at Shalom embraces this threefold vision and Shalom has become home to a community of families and believers who live and work as a team.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
October 19, 2024
I do not believe a word of this nonsense. If I am to be as charitable as possible, I will call Mr Buchan one of the less harmful televangelists, not a total huxter or charlatan like many of them. I will not be surprised if the truth were to ever be known, a lot of this book would reside in the realm of fantasy fiction, as is the case with many books by people in the evangelical movement.
His farm is in a lovely area of South Africa though. I wouldn’t mind living in the Midlands of KZN.
His farm is in a lovely area of South Africa though. I wouldn’t mind living in the Midlands of KZN.
February 19, 2011
When I ordered the DVD, all I knew was that it was of a story set in South Africa. My wife Jan and I had served a one-year tour of duty in South Africa, July 2003 to July 2004. We were helping out at a training center for Christian pastors, I as a teacher, Jan as an administrative assistant, the two of us together as student care coordinators.
The film turned out to be the true story of a South African farmer and evangelist. His name is Angus Buchan. I had not heard of him, but I was delighted to make his acquaintance, and I was eager to spend more time with him. So, I ordered his book, which he narrated to writers Jan Greenough and Val Waldeck.
From the extras on the DVD, which include an interview with the real Angus Buchan, played in the film by Frank Rautenback, it is evident that Greenough and Waldeck faithfully recorded the farmer/evangelist’s voice and style in the telling of his story.
His story begins in 1976, when he and his wife Jill sold their farm in Zambia and moved to Kwa-Zulu Natal in South Africa, where they bought some overgrown acreage, and labored to shape it into productive cropland. After three years of non-stop self-reliance under highly stressful conditions, Angus hit the wall.
He went into a deep depression, and recovered only after attending a church meeting and responding to a call to give in to Jesus Christ—when he decided, that is, to believe Jesus’ message that the source of our existence is an actual active Someone who desires our well being, who can be seen and heard anytime we stop resisting.
Ten years later, Angus sensed a call from Jesus to take on the work of an evangelist. The farm continued to be his home and livelihood, but little by little he handed the management of the farm over to others as he poured himself into his new work.
The title Faith like Potatoes relates to the planting of a potato crop during a drought in 1997. In the book, there is also this: “Peter Marshal, the great evangelical preacher, once said that we need ‘faith like potatoes’—plain, simple, real faith that will sustain us in our everyday lives” (p. 12).
From the beginning of his faith adventure, Angus has trusted God to answer prayers for help and healing in a big way—through what the Bible calls “signs and wonders.” In the telling of his story, he recounts signs and wonders enough to fill the book of Acts. In one episode, Angus tells of the dramatic resuscitation of a woman struck by lightning, who had been given up for dead.
In addition to the healings, which even skeptics will accept if they know anything about psychology or cultural anthropology, Angus also claims to have witnessed on several occasions what the skeptics call “nature miracles,” and what the skeptics dismiss as nonsense.
The skeptics make no never mind to those of us who have seen God at work, though we certainly are on our guard against snake oil salesmen. Over against the caution that a story too good to be true probably is, my take on this particular story is that it does indeed have the ring of truth.
Faith like Potatoes was originally published in South Africa in 1998. The film was released in 2006 from Global Creative Studios, South Africa, directed by Regardt van den Bergh. The updated “film edition” of the book was first published to coincide with the release of the film.
The film turned out to be the true story of a South African farmer and evangelist. His name is Angus Buchan. I had not heard of him, but I was delighted to make his acquaintance, and I was eager to spend more time with him. So, I ordered his book, which he narrated to writers Jan Greenough and Val Waldeck.
From the extras on the DVD, which include an interview with the real Angus Buchan, played in the film by Frank Rautenback, it is evident that Greenough and Waldeck faithfully recorded the farmer/evangelist’s voice and style in the telling of his story.
