FCFI Serving at ECHO – January 31 to February 6, 2026 – by Deb Herrold

FCFI work group at Echo Research Farm in Ft Myers, FL

A group of 14 volunteers gathered in Ft. Myers, Florida on January 31 to spend a week serving at ECHO, with the desire to be a blessing through practical work, encouragement, and fellowship. The team partnered with Jhon, the Building and Maintenance Manager, along with the dedicated staff at ECHO, to help with several needed projects around the property.

Throughout the week, the volunteers stayed busy with construction, repairs, and cleanup work. One of the main projects was building a storage room onto the end of a garage, which will provide additional space for equipment and supplies. The team also repaired sections of the perimeter fence and helped with seasonal cleanup around the grounds, preparing the facility for the months ahead.

The process of building the room was underway, followed by the completion of the storage room

Because the group worked efficiently and finished their assigned projects early, they were able to assist with an additional task. Pete Singer needed help preparing walking sticks for upcoming shows in Florida, and the volunteers worked together to get 2,000 walking sticks ready. It was a great example of how extra hands can make a big difference in a short amount of time.

Work was completed early, enabling assistance on Friday morning in preparing walking sticks for Pete Singer and the commencement of a storage room built onto an existing garage at Echo

During the week, Florida experienced unusually cold weather for early February. The sudden drop in temperature created serious challenges for the plants and crops at ECHO. The interns spent three sleepless nights doing everything they could to protect the plants from freezing. Sprinklers were run through the night in an effort to keep the plants from being damaged by the cold.

Tuesday morning was a difficult sight, as trees and bushes were covered in ice, glistening in the early light. Although the team worked hard to save as much as possible, by the time the volunteers left on Friday, much of the landscape had turned brown from frost damage. Even so, the dedication of the interns and staff was a powerful reminder of the commitment and care that goes into the work at ECHO.

In spite of the unexpected cold weather, the week was filled with joy, laughter, and meaningful fellowship. The volunteers enjoyed excellent meals together each day, and the evenings were often spent playing games, sharing stories, and encouraging one another. These times of fellowship were just as special as the work itself and helped make the week refreshing for everyone involved.

The staff at ECHO expressed their sincere appreciation for the help and encouragement provided by the team. They are already looking forward to welcoming The Fellowship of Christian Farmers back again next year, with the next work week scheduled for January 30 – February 5, 2027.

It was a week of hard work, unexpected challenges, and great fellowship — a reminder that serving together is always a blessing, no matter the circumstances.