Serving in the Midst of Disaster and Opportunity – by Dennis Schlagel

At the annual conference, Dennis Schlagel pointed out that the Fellowship of Christian Farmers has always been about showing up where people are, meeting them in their moments of need, and pointing them to Jesus. This past year has been filled with unexpected disasters, open doors, and new opportunities to share the Gospel.

Disaster Relief: Serving in the Storms

What began as a simple “disaster report” turned into a journey of God’s faithfulness. At the Indiana State FFA Convention, our own booth was struck by high winds from a nearby tornado—a reminder that sometimes we are the ones in need of help. But even in the chaos, God used it to connect us with students and teachers who share our heart for serving others.

Earlier in the year, our team responded to Hurricane Helene, which swept through Mississippi and up into Asheville, North Carolina. The damage was overwhelming: washed-out roads, downed power lines, and exhausted communities. For several weeks, our volunteers served faithfully—bringing generators, removing fallen logs, and encouraging weary families.

Thanks to the leadership of men like Bill Nichols, Jim Nelson, and Dan Janzen, we placed generators where they were most needed and returned later to gather them for reuse them for future disasters. While political obstacles slowed recovery, our team continued to bring hope where progress felt stalled.

Encouraging the Next Generation: FFA Connections

Fellowship with the FFA remains one of our greatest blessings. Although are not given space at the national convention, we committed to supporting state FFA conventions across the country—33 states in 2018 alone. These gatherings have allowed us to encourage students to live out their Christian faith and to see firsthand what it means to serve their neighbors.

At the Indiana State FFA Convention, for example, students recalled their experience in assisting with disaster relief firsthand in previous years—clearing debris from fields so farmers could plant again. For many city students, this was their first opportunity to step into a farmer’s shoes and help their community in a tangible way. The smiles and stories remind us that seeds planted today will bear fruit in the years ahead.

We’re also grateful for leaders like Lisa Caldron, Executive Director of Indiana FFA, who boldly stood with us when others pushed back against having Christian ministries represented. Her courage is a testimony to God’s provision.

An Unexpected Open Door: The Milwaukee Air Show

Sometimes, God surprises us with opportunities far beyond what we imagined. A connection at a small church event in Wisconsin led to an invitation to set up a booth at the Milwaukee Air Show, held right on the shores of Lake Michigan.

What began as one invitation turned into a front-row seat at one of the largest air shows in the country. Thousands of people walked by our booth, including the new administrator of the air show who stopped for prayer before facing life-threatening heart surgery. After his recovery, he personally ensured we were welcomed back—and even invited us to take part in other air shows across America.

Our team continues to see God’s hand at work, from praying with families to welcoming unexpected volunteers—including a Cambodian brother in Christ who once fled persecution and now shares the Gospel alongside us.

Moving Forward

From hurricane relief in North Carolina, to student service projects in Indiana, to the roar of the Blue Angels over Milwaukee, one truth remains clear: God opens the doors, and our job is simply to walk through them.

As we look to the months ahead, we are prayerfully considering new opportunities—whether that’s more state FFA conventions, additional air shows, or supporting farmers impacted by tornadoes and floods. Wherever God calls, we will continue to serve, share, and bring the hope of Christ.