His story begins in 1976, when he and his wife Jill sold their farm in Zambia and moved to Kwa-Zulu Natal in South Africa, where they bought some overgrown acreage, and labored to shape it into productive cropland. After three years of non-stop self-reliance under highly stressful conditions, Angus hit the wall.
He went into a deep depression, and recovered only after attending a church meeting and responding to a call to give in to Jesus Christ—when he decided, that is, to believe Jesus’ message that the source of our existence is an actual active Someone who desires our well being, who can be seen and heard anytime we stop resisting.
Ten years later, Angus sensed a call from Jesus to take on the work of an evangelist. The farm continued to be his home and livelihood, but little by little he handed the management of the farm over to others as he poured himself into his new work.
The title Faith like Potatoes relates to the planting of a potato crop during a drought in 1997. In the book, there is also this: “Peter Marshal, the great evangelical preacher, once said that we need ‘faith like potatoes’—plain, simple, real faith that will sustain us in our everyday lives” (p. 12).
From the beginning of his faith adventure, Angus has trusted God to answer prayers for help and healing in a big way—through what the Bible calls “signs and wonders.” In the telling of his story, he recounts signs and wonders enough to fill the book of Acts. In one episode, Angus tells of the dramatic resuscitation of a woman struck by lightning, who had been given up for dead.
In addition to the healings, which even skeptics will accept if they know anything about psychology or cultural anthropology, Angus also claims to have witnessed on several occasions what the skeptics call “nature miracles,” and what the skeptics dismiss as nonsense.
The skeptics make no never mind to those of us who have seen God at work, though we certainly are on our guard against snake oil salesmen. Over against the caution that a story too good to be true probably is, my take on this particular story is that it does indeed have the ring of truth.
Faith like Potatoes was originally published in South Africa in 1998. The film was released in 2006 from Global Creative Studios, South Africa, directed by Regardt van den Bergh. The updated “film edition” of the book was first published to coincide with the release of the film.
September 15, 2019
Wonderful, inspirational book!
A very humbling, inspired and inspiring book... from humble potatoes...watch The Kingdom grow!
A very humbling, inspired and inspiring book... from humble potatoes...watch The Kingdom grow!
February 9, 2019
This is a terribly unChristian movie that promotes the false and heretical "prosperity gospel" teachings which make God into "a genie" to satisfy human wishes. The movie starts with a super nasty white guy who treats his African workers like trash. He drags his Christian wife and kids into the middle of nowhere in Africa and sets up on a piece of land. He tries to start up a farm. When his African help make mistakes, his temper goes off and he threatens to kill them again and again. His temper is so completely out of control; he's a sickeningly disgusting and obnoxious human being.
Then his farm catches on fire. He finally prays for God to send rain in the middle of an African summer. God supposedly sends rain and puts out the fire, so he doesn't lose everything and the fire doesn't burn his neighbors' farms too. Now suddenly "he believes." He starts speaking and demands a stadium to speak. Instead of teaching about God, sin, Christ and salvation, he makes outlandish claims about all the material things God has promised him. So he gives God the most "impossible challenge" of all in front of all the people. He demands God must grow potatoes during drought season in Africa, without any water at all. He tells the people God has promised to grow these potatoes -- otherwise God will show himself to be a false impotent god. So the guy buys whole potatoes and throws them in dry dirt. Then he comes out and looks at the dry dirt - no green potato plants are sticking up. But he and his pal supposedly find full grown potatoes in the ground. Phoniest movie ever. Total trash. Skip it.
Then his farm catches on fire. He finally prays for God to send rain in the middle of an African summer. God supposedly sends rain and puts out the fire, so he doesn't lose everything and the fire doesn't burn his neighbors' farms too. Now suddenly "he believes." He starts speaking and demands a stadium to speak. Instead of teaching about God, sin, Christ and salvation, he makes outlandish claims about all the material things God has promised him. So he gives God the most "impossible challenge" of all in front of all the people. He demands God must grow potatoes during drought season in Africa, without any water at all. He tells the people God has promised to grow these potatoes -- otherwise God will show himself to be a false impotent god. So the guy buys whole potatoes and throws them in dry dirt. Then he comes out and looks at the dry dirt - no green potato plants are sticking up. But he and his pal supposedly find full grown potatoes in the ground. Phoniest movie ever. Total trash. Skip it.
