Lives Transformed at the Washington County Fair

Crowds stop by the FCFI tent at the Washington County Fair, where volunteers share the gospel and distribute walking sticks that have touched countless lives

How a Walking Stick Sparked Change in Brenham, Texas

The Fellowship of Christian Farmers International (FCFI) team recently set up at the 157th Washington County Fair in Brenham, Texas, continuing their mission of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with everyone who stops by the tent. Sponsored by the First Christian Church of Brenham, the booth was once again a place where faith, community, and agriculture came together under one roof.

Visitors were greeted by Pastor Art and his team of volunteers who shared the gospel message using the well-known Wordless Walking Sticks—a simple yet powerful tool that explains the gospel story through colored beads. Each color represents an important truth:

• Gold – Reminding us of the streets of gold.
• Black – The sin that separates mankind from God.
• Red – The blood of Jesus shed for the forgiveness of sins.
• White – The cleansing and subsequent new life we receive through Christ.
• Green – Representing growing in grace and knowledge as believers mature in faith.

“These sticks are completely free,” Pastor Art explained. “Jesus said, ‘Freely you have received, freely give.’ We simply share the gospel, trusting God to use it to change lives.”

And change lives it has. Many lives!

Among the many visitors who came through was a gentleman with a remarkable story—Todd Saw, a local visitor and YouTube creator. Two years ago, Todd received one of the FCFI walking sticks at this very fair. At the time, his health was deteriorating to the point that he could barely make it from the parking lot to the food court without help. “That same day, I got one of these walking sticks,” Todd recalled. “And that was the day I started praying, asking God for strength. With His help, I lost 85 pounds. I went from barely walking a few hundred feet to walking three miles without stopping.”

Todd shared how receiving the walking stick inspired him to make meaningful changes—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Motivated to live healthier and walk closer with God, he began improving his overall well-being and documenting his journey online. Today, he produces a variety of videos about his progress, sharing encouragement with others on his YouTube channel which are a big encouragement to others to see how teaming up with God will help you physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

During this year’s fair, Todd returned to the booth to thank the FCFI team and record a new video about his visit. “My walking stick wasn’t with me every step of the way—but God was,” he said. He even customized his stick with a light for his nighttime walks and keeps it by his door as a daily reminder of God’s faithfulness.

The FCFI booth also featured other ministry tools, such as prayer quilts—small handmade quilts created and prayed over by Pastor Art’s wife. Each quilt contains a tiny cross stitched inside, offering comfort and spiritual encouragement. “People keep them close when they need inspiration or a reminder that God cares,” Pastor Art shared.

As Todd filmed his visit, he showcased the many ways the Fellowship of Christian Farmers shares Christ’s love—through conversations directing people to faith, prayer, and small tokens that carry great spiritual meaning. “If you’re at the Washington County Fair,” Todd encouraged, “stop by the Fellowship of Christian Farmers booth. You’ll find friendly people, a message of hope, and maybe even a walking stick that could change your life.”

Encounters like this remind us that the seeds planted through the ministry of the Fellowship of Christian Farmers continue to grow long after the event ends. What begins as a simple gift—a wooden walking stick—often becomes the start of a changed life and a renewed walk with God.