Growing Hope and Ministry Outreach Highlights from the May Zoom Fellowship

A recent Zoom meeting brought together members and supporters of Growing Hope Globally and Fellowship of Christian Farmers International for a meaningful time of discussion, testimony, prayer, and vision casting centered around agriculture, missions, and discipleship.

The meeting opened with prayer led by Pastor and former ag teacher Art Free. Dan shared his connection with Mark from Growing Hope, an organization formerly known as Foods Resource Bank, and introduced him as the featured speaker for the meeting.

A Vision for Sustainable Agricultural Ministry

Mark presented the mission and work of Growing Hope Globally, a Christian organization dedicated to providing long-term solutions to hunger by equipping local farmers and communities through sustained expansion of agricultural production. He explained how the ministry has evolved over the years from primarily shipping food overseas which can create dependency to developing community and asset-based agricultural programs that empower people to provide for themselves and their families.

Through partnerships with local organizations and churches, Growing Hope now supports agricultural initiatives in countries such as Uganda, Cambodia, Kenya, Nepal, India, East Timor, and Guatemala. Their projects focus on practical farming methods, community development, nutritional and market gardens, and self-help groups that help communities become more resilient and self-reliant.

During the presentation, Mark shared a personal testimony from Guatemala about a mother named Maria and her daughter Marta. Through participation and income from a local farming program, Marta was able to pay tuition and eventually graduate from high school and support her family — a story that illustrated how agricultural development can create lasting transformation for future generations.

Farmers Helping Farmers

One of the central themes of the discussion was the idea of “farmers helping farmers.” Mark shared how communities across 19 states have participated in local growing projects and fundraising efforts to support agricultural outreach internationally.

These initiatives often involve farmers, churches, and civic organizations working together through planting projects, harvest events, and produce sales. Mark described one example from his church in Yakima, Washington, where church members partnered together to sell apples to neighboring churches as part of a fundraising effort for global agricultural programs.

He also shared stories of communities coming together in extraordinary ways. In Myersville, Maryland, a local harvest festival initially raised $8,000 in offerings but eventually grew into an $80,000 community-supported effort through partnerships and shared vision.

According to Mark, these projects not only raise financial support for overseas ministries, but also strengthen relationships within local communities and serve as a testimony of faith in action.

Building Sustainable Solutions to Hunger

As participants asked questions about how projects are launched and expanded, Mark explained that one of the biggest challenges in the organization’s history was shifting from a traditional food bank model toward sustained-expansion agricultural development. However, he emphasized that long-term success comes through empowering local communities instead of creating dependency through giveaway programs.

Rather than providing temporary relief alone, Growing Hope seeks to offer a “hand up rather than a handout” by helping communities learn sustained-expansion farming practices that can continue for generations.

Mark also discussed how successful projects often spread naturally as neighboring communities observe the positive impact and seek to replicate similar models. Partnerships with organizations such as Beck’s Seed have also helped support and expand the ministry’s reach.

Prayer, Outreach, and Mission Updates

The meeting also included updates from members of Fellowship of Christian Farmers International regarding ongoing outreach and discipleship efforts.

Art shared memories from his time serving with the U.S. Army in Guatemala following Hurricane Mitch and reflected on the gratitude and resilience of local communities. The group then entered into a time of prayer led by Scott, lifting up farmers around the world, current ministry opportunities, and ongoing outreach efforts at FFA conventions.

Special prayer was given for upcoming mission work in the Philippines through AD Alvarez as well as future FFA conventions in Oklahoma and Texas. Art also shared plans for continued Gospel outreach efforts during the Texas State FFA Convention.

A Growing Focus on Discipleship

A significant portion of the meeting centered on discipleship ministry and the importance of helping new believers grow in their faith after evangelistic outreach events.

Sarah shared about ongoing discipleship efforts connected to FCFI’s farm show evangelism ministry. She explained that her father has been organizing men’s discipleship groups while she is seeking women who can help disciple young women through a multiplication-style ministry conducted over Zoom.

Participants were encouraged to pray about becoming involved or helping connect others who may have a heart for discipleship and mentoring.

David also shared his personal testimony about becoming connected with FCFI after first encountering one of their advertisements. He spoke openly about the challenges many young people face today, including struggles with pornography addiction, and emphasized the importance of discipleship relationships in helping individuals grow spiritually and experience freedom through Christ.

The meeting concluded with prayer and encouragement as participants reflected on the many ways God is working through agriculture, outreach, discipleship, and community partnerships both in the United States and internationally.

Together, the discussions served as a powerful reminder that practical service, sustained expansion of production in farming, Gospel outreach, and intentional discipleship can all work hand in hand to bring hope and transformation to individuals, families, and communities around the world.