January 23, 2019
A great testimony of a humble farmer in south Africa-who does so much more than farming but serves God in many ways. He isn't out to just sow seed in the fields, but also to sow the Word of God in many lives! Many blessings and lessons have been given to Angus as time and again, in the good and bad, He sees God at work. And many souls saved all because he has trusted and obeyed! An incredible testimony of the power and faithfulness of God!
August 19, 2019
So glad a friend gave me this book to read, even though I had alread seen the movie.
What a journey of faith this man and his family have had as they surrendered all they have and are to God to be used for His Kingdom purposes and to minister to many in South Africa!
Not to mention it gave me a great story to share in my message this Sunday on Unshakeable Faith!
What a journey of faith this man and his family have had as they surrendered all they have and are to God to be used for His Kingdom purposes and to minister to many in South Africa!
Not to mention it gave me a great story to share in my message this Sunday on Unshakeable Faith!
March 4, 2024
Inspirational
Not sure about Buchan’s theology, but this was an amazing & inspiring story about a life of trust and hope in God, and the miracles that follow. It’s a testament to the power and faithfulness of God and a reminder that we should lean on and depend on Him. He is still working.
Not sure about Buchan’s theology, but this was an amazing & inspiring story about a life of trust and hope in God, and the miracles that follow. It’s a testament to the power and faithfulness of God and a reminder that we should lean on and depend on Him. He is still working.
December 18, 2025
A brilliant, brilliant book, what a joy to read an autobiography of such honesty and faith and movement in the Spirit. I watched the film as well which is moving and inspiring and full of Jesus, just as the book is. A wonderful read for anyone, especially an outdoorsy or farming man who needs to kneel down before to Lord.
February 14, 2022
In a time where disease is running rampant, work is exhausting and home life can be burdening, it felt really nice to read this as an adult and truely understand the power of God. It's not written to entertain but written for us to witness. This was the refuelling I needed at this time!
August 31, 2022
Encouraging, inspiring and motivating. A great book and testimony of God’s work. Bible verses are constantly mentioned throughout too, which is another boost. A quick, easy, read that points to God’s wonderful work and what happens when we trust him and put our lives in his hands.
Recommend
Recommend
February 22, 2025
Brother Angus: Spritual Warrior
I first learned of Angus Buchan through Instagram, and I an thankful to God that I did. Brother Angus has many insights and many words of wisdom. Give this book a read; you won't be disappointed!
I first learned of Angus Buchan through Instagram, and I an thankful to God that I did. Brother Angus has many insights and many words of wisdom. Give this book a read; you won't be disappointed!
May 12, 2017
Inspiring story.
June 20, 2017
This quick read was very inspiring.
July 9, 2017
Very inspiring book! God is so good!
February 10, 2019
What the Lord can do with a willing life is amazing!
January 14, 2020
An interesting and very spiritual book.
February 18, 2021
Lovely book. Great story, and it shows what God can do in someone's life.
April 25, 2021
When we obey God, He makes miracles!
March 23, 2025
AMAZING BOOK
March 26, 2017
Personal story of faith journey. Could be encouraging.
April 20, 2013
I didn't know until after reading this book that there is controversy surrounding it, the movie based on it, and Buchan's ministry, "Shalom Ministries". I had a few qualms while I was reading it, and I still have them, but I'm not sure I would write the whole thing off as some web sources are suggesting.
Angus Buchan grew up in South Africa where his ministry is based but has some Scottish ancestry - hence the name "Angus" I gather. This book is the story of his growing up, establishing a farm, having a family, becoming a Christian and building a global ministry. That's a lot to cram into 175 pages and I think the story suffers for trying to tell it all in such a short space. Some things are described with a lot of detail, but others are barely mentioned, then are referred to later and that gives it a choppy feel.
I couldn't figure out who the target audience is. If it's other Christians and this story is meant to be an encouragement then I think he was partly successful. I think he is a believer and that he tries to live by faith, but there were places where it felt like more emphasis was placed on Buchan's faith than on God's faithfulness. If, on the other hand, he's telling his story in hopes of convincing unbelievers to follow Christ, I don't think it's very effective. That's just my opinion from the book alone. I haven't heard him speak, I haven't seen the movie and I don't know him in any way, I just think the story is poorly presented in this book. He speaks in cliches with his references to being "gripped by the Spirt" and "the pearly gates" of Heaven and people "finding the Lord". It's full of overused church expressions like that and to be honest it got tedious after a while. Overall I found it predictable and boring, but I at least knew what he was talking about because I'm familiar with the language. To an unbeliever it would be a foreign language, so what's the point?
The book tends to emphasize the more dramatic events in his life, which I guess is not unusual, but I think he's overdoing the drama with things like referring to himself as just an "illiterate farmer". He is a farmer, but illiterate people don't usually have websites listing all the books they've written. Is it false humility? Is it playing up his rise from a struggling farmer to the leader of a world-wide ministry? I don't know. I just know it didn't sit well with me and when held up to the light of Scripture some of what the book says doesn't ring true.
I can't recommend this book because I didn't like it; I found it poorly written and too melodramatic.
Angus Buchan grew up in South Africa where his ministry is based but has some Scottish ancestry - hence the name "Angus" I gather. This book is the story of his growing up, establishing a farm, having a family, becoming a Christian and building a global ministry. That's a lot to cram into 175 pages and I think the story suffers for trying to tell it all in such a short space. Some things are described with a lot of detail, but others are barely mentioned, then are referred to later and that gives it a choppy feel.
I couldn't figure out who the target audience is. If it's other Christians and this story is meant to be an encouragement then I think he was partly successful. I think he is a believer and that he tries to live by faith, but there were places where it felt like more emphasis was placed on Buchan's faith than on God's faithfulness. If, on the other hand, he's telling his story in hopes of convincing unbelievers to follow Christ, I don't think it's very effective. That's just my opinion from the book alone. I haven't heard him speak, I haven't seen the movie and I don't know him in any way, I just think the story is poorly presented in this book. He speaks in cliches with his references to being "gripped by the Spirt" and "the pearly gates" of Heaven and people "finding the Lord". It's full of overused church expressions like that and to be honest it got tedious after a while. Overall I found it predictable and boring, but I at least knew what he was talking about because I'm familiar with the language. To an unbeliever it would be a foreign language, so what's the point?
The book tends to emphasize the more dramatic events in his life, which I guess is not unusual, but I think he's overdoing the drama with things like referring to himself as just an "illiterate farmer". He is a farmer, but illiterate people don't usually have websites listing all the books they've written. Is it false humility? Is it playing up his rise from a struggling farmer to the leader of a world-wide ministry? I don't know. I just know it didn't sit well with me and when held up to the light of Scripture some of what the book says doesn't ring true.
I can't recommend this book because I didn't like it; I found it poorly written and too melodramatic.
October 4, 2009
I watched the movie, and was so amazed that I ordered the book. Angus Buchan is now one of my heroes! He lives BY faith...which is my desire to do. The work he is doing in South Africa is truly inspiring. I'm sure that I will read this again many times...if that tells you anything. Reading his experiences and perspectives, including the conversations he has with God, felt like I was shadowing someone of great faith...and hopefully having a bit of his perspective and way of relating with Deity rub off on me. For example, when he first felt his need for Jesus, and turned his life over to God, he started devoting his early morning hours to the Lord. In fact, he called this his special time with the Lord. That's one reason, I feel, he is able to serve with such passion and do such good, and receive direction and guidance for the work he is doing; because he is truly CONNECTED. God is not an after thought to him...he LIVES ON his conversations with, and relationship with the Lord. Awesome man. Awesome book.
June 29, 2013
I saw the movie a couple years ago and decided to read the book. Why is it that book and movie pairings often seem to be flat? Loved, loved, loved the movie. Enjoyed the book but felt as if it was missing something. Interesting thing: the book starts with the scene which is the climax of the movie. I guess I thought that the book would come back around to that, but it didn't. It did, however, fill in information about how he came to the Lord, his early faith walk and the expansion of the ministry. Inspiring read of how he allowed himself to be used by the Lord. As he said, he's a relatively uneducated farmer who has been able to do great things for God just because he stepped out in faith and trust that God would again prove Himself faithful.
September 23, 2013
A fantastic book. An absolute testament of faith. Put your faith in the Lord and start taking steps. This book shows the importance of doing what we can do in the faith that God is leading us to wherever it is He wants us to go. I can't get over the faith!
So many examples of 'coincidence' & crazy stuff & unbelievable things happening. I guess you can live in the hope of that 'lucky-ness' or you can live in the faith of Jesus & see the miracles God performs each day. It's a matter of being open to that Spirit
'A family that prays together stays together'
'The father is the head of the family, the mother is the heart of the home, the children are the reward, the joy & the life of the home'
The book is full of wisdom.
Thanks.
So many examples of 'coincidence' & crazy stuff & unbelievable things happening. I guess you can live in the hope of that 'lucky-ness' or you can live in the faith of Jesus & see the miracles God performs each day. It's a matter of being open to that Spirit
'A family that prays together stays together'
'The father is the head of the family, the mother is the heart of the home, the children are the reward, the joy & the life of the home'
The book is full of wisdom.
Thanks.
March 9, 2013
I'll admit I wasn't exactly thrilled at the thought of my life group reading a book about potatoes, but fair play to Angus Buchan, it is an engaging and engrossing book, which I read in virtually one sitting.
An interesting and thought provoking story of obedience to God's calling, although I was a bit put out that things seem to have gone RELATIVELY smoothly for Angus. Sure there were setbacks, but over the course of the story, not that many. Of course, that's not Angus' fault, but it just made me wish my life had been a little bit more straightforward!
I guess though that if there was anything to be learned from this book, it's this. Don't be put off by the title.
An interesting and thought provoking story of obedience to God's calling, although I was a bit put out that things seem to have gone RELATIVELY smoothly for Angus. Sure there were setbacks, but over the course of the story, not that many. Of course, that's not Angus' fault, but it just made me wish my life had been a little bit more straightforward!
I guess though that if there was anything to be learned from this book, it's this. Don't be put off by the title.
August 9, 2023
A must read for any christian.
July 8, 2011
This is a straightforward book. If you are looking for literature – don’t read it. If you are looking for profound intellectualism or deep theology - don’t read it. If you are looking for a powerful testimony of God and what he can do in a surrendered life, you will find Faith Like Potatoes powerful, compelling, and perhaps even life changing.
October 15, 2010
It a very good read indeed - so inspirong! I've seen the movie a long time ago, but i've forgotten so much of it, but the book edition to the film was really an eye-opener for me.
In the book some really good questions came to my attention - i think that i will have to put some time aside and to reflect upon that.
In the book some really good questions came to my attention - i think that i will have to put some time aside and to reflect upon that.
June 17, 2017
Not very well written, more of a rambling conversational style, but you can't help but like the author anyway! It is good to think about various people living out their faith in different ways around the world, and I had never heard from a white farmer in Africa before, so I am glad I read the book for that reason.
August 31, 2013
My siblings have been begging to watch this movie again. A great story of faith! I would recommend no one under ten (and a mature ten year old) watches this movie, as there is some scenes that might disturb young ones. But for the rest of you, sit back, listen and learn - and don't forget to bring a Kleenex or ten.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews