International (MNN) — When you follow Jesus and surrender your life to Him, you never know where He may lead.
Newly-appointed Communications Director Tim Landis gave his talents to God. Now, the Lord is using them to magnify the “voice” of FARMS International.
The journey began months ago with a simple phone call from Scott Clifton, FARMS’ Executive Director. Landis used to attend church with Clifton and Joe Richter, FARMS’ former director.
“He (Clifton) wanted to ‘pick my brain’ about some things [involving] FARMS going forward, and how he could improve communications,” Landis says.
At the very same time, “God was working in me in a specific way; changing my heart, changing my attitude towards social media and [the impact I wanted] to make for the Kingdom in the places and spaces [where] I was,” he continues.
“God’s timing is always perfect in that way.”
Landis began doing part-time communications work for FARMS earlier this year, “and then it just kind of grew into something permanent,” he says.
Why FARMS?
FARMS International partners with local churches to help believers work their way out of poverty. More about FARMS here. There’s something distinctive about the ministry’s approach, Landis says.
“God is using FARMS to work in believers’ lives around the world. It’s different in that it desires to make disciples first and foremost, to show people the love of Christ,” Landis says.
“[FARMS had] become very personal in a very short amount of time for me, and that’s what makes it unique. I think if more people knew about it, they would get involved.”
Tim and Staci Landis began working part-time with FARMS International earlier this year.
(Photo courtesy of FARMS International/Tim Landis)
2022 holds exciting potential for FARMS, Landis says. Along with a new program beginning in Africa, “I see God moving in Southeast Asia,” he explains.
Many opioids trafficked and consumed worldwide trace back to an area known as the “Golden Triangle” in Southeast Asia. Working in the drug trade provides impoverished villagers with a fast and reliable source of income, “but there’s also a problem with that,” Landis says.
“Men have stepped up and said, ‘I want to do something about this; I don’t think it’s right.’ [FARMS partners] with those men to show people in their areas that God has something else for them. God has a plan for what they do, and it doesn’t involve that (illegal drugs).”
Find your place in the story
Using his skills and experience in photography and social media, Landis helps people understand FARMS in a new way.
“A lot of times, we can give to organizations and help out in that way, [but] we don’t have that personal connection. I believe that’s what ‘telling the story of FARMS’ is,” Landis explains.
What about your time, talents, and treasure? The Lord can use those, too. Contact FARMS to learn about possible opportunities.
“There’s no shortage of people who need to know the love of Christ, but we definitely need more people to get on board [and help]. We need donations; we need people to pray,” Landis says.
“Christ said the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. And it is so true.”
Header and story images courtesy of Tim Landis/FARMS International.
