21st Annual FCFI Conference

The 21st Annual Fellowship of Christian Farmers, International Conference takes us back to Covington, Kentucky for the second year in a row.  The main draw there is the wonderful Creation Museum, located about 20 miles from the Embassy Suites in Covington.  Keynote speaker, Tim Chaffey, renowned author, editor, and christian apologist for Answers in Genesis, presented plans for The Ark Encounter, an 800 acre project in the rolling hills of north central Kentucky that will feature a full size reproduction of Noah’s Ark.

Many obstacles have had to be overcome to make this project a reality.  Those that hold an “old world” or evolution view have objected to the building of the ark, and have taken to local and state governments to stop the project.  But, praise the Lord, the land has been purchased, and building should begin on site by February.

Mark Looy, Vice President of Outreach at Answers in Genesis, also presented at the Creation Museum on Thursday evening, to open the event packed weekend.  Mark says that the main objective of the Ark Encounter is to point people to the Savior, and they are up front and honest about that.

From Answers in Genesis:

Noah’s Flood or Millions of Years, It Can’t Be Both
Either the rock record is the evidence of millions of years, or it is largely the evidence of Noah’s Flood. It can’t be both. If we believe the earth is billions of years old and shows no sign of a worldwide Flood, then that belief contradicts the biblical account of Noah. If we accept God’s testimony regarding the Flood, we cannot logically believe in millions of years.

See more here —> The Key to the Age of the Earth

Another side trip include a day at the Creation Museum, with children’s programs Snakes Alive:

and Cursed Plants, featuring carnivorous plants, like the Venus Fly Trap.

Also on the agenda was a trip to central Kentucky, to the Magdalena Farm, a thoroughbred horse farm, near Lexington.  Jerry Price gave an excellent presentation into the world of horse breeding, and horse racing.

Worship music was provided by the Calvary Celebration Band.

Always entertaining is the Saturday night auction, benefiting the Fellowship of Christian Farmers.  I am always amazed at what will bring in big money.  Relish, for $800 a pair?  Stay tuned for more interesting “must haves” next year!

A special guest this year was Craig Deall, of Foundations for Farming.  Craig presented a short video depicting farming God’s way, a method that can defeat drought, especially in Africa.  And by showing how to grow crops, and loving people, doors are opened to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Pictured with Craig Deall are Ron Miller and Kimm Smith, who recently took a missions trip to Zimbabwe in support of Foundations for Farming.

Workshops

“Sukup Safe T Homes”  Dennis Anderson, Global Compassion Network

FCFI has partnered with Dennis Anderson of Global Compassion Network to provide disaster relief after the devastating tornado in Washington, Illinois.  After answering the call providing hope and help to the people of Haiti after an earthquake, Dennis organized an effort to build Sukup Safe T Homes, a grain bin-style building used for compassionate housing.  This workshop explains the Sukup story, and how anyone can get involved in the building process.

“Key Discipleship Skills”  Gary Beery, Bill Brown, and Walter Powell

God has given each of us gifts that we need to be using.  The area leaders concentrate on developing those skills through personal evangelism, farm show outreach, and chapter development.  The workshop also helps to identify other discipleship skills you may have.

“Get Ready, Get Set…Go!’  (Engaging Discipleship) Rich and Geri Campbell

This was In-Step Ministries exciting new program based on Galatians 5:25:  “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”  The workshop included monologues, humorous skits, and inspirational songs designed to both encourage and challenge God’s people to get in-step with the Holy Spirit.  Rich and Geri shared personal testimony, and encouraged attendees to take the first step, or the next step toward the call of God in your life.

“The Story of Gomer”  Geri Campbell

The Story of Gomer has been performed across the nation, reaching thousands of people with the message of God’s faithfulness and love.  Adapted from the book of Hosea in the Bible, we journey with Gomer, a harlot lost in her sin.  Hosea, a prophet of God, offers to marry her and redeem her life from darkness.  Geri takes us on a journey, not only through the ugliness of sin, but through the joy of freedom and newness that only faith in God and in His Word can bring.  Weaving Gomer’s story with her own, we are sure of this:  there is always a way back home.

“Growing Deeper into Christian Discipleship”  Dave Carter

“If you live Me, you will keep My commandments.”  John 14:15

Do you want a deeper walk with Jesus?

If so, what are you going to do about it?

How are you going to get there?

“If the closest relationships of life clash with the claims of Jesus Christ, He says it must be instant obedience to Himself.  Discipleship means personal, passionate devotion to a Person, our Lord Jesus Christ.  There is a difference between devotion to a person and devotion to a cause.  Our Lord never proclaimed a cause; He proclaimed personal devotion to Himself.  To be a disciple is to be a devoted love-slave of the Lord Jesus.  Many of us who call ourselves Christians are not devoted to Jesus Christ.  No man on earth has this passionate love to the Lord Jesus unless the Holy Spirit has imparted it to him.  We may admire Him, we may respect Him and reverence Him, but we cannot love Him.  The only lover of the Lord Jesus is the Holy Spirit, and He sheds abroad the very love of God in our hearts.  Whenever the Holy Spirit sees a chance to glorify Jesus, He will take your heart, your nerves, your whole personality, and simply make you blaze and glow with devotion to Jesus Christ.”  from the July 2 devotion in My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers

“Who Wants to be Last?”  (Mentoring, Coaching, and Sponsoring Disciples) Andrew Dahlquist

Andy focuses on mentoring methods that Jesus used and how we can use them ourselves to mentor effectively.  Jesus had some sheep stories, and so did Andy.

“Partnering with Local Churches for Evangelism”  Jeremy Stout

How do we connect FCFI with our local church?  How can we expand evangelism in new arenas?  Jeremy focuses on ideas of how to partner with local churches for more help in expanding into new farm shows.

Next year, the conference will move to Shipshewana, Indiana, in the heart of Amish country.