Sowing Seeds of Faith Globally: A Conversation with FCFI Executive Director Dan Janzen

Dennis Wiens interviews FCFI executive director Dan Janzen on his podcast: Unconventional Ministry (aired on SAT-7 USA) https://sat7usa.podbean.com/e/sowing-seeds-of-faith-globally-with-dan-janzen-ep200/

The Fellowship of Christian Farmers International (FCFI) continues to make an impact across the agricultural world—uniting faith, farming, and global outreach in meaningful ways. In a recent conversation with Dan Janzen, he shared how the organization is carrying forward its mission to encourage farm families and agricultural professionals to proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior both in the United States and abroad.

From Farm Life to Global Ministry

Janzen’s story reflects a life deeply rooted in both agriculture and faith. Raised on a diversified farm in Salem, Oregon, he developed a passion for farming that eventually intertwined with a calling to ministry. After earning degrees in international agriculture, Janzen and his wife served for eight years in South Sudan, focusing on agricultural development and missions work.

When family responsibilities brought them back to the U.S., Janzen sought a way to continue serving in ministry. Through his mother—who had been involved with FCFI for more than two decades—he learned about an opening for Executive Director. Within weeks, he joined the organization, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a heart for service.

“My whole life has been focused on using agriculture and ministry together,” Janzen said. “Now, I’m blessed to continue that calling through FCFI.”

Faith at the Fairgrounds, Farm Shows, & FFA Conventions

Within the United States, FCFI maintains an active presence at farm shows, fairs, and Future Farmers of America (FFA) conventions, reaching thousands each year. Volunteers distribute walking sticks or yardsticks as conversation starters, offering opportunities to share the Gospel and invite individuals to faith in Christ.

The organization is also developing a digital discipleship program to help new believers grow in faith through accessible, technology-driven follow-up resources.

Disaster Relief and Neighborly Support

Another key part of FCFI’s outreach is disaster relief. When natural disasters strike rural communities—floods, hurricanes, wildfires, or tornadoes—volunteers mobilize to help farmers rebuild fences, clear debris, and restore what was lost.

Often, rural farmers are overlooked by large aid organizations, but FCFI fills that gap by responding with both practical help and spiritual encouragement. “We can’t get everywhere,” Janzen noted, “but wherever our volunteers are available, we step in to serve.”

Building Fellowship and Encouragement

FCFI began 40 years ago during a time of economic hardship for American farmers. Today, the organization continues to be a source of encouragement through its monthly online prayer meetings, where farmers gather to share burdens, pray, and strengthen one another in faith.

The fellowship recognizes the many challenges modern farmers face—from low commodity prices to environmental regulations—and seeks to provide spiritual and emotional support in a community that understands.

Global Outreach: Agriculture as a Platform for the Gospel

Beyond the U.S., FCFI has been active internationally since its inception, supporting projects in Albania, Romania, Russia, Tanzania, Cuba, and Mexico. Through agricultural training, dairy operations, and local partnerships, the organization combines practical development with spiritual transformation.

Janzen believes the farming community holds a special role in God’s plan for revival:

“Farmers have unique skills and strong Christian values,” he said. “If revival comes again, I believe it could begin with the farming community—because they depend on the land and weather, and therefore have developed a close dependence on God. Their strong Christian conservative values are the values our world needs most.”

Celebrating 40 Years of Ministry

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Fellowship of Christian Farmers International. The celebration will culminate at the National Conference in Branson, Missouri, during the second-to-last week of July. The annual event features worship, a concert, fellowship with blueberries & ice cream, and the popular auction, a cherished fundraiser. Together, these activities have become joyful traditions since the first annual conference many years ago.

Get Involved

FCFI welcomes volunteers from all walks of life—not just farmers—who share a heart for ministry and outreach.

To learn more about how to get involved, visit www.fcfi.org. There, you can:

For four decades, the Fellowship of Christian Farmers International has been sowing seeds of faith across fields and nations, demonstrating that through agriculture, God’s love can be planted and nurtured to bear fruit around the world.