The Great Commission at the Farm Shows – by Ohio Area Leader Bill Nichols

This past year has been one of the most powerful seasons of ministry we’ve ever experienced. God continues to open doors through farm shows, large gatherings, and one-on-one encounters—allowing us to share the Gospel with thousands of people.

At the Farm Science Review, we handed out over 6,000 walking sticks, each with wordless colored beads and tags correlated with supporting Scripture. Our tent was often filled with groups of up to 80 people at a time, sitting in circles as we shared the story of the colors and the message of salvation. It is always an exciting and Spirit-filled atmosphere.

But where the Lord is moving, the enemy also tries to interfere. One afternoon, as I sat down with a group of children to share the Gospel, a young girl began to disrupt the message, laughing loudly every time I spoke. After several interruptions, it became clear this was more than simple misbehavior. I suspected there was a demonic spirit being manifest. I rebuked the spirit in the name of Jesus, and immediately she went silent as I finished presenting the Gospel. When I was done, she stood, cursed me, and ran from the tent—while the other children sat wide-eyed, having just witnessed the power of God’s light driving out darkness. As I reminded them, “When light and darkness meet, darkness has to flee.”

Not long after, at the Fort Wayne Farm Show, a woman approached me with a testimony that left me rejoicing for weeks. She said, “You prayed for me last year. I had terminal cancer. But when I went back for testing, they couldn’t find a trace of it!” Hallelujah! Jesus is still healing, still saving, still showing His power today.

The largest event we do is the National Farm Machinery Show, where we distributed over 7,000 walking sticks this year. At these big gatherings, we no longer try to count salvations one by one—it’s simply too many. People are giving their lives to Christ by the hundreds. Truly, the Lord is preparing His church.

Earlier this year, I also faced my own health battle. Doctors discovered a growth in my large intestine the size of a golf ball, and my kidneys were not functioning properly. But through prayer, lifestyle changes, and the Lord’s grace, my kidneys were restored, and after surgery to remove two feet of my intestine, I can now say I feel great and am still working for the Lord!

Through it all, I am reminded that our calling is not just to attend church or quietly believe—it is to share the Gospel boldly. Jesus commanded us to “go into all the world and preach the Gospel.” Whether it’s across the fence to a neighbor, down the road to a friend, or in the grocery store line, every Christian has the opportunity to tell someone about Jesus.

That is my challenge to you:

The world needs the hope of Christ, and we each have a part to play. Thank you for your prayers, your support, and your partnership in this ministry. Together, let us keep pressing forward—until every ear has heard and every heart has been given the chance to know Jesus!