Region Eight Area Leader Report – by Bill Brown

Kathy and Bill Brown

FCFI Board Meeting – June 16, 2025

Life has a way of throwing us curveballs, and the past few months have certainly delivered their share of challenges. In the words of Charles Spurgeon, “Whether we like it or not, asking is the rule of the kingdom.” That truth is echoed in Luke 11:9-10. God desires to give us good things, to answer our prayers, and to walk with us through every trial. Kathy and I continue to lean on Him in all circumstances, and He has proven faithful time and again.

Health Update

Unfortunately, I’ve faced a setback with my health. After three years of clear checkups and ongoing maintenance treatments, a spot was recently detected on my bladder, leading to the need for surgery. My first surgery was scheduled for May 2 but was abruptly canceled as I entered the operating room due to irregularities in my heart monitor. Soon after, I developed a blood clot in my leg.

I am now cleared for surgery on June 17 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse, where the necessary medical resources will be available if needed. A post-op appointment is scheduled for July 24 to determine the next steps. Regrettably, this means I will not be attending the summer conference. Kathy reminds me to take care of myself—she says she’s “too old to look for another husband!”

Stick Days

Stick Days are scheduled for July 8–10 in Marcy. Although Pastor Brewer of Pilgrim Holiness Church has resigned following a stroke and is relocating to Virginia, we are grateful to continue using the church facilities. I’ve already moved 20,000 sticks from storage to the church in preparation for the workdays.

Hay Shipments to North Carolina

This effort is covered in detail in The Harvest. Special thanks to CP Foster for providing the trucking, the Eastern farmers who donated hay, and the three couples from the Mohawk Valley Chapter who donated more than $7,000 to support trucking costs, lease a cargo trailer, and purchase hay.

Mission Trip

A mission trip flier is also included in The Harvest. Kathy and I recently visited Spruce Pine, NC on our return from the South to review lodging and logistics. We will be partnering with Baptists on Mission, which requires all FCFI volunteers to undergo background checks. The cost is $20 per person per day, which covers lodging and meals.

The mission site is 800 miles from New York, and we are thankful to Ridgeway Mennonite Church in Harrisburg, VA, for offering free overnight lodging on our travel route—praise the Lord! As of now, 23 individuals have expressed interest in participating, including five young men under the age of 25 and one young woman under 20—a very encouraging sign for the future of our ministry.

Events

We’ve wrapped up a very successful event schedule from January through April, with more than 13,000 people visiting one of our ministry tents. The remainder of our 2025 calendar is nearly full.

Volunteers

We are deeply grateful for the many dedicated volunteers who make all of this possible. Their service and commitment are the backbone of everything we do.

Church Services

I’m scheduled to preach at a local church on Father’s Day, marking my third speaking engagement since February. Each of these services has provided an opportunity to share the FCFI mission and encourage others to get involved.

Thank you all for your ongoing support and faithful prayers. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.