FARMS International, Inc.

FARMS International desires to see movements of people who overcome poverty and help others to do the same. FARMS seeks to maintain dignity of program participants and see personal ownership exhibited as well. We wish to see people move from a label of poverty to a label of generosity. Above all, we desire to see the global church strengthened and expanded through the exercise of Biblical principles of stewardship.

FARMS International provides funds to revolving loan programs for agriculture and small business. FARMS guides discussion with local committees to adapt programs to their local contexts. We also encourage principles of biblical stewardship.

As loans are repaid they are available for the next person. As a program proves itself it is then expanded - reaching more people. As a program thrives it is multiplied to form new programs. If a program has accomplished its goal, with no further opportunity for expansion or multiplication, then it is graduated from oversight of FARMS International.

FARMS International is able to meet our goals through development of strong local committees, consistent communication, and periodic visits. Additionally, we perform the legwork upfront taking effort to discern the needs and desires of a potential program. It is not always the right fit or the right time and it is worthwhile to find that out upfront.

Often, success leads to success. As a program flourishes, it leads to opportunities to multiply and create more programs. People can witness the tangible impact on their neighbors and desire the same opportunities for themselves.

FARMS also protects ourselves against scope creep. This requires saying "no" often. We understand that our capacity and expertise are limited and forego opportunities that deviate from our strengths. The result is a higher likelihood of success.

FARMS International currently has 16 active programs in 9 countries. In addition, there have been many programs that have begun and graduated since FARMS was started in 1961. Each program ranges from a handful of participants annually to over 100 participants annually. Many current and former participants have shared stories of not being able to make ends meet or provide for an education for their kids. Many share about how they used to live on a dirt floor but now have been able to improve their homes. They share stories of sending their kids to school, hiring employees and community impact. They also share stories of how they give to their local churches and how they use their platform to share the love of Jesus through both word and action. We know that each participant has a story.

One example of great accomplishment comes in Northern Thailand. Here there is a program that started with five thousand dollars 18 years ago, has managed faithfully with wisdom and now oversees over $90,000. In addition the committee has seen the potential for more programs to benefit their neighbors and in the last five years have established 3 more programs in neighboring countries. They even work directly with those new committees to train them based on their experience. This movement has occurred alongside vibrant ministry efforts that have seen many new churches established and lives transformed both physically and spiritually.

Another great example comes from a graduated program in Bangladesh. A local pastor and a Japanese missionary led a movement of people who were turning to Christ. As churches were formed and leaders emerged, they needed a way to provide for themselves. They began a FARMS program focused on building rickshaws. This program grew to build thousands of rickshaws at a time during the peak of their need. FARMS was credited with playing an important role in assisting this movement that resulted in hundreds of thousands who came to know Christ.