Overview
Farming is a tough job on a good year, but even harder when facing severe drought. So, what happens when your livelihood depends on rain that just doesn’t come?
Hear Tim Paschke and John Gladigau, farmers from rural South Australia, share about the realities of farming during serious drought, and where they find hope when year after year the rain doesn’t fall.
Podcast
When In Drought
21 Min.
Thursday, 5 February 2026
Messages of Hope Podcast
"We're in a world of pain, really... We've had two droughts in a row and now we've stepped out in faith to do it again. And the third one's worse than the first two. And you do say, 'What are you doing to me? Are you actually there?'
Farming and hardship often go hand-in-hand. Rising costs, dependence on crop yield to sustain income, and an inability to control the weather create ever-present challenges that push farmers - and their families - to the very edge of human endurance and resilience.
For Tim and John, two Australian famers enduring a seemingly unending drought, the notion of 'living in hope' is more than just an expression - it is a mindset that shapes their entire way of life.
Key Takeaways
- Farmers like Tim and John are enduring multiple consecutive years of severe drought, leading to major financial and emotional strain.
- Extreme winds and fragile soils have caused major paddock damage, erosion, and fence destruction.
- The cost of farming has risen sharply while grain prices remain similar to 1983, making it hard to stay financially viable.
- Many farmers feel pressure to give up, sometimes because banks stop supporting them.
- Farming is deeply tied to identity—“it is your everything”—making leaving extremely difficult.
- Faith is a key source of strength; farmers rely on trusting God when outcomes like rain or frost are outside their control.
- Farmers openly admit to wrestling with God during repeated hardship, but see it as part of normal faith life.
- Community support matters most through understanding, choosing Australian‑grown produce, and simply checking in with farmers.
- Prayer and handing over worries to God help farmers cope, bringing a sense of peace despite uncertainty.
- Sharing stories is important—farmers don’t want pity but want people to understand both the joys and challenges of farm life.
- Farmers find hope in creation: sunrises, sunsets, stars, and new growth remind them of God’s presence and provision.
- Farming brings deep joy through watching a seed transform into a harvest and experiencing the rhythms of the seasons.
Episode Transcript
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Videos
Dive deeper into Tim and John's experience of living, working and faithfully serving through challenging seasons, and watch as they each share their story of hope:
VIDEO
VIDEO
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Booklets and Related Episodes
Each episode of our regular podcast is accompanied by free resources that provide hope, encouragement and advice for navigating the difficulties and challenges of daily life.
Where’s God In All Of This?
What do we do when - in the midst of trouble, suffering, or pain - God seems to go missing? And how do we know He is still there, working in our lives, and for our good?
Booklet
Why Do Bad Things Happen?
Have you ever wondered why there is so much injustice and pain in your life, or in the world? When bad things happen, we may not always understand why - but hope, help and comfort are always close at hand.
Booklet
Where’s God In All Of This?
What do we do when - in the midst of trouble, suffering, or pain - God seems to go missing? And how do we know He is still there, working in our lives, and for our good?
Booklet
Why Do Bad Things Happen?
Have you ever wondered why there is so much injustice and pain in your life, or in the world? When bad things happen, we may not always understand why - but hope, help and comfort are always close at hand.
Booklet
What About Lament?
When life hits you hard sometimes the only thing to do is to fall to pieces. We may try to hide the anger, frustration, and grief behind it all, but what if there’s a better way?
PRAYER REQUEST
Would you like us to pray for you?
We believe God is at work in all things, draws near in challenging circumstances, and loves each and every person fully and unconditionally.
If you would like us to pray for you or for someone you know, we encourage you to send us a prayer request. Our team would be happy to keep your situation in our prayers.
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
Support Services
Professional help is always available
Across Australia and New Zealand, God richly blesses us with counsellors, psychologists and medical professionals who are able to offer help, support and hope throughout life’s challenges.
If you have found the themes or topics contained within this episode challenging or confronting, we encourage you to reach out to one of the following professional support organisations.
