A Conference About Faith, Work, and the Calling to Bless Others
(Abiel Stroie, Romanian missionary, leading worship at the conference)
The Fellowship of Christian Farmers International gathered in Branson, Missouri, for a conference focused on how faith in Christ shapes our work, our service, and our calling to bless others.
Our theme verse was “At the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” Gal. 6:9 NLT.
Faith Expressed Through Agriculture
A visit to the George Washington Carver National Monument highlighted the connection between faith and agricultural work. Carver was a scientist, educator, and agricultural innovator who believed that the resources of God’s creation could be studied and developed for the benefit of others.
That connection was reinforced by the Convoy of Hope International chapel service & farm tour, where participants saw how agricultural development can help people become more productive and self-sufficient.
Seeing God’s Grace Through David
Sight & Sound’s production of David illustrated God’s grace working through an imperfect man. David’s story reminds us that God works through people with strengths and weaknesses, disciplining, restoring, and using them for His purposes.
Remembering Our Christian Heritage
A visit to Shepherds of the Hills provided an opportunity to reflect on the important role Christianity played in Branson’s early development. It was a reminder that Christian influence has shaped communities, families, businesses, literature, education, agriculture, and many other aspects of American life.
The conference also celebrated FCFI’s own heritage through a Heritage Panel featuring the Herrolds, Bakers, Millers, Kendal Pliner, Ron Neidermeyer, and Thomas Herlong. Their stories recalled mission trips, agricultural ministry, farm shows, disaster relief, construction projects, and international development.
Faith, Work, and the Great Commission
The conference continued that emphasis through a strong lineup of speakers. Calvin Beisner challenged us with discerning the difference between extreme environmentalism and Christianity, and Nathan Mayo brought important insights from True Charity about how to “disrupt” poverty. Area leaders Bill Brown, Jeff Goss, & Bill Nichols reported on the farm show and FFA evangelistic events.
David Breeden spoke about discipleship and that his wife and daughter (Sarah Labriel) are reaching farm shows and expanding the FCFI discipleship ministry to women. FCFI Board President Steve Cernek gave an address that challenged and encouraged us. Scott Fischer and Art Free highlighted additional opportunities for ministry, including Art’s report on the successful sidewalk ministry outside the Texas FFA convention, which reflects Art’s resourcefulness when the FFA association refused us a booth space this year (due to our “ideology”). Praise the Lord that several times more youth were reached as a result.
We were also blessed by Jane Herlong, whose humor and singing brought an enjoyable dimension to the conference and also by the worship led by Abiel Stroie. His father, Alex provided the morning devotions. Thomas Herlong and Steve Baker of Barnabas Foundation provided practical financial guidance that can help FCFI members and supporters become better stewards of what God has entrusted to them.
Our international updates featured David Headley, our new volunteer International Expansion Coordinator, AD Alvarez (the Philippines), Pastor Alex Stroie (Romania), Michael Bond (radio ministry), Clarence Thomas (disaster relief trip to Jamaica), Ned Stoller (Agribility with international outreach).
Our annual auction was a success thanks to the generosity of the attendees and our auctioneer Ricky Baer.
Looking Forward
Next year’s conference is in Shipshewana, IN, July 20th-23rd.
Remember that the heart of the Fellowship of Christian Farmers is farmers helping farmers, faith expressed through our work, agriculture opening doors for ministry, and responding to God’s call to bless others and make Christ known “as we go” (Matt 28:19).