“Wherefore encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 

Kathy and I just returned from the Fellowship of Christian Farmers Canada’s Spring Conference. Members from across Canada were in attendance.

The three-day event was an encouragement to all. In these difficult times in the ag community and in our world, everyone needs a little encouragement. May I suggest getting involved in a fraternal, ag or church organization, whatever your preference may be? 

John 16:33: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble [you’ll be discouraged at times] But take heart! I have overcome the world.” A good friend of mine, who has since passed, used to say, “It’s more fun to be around positive people; I like to call them uppers. The other folks are downers. Positive people are an encouragement.”

Hebrews 10:25: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another, and so much more as we see the day approaching.” 

So, if you’re a little discouraged with life and all that comes your way, get involved with an organization that is a positive influence on families and the community you live in. You’ll be blessed, and some of those burdens will look a little lighter.

There’s another side to encouragement: Giving encouragement to others. The dictionary explains encouragement as “to give hope, courage or confidence, to give support; to help.” What better way to encourage someone than to show them how much you care?

I’d like to share an experience from my family. Our son struggled so much in his early school days. The teachers thought he should be placed in special education. Yes, he did struggle, but we thought there was a better way to address the issue: We placed him in a Christian School.

My wife worked diligently helping him with his school work. And guess what? He graduated from high school and went on to college. 

He spent several years in the Army helping to protect you and me. 

So, my story ends here. Be an encourager and others will encourage you.

William Brown,
Marcy, N.Y.

Brown is the area coordinator for Fellowship of Christian Farmers International in Marcy, N.Y.