Taking God Into Business
This is the
Story of
One of America's
Most successful
Farmers
E. J. Peters
B lessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the vat- godly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the L ord ; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” These words of Scripture are the favorite of E. J. Peters. Like a tree planted is a fitting description of farmer Peters. Those who know him best say he is a Christian with his roots deep in the Word of God. And farmer Peters is a Christian whom God has singularly blessed. Peters and his parents came to California from Canada back in the twenties. In 1935, after working in a bank for eight years, young Peters went back to the farm near Wasco in California’s sprawling Central Val ley. He liked the smell of the rich
A large area on the Peters’ ranch has been set aside as a playground with lawns and a swimming pool for the use of his employees. The company conducts several dinners during the year and a barbecue is staged twice a year. Every Tuesday morning company men meet at 6:30 for breakfast and a brief devotional period. Peters is a member of the Mennon- ite Brethren Church of Shafter and has served for many years as Sunday school teacher, church treasurer and as a member of the board of trustees. Like most great men Peters is hum bly aware of his duty toward God and man. Says Peters: “ I believe that it is a Christian’s privilege to serve God and man in every avenue of society wherever he has been placed. As His stewards we hope by all means to influence our fellow men and lead them to Christ.” And judg ing from the way God has prospered farmer Peters it would seem he has been a good steward.
earth and the feel of the hot sun. By 1942 he was well on the way to becoming one of America’s most suc cessful farmers. The organization is now so large that it has been incor porated as Maple Leaf Farms. Size: 3 thousand acres. Products: potatoes, cotton, alfalfa, raisin grapes, sugar beets, beans, barley, field com, a small herd of cattle and hogs. With the expansion of farming, a cotton gin was built in 1947 and in 1950 Maple Leaf began retailing pe troleum products, fertilizer, insecti cides, tires, batteries, Ford tractors, Dearborn implements and other grow ers’ supplies. Other assets: a radio station (KWSO, classical and relig ious music), a grain elevator, grain drier and a grain brokerage business. To run his gigantic operation Pe ters has from 75 to 300 workers (de pending upon the season of the year) plus a short wave radio station. His office is in constant contact with mobile units throughout northern Kem County.
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T H E K IN G 'S BU SINESS
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