A peek back at CFO’s early days

By John Vogel

Great things have been born on farms. Christian Farmers Outreach’s ministry is one.

Back in 1986, three Maryland farmers – Wilson Lippy, George Rill and Dave Sparks – first discussed witnessing Jesus to other farmers.

In June of 1987, they helped organize what eventually became Christian Farmers Outreach. The following January found the trio passing out beaded rawhide bracelets and salvation tracts at Pennsylvania Farm Show. Some 36 people came to Jesus that first time.

In subsequent years, crowds visiting the booth grew to the point that show officials complained people were clogging the aisle. At the 1996 Farm Show, 285 souls made decisions for Christ.

That was a turning point for CFO’s ministry. These men were called to take the message to other shows and fairs.

“We wanted to help other farmers come to Christ,” reflects Sparks, now heading towards his 90th trip around the sun. Dave served on CFO’s board of directors from day one, and only recently retired from it.

From there, CFO’s ministry grew to where more than 1,000 volunteers share the Gospel message throughout the world. God continues to grow CFO’s ministry to inspire churches and partner ministries to bring many thousands to the simple saving grace in Jesus via the bead message.

Herlong, Fellowship of Christian Farmers International’s founding president, praised CFO as a shining light to the world. “CFO shares this vision of hope so effectively. There was and still is a great need for it.”

True to God’s promise, the Lord has shown CFO great and mighty things.