Entrusting the Future: Fellowship, Farming, and the Next Generation – by Dan Janzen (Executive Director)

As we celebrate 40 years of God’s faithfulness to the Fellowship of Christian Farmers International, we recognize that this ministry has saved lives — spiritually and emotionally, bringing farmers through the toughest times and providing solutions to their pain points.

Today, farmers again face overwhelming financial pressures, social isolation, and heightened concern about passing on both their land and a strong biblical foundation to the next generation. If FCFI is to thrive for the next 40 years, we must help strengthen the faith and leadership of emerging young farmers. With the average American farmer nearing 60 years old, and many youth not grounded in a biblical worldview, we have a responsibility to invest intentionally in discipleship.

That’s why we are integrating biblical mentorship into our widespread FFA outreach and disaster relief efforts — preparing the next generation to lead FCFI and, Lord willing, to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

We attend nearly 30 FFA state conventions each year. Particularly after the martyrdom of Charlie Kirk, youth are hungry for authentic Christianity — they want to see faith lived boldly, not watered down. In a time when many churches avoid scriptural truth in favor of woke cultural trends, we must ensure young people are discipled by believers who will help them stand firm on God’s Word and stay focused on the Great Commission. We need disciplers — and we need them now! If God stirs your heart to invest in the next generation, we are ready to help you get started.

Finally, as the economics of farming become more challenging — with global production rising and commodity prices falling — we must prayerfully explore innovative ways farmers can remain resilient while using their land and work as a platform for mission. FCFI volunteer activities, training opportunities, and our monthly Zoom prayer fellowship stand ready to provide opportunities and help equip and encourage farmers as they pursue both stewardship and spiritual impact.

Together, let’s entrust the future to God — and invest in the next generation who will carry the Gospel into the fields of tomorrow. Please contact Dan Janzen at dan@fcfi.org to get involved in discipleship, and also if you would like to discuss other ways to become involved, such as volunteering at farm shows for evangelism, disaster relief, mission trips, and addressing the stressors of farm families.