25th Annual FCFI Conference – Lexington, KY

Executive Director Dennis Schlagel addresses the conference attendees

The Fellowship of Christian Farmers, International had its 25th annual conference July 27-29 in Lexington, Kentucky at the 4 Points by Sheridan Hotel.

Creation  Museum

Garden area outside the Creation Museum

Two early side trips were in store for this year’s conference. Thursday featured a return visit to the Creation Museum. The Book of Genesis comes alive with the many exhibits, including Adam and Eve, the Garden of Eden, the Fall, the Flood, and the young Earth. World history is described by the 7 C’s: Creation, Corruption, Catastrophe, Confusion, Christ, Cross, Consummation. See Answers in Genesis for a detailed explanation.

Ron and Deb Herrold’s granddaughters left to right: Chloe, Brianna, Bella, and Emily

Ark Encounter

The full-size Ark Encounter equals biblical measurements, and is over 500 feet long and 4 stories tall.

The Ark Encounter is completely hidden from nearby Interstate 75 in the rolling hills of Kentucky. First look is spellbinding, as the size is extreme, about the size of a small cruise ship. The fine aroma of fresh cut wood greets you as you work your way up the ramps into the underside of the ark.

Bow of the Ark

Example of a dinosaur exhibit

Woodworking shop exhibit on the ark

There are many exhibits on the ark, including animals, the living quarters of Noah’s family, and details of the flood. All in all, it is an extraordinary encounter, indeed.

Conference

Andrew Jit

The conference began Friday evening with dinner, followed by a Disaster Relief and New Zealand report from FCFI Executive Director Dennis Schlagel. Tim Chaffey, from Answers in Genesis, who run the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter, spoke Friday evening about how most of today’s youth have never heard of Jesus Christ. Andrew Jit, from New Zealand gave a beautiful sermon on Saturday evening, comparing and contrasting believers and disciples of Christ.

The Fair Haven Quartet provided inspirational entertainment for the conference

FCFI Board President Dave Carter

New Board President Dave Carter spoke on the need to add new and younger members and the Fellowship’s vision for the future.

Phyllis Bodke’s blueberries with vanilla ice cream

The auction is always fun and entertaining

Joe and Teresa Humrichous

Joe Humrichous closed the conference with an inspirational sermon, tying all of the presentations together, and featuring the conference theme, the Joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). He also talked about when the Lord draws near, sighting the several appearances to his diciples after his Resurrection.

Left to right: Kris Miller, Emily Moore, Deb Herrold

A special thanks to Kris Miller. Our annual conference would not happen if it wasn’t for Kris!
Next year, Dubuque, Iowa!