The Power of Community and Faith in Times of Need – by Deb Herrold

Star, Virginia and Deb renting a truck at Home Depot to bring back 12ft sheets of drywall

The Fellowship of Christian Farmers continues to be a beacon of hope and service, demonstrating the power of faith and community. Ron and Deb Herrold have been actively involved with the Fellowship since 1991, when they participated in their first mission trip. Over the years, their dedication has taken them on numerous trips to Mexico, where they formed lifelong friendships while sharing the gospel.

Ron and Titan are installing a new door

As Ron transitioned into retirement from farming, he and Deb were able to deepen their involvement, attending farm shows and using the “wordless walking stick” to share their faith in a simple yet powerful way. This method became an effective tool in fulfilling the Great Commission, as stated in Matthew 28:19-20.

Titan teaching Eadton to mud

April is helping mud the ceiling in the kitchen

Beyond mission trips, disaster relief efforts have also been a significant part of their ministry. Witnessing the devastation caused by natural disasters is always heartbreaking, but offering help and hope makes a profound difference. In October, two hurricanes tore through their own community in Bradenton, Florida. While their home was spared, many friends and neighbors suffered great losses. The Herrolds were grateful that material possessions could be replaced, but their hearts were heavy for those in North Carolina and other areas who had lost loved ones.

April is a hard worker, she stayed with Ron all day under the house doing the plumbing

Star and the kids cleaned up a lot of debris around the house and in the storage shed

For years, Ron and Deb had traveled to serve those in need. This time, they found themselves on the receiving end of that same kindness. In January, a group of Mennonite men and women from Kentucky arrived to help with recovery efforts. Their time and dedication brought relief and encouragement to those affected. Then, weeks later, a family from Michigan reached out, asking if help was still needed. Jamie and Virginia Bush, along with their nine children, stepped in to provide essential assistance, proving once again that God sends the right people at the right time.

All but 2 of the kids are watching Caleb and Ron put in the new door

Virginia made it back with the truck, we only cracked 2 sheets of drywall going over the speed bumps

One of the greatest challenges was a flooded mobile home in need of total restoration. Ron and Deb had already received months of support from their good friends Patrick and Ada Bielanski, but they knew they couldn’t handle the job alone. That’s when Jamie and Virginia arrived, willing to serve and share God’s love in action.

Deb trying to figure out where to put the stove and refrigerator

Everybody had a hand in mudding the drywall

The generosity of those who pray, give, and serve is immeasurable. Whether through financial support, volunteer efforts, or simply offering encouragement, every contribution makes a difference. Looking ahead, Ron and Deb hope to join Bill Brown in September as he organizes a trip to North Carolina to assist those who have suffered great losses.

It pays to be tall and it helps when the ceilings are only 6 and a half feet tall when hanging drywall on the ceiling. Caleb, Trent and Jamie hung 12 ft drywall on all the ceilings. Big job!

Star’s mobile at 13 Poinciana Circle, Braden Castle, Bradenton, FL

The unwavering faith and generosity of the Fellowship of Christian Farmers community are a testament to the power of God’s provision. Through every challenge, He continues to send the right people at the right time. The Herrolds, along with many others, remain committed to making a meaningful impact, one act of kindness at a time.

God bless all who serve, give, and support this vital mission!