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Photo by Brooklyn George
Glenn and Lisa Crumpler run Cattle for Christ International from their farm in Enterprise, Alabama. Though they focus on ministering to people in Africa, the Middle East and Asia, they’ll use this new barndo to extend outreach to families and children in the U.S.
Glenn and Lisa Crumpler know how to stretch a dollar. Since 2001, donations to their nonprofit ministry have helped poor and oppressed people in over 60 countries.
Together with U.S. and overseas partners, Cattle for Christ International Inc. (CFC) educates children, trains pastors and teaches skills to help people become self-sustaining. In the process, it shares the Gospel around the world.
The Crumplers run the ministry from their Alabama farm. Though the ministry doesn’t borrow money, the Crumplers have borrowed from Alabama Ag Credit in their own names. First they financed a building for the CFC headquarters. After paying that off, they financed a barndominium.
Photo by Brooklyn George
A cow-calf operation helps Cattle for Christ cover expenses. “We use what cattle are donated and the cattle we produce from them, and the Lord has always made it work,” Glenn Crumpler says.
Photo by Brooklyn George
The Crumplers’ loan officer, Steven Bozeman, left, visits Glenn at the farm. “If somebody wants to get into cattle, he’ll teach them how he’s doing it and help them get started,” Bozeman says.
“Lisa and I live as close to debt-free as we can,” says Glenn, Cattle for Christ founder, president and board member. “We’re thankful Alabama Ag Credit was there for us when we needed them. All the staff have been great to work with.”
Helping others help themselves
Teaching farmers and training trainers, such as veterinarians, about genetics and management practices are key strategies on mission trips.
Cattle for Christ and its partners teach artificial insemination (AI) and embryo recovery and transfer (ET) for beef and dairy cattle. They also teach irrigation and farming practices that reduce soil salinity while improving soil quality and production.
“These technologies can transform their ability to make a living,” Glenn says. “Building trusting relationships also allows us to share the Good News and the eternal hope of Jesus Christ with the people.”
Sharing the good word
Most people in the world don’t own a Bible, so Cattle for Christ provides solar-powered audio Bibles in local languages.
For children in the U.S., it offers audio players inside stuffed animals called CFC Sidekicks. These play “The Father’s Love Letter,” which includes a comforting prayer, song and letter from God.
Photo by Brooklyn George
For children in the U.S., Cattle for Christ offers stuffed animals called CFC Sidekicks. Inside is an audio player featuring comforting recordings about God’s love for them.
“They make wonderful gifts, and we hope clubs and businesses will distribute them to hospitals, emergency responders, social workers and hurting children,” Glenn says.
The new barndo plays a role in the CFC children’s ministry, too. The Crumplers plan to use it as a free or low-cost retreat for families dealing with the serious illness or loss of a child.
“We can help them make lasting memories as a family or to just get away with God and nature to heal,” Glenn says. “We have pasture, pines, horses, chickens — and our CFC cattle herd.”
Covering expenