An Adventure of Obedience – by Diane Buell

I am so excited to share about my journey with the Fellowship of Christian Farmers International.

To tell this story properly, I have to go back to my school days. Kathy Brown—Bill’s wife—and I started kindergarten together and graduated together from Richfield Springs Central School. After graduation, life took us in different directions, and we didn’t see each other again for many years.

We reconnected at a small class dinner. By then, I had lost my husband. As we talked and caught up, I asked Kathy what she was doing these days. She told me she was serving the Lord on the mission field with FCFI.

Without hesitation, I said, “Sign me up.”

I had no idea what lay ahead.

My first experience sharing the Gospel was not very successful—at least that’s how it felt. I struggled. I didn’t feel confident, and I questioned whether I was truly prepared for this calling. Then a verse came to mind from the First Epistle of Peter 2:2: “As newborn babes desire the sincere milk of the word, that he may grow thereby.”

I realized I needed to grow. I needed to spend more time studying and reading the Bible. I needed to be nourished by God’s Word before I could effectively share it with others.

The next time I shared the Gospel, it went far better. I began to see that God doesn’t call the equipped—He equips the called. I am so thankful for Bill and Kathy, and for FCFI, for guiding and encouraging me to become more confident in sharing the Gospel with everyone I meet.

One of my most memorable experiences was my first trip to the Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie. I was asked to open our tent in prayer. Standing there, I honestly don’t remember exactly what I said. I simply let the Lord lead.

That moment reminds me of Epistle to the Romans 8:26: “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weakness. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”

Working with FCFI has taught me that I must always be ready—not to pray for myself, but to pray for the team and for those we encounter. Ministry is never about one person; it is about serving together.

I also serve at ECHO Global Farm in Fort Myers alongside Ron and Debbie Herrold and another wonderful team. During that week, I serve as both cook and nurse—meeting practical needs while others focus on outreach. In the summer, when I am in New York, I team up with Chris Brown to continue sharing the message of Christ.

Looking back over my journey with FCFI, I can sum it up in one word:

Obedience.

Obedience to His calling. Obedience to step out when I felt unprepared. Obedience to trust Him in prayer. Obedience to serve wherever I am needed.

And what an adventure it has been.