The 24th Annual Fellowship of Christian Farmers, International Conference took place at the Heritage Hills Resort in York, Pennsylvania on July 27 to July 30, 2017.
It began with a best ball golf outing, which is new for the conference. It was arranged byAnother optional outing was the Sight and Sound Theater in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where we saw the story of Jonah. Still another trip included an Amish meal and an alternative Amish agriculture farm trip.
The Conference began Friday evening, with registration and dinner. After dinner, it was time to meet the staff, area leaders, US and Canadian Board Members, and rejoicing through singing with Lou Lenaghen.
Friday evening’s session began with a message from Executive Director Dennis Schlagel.
Other reports included the Rapid Action Report from Hank Huigenbos, a Mexico Mission trip report from Dave Carter, a Romanian Report from Roy and Cathy Upon, and an ECHO Report from Pete Singer. As is the tradition, the evening ended with blueberries and ice cream.
Saturday morning began with early devotions with Pastor Rob Andreas, followed by breakfast in the Knickers Room. FCFI Board President Todd Brace MC’d Saturday’s events.
FCFI Updates came from FCF Canada President Mike Sweeney. Testimonies were given by Dave and Sandy Zehr and Roy Norman. CP Foster and George Hutchings introduced our new fundraising project, where used shoes are donated and collected, sold on the secondary market, and the money is used to fund our disaster relief projects.
Friday evening ended with the annual auction, where donated items are auctioned off for ridiculous prices, all to benefit the Fellowship of Christian Farmers, International.
Igniter groups were led by the FCFI Board members. This year’s workshops included “Finishing Well (Staying Useful all Your Life)” by Pastor Carl Chapman, “Catching and Maintaining the Vision” by Todd Brace and Pastor Rob Andreas, “Two Are Better Than One” by Becky Powell, Sue Andreas, and Kathy Brown. The next round of Igniter groups continued after lunch in the Windows Ballroom with “Communicating: Making the Connection” by John Vogel, “What Makes an FCFI Chapter Work?” by MHV and CT Leaders, and “Turning Dreams into Reality” by Sandy Singer. Walter Powell introduced Mary Jones, who presented “Unleashing the Power of Prayer.” Next came a Q & A session, with the Board and Staff answering questions on a variety of topics.
Saturday evening, we listened to the Harmony Quartet provide inspirational music.
The Presidential Address was given by FCFI Board President Todd Brace. Executive Director Dennis Schlagel took the offering. Inspirational speaker Terri Roberts made a video presentation, as she could not be at the conference. The Keynote Address was given by Pastor Randy Johnson of Reality Ranch, Zolfo Springs, Florida.
Of course, the evening ended with blueberries and ice cream!
Igniter groups continued on Sunday morning, followed by Sunday morning worship service, led by Walter Powell.
The worship message was delivered by Pastor Randy Johnson.
Please join us in 2018 for the 25th Annual FCFI Conference July 26-29, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky, including a trip to the Ark Encounter, a life size replica of Noah’s Ark!
Gallery of 24th Annual FCFI Conference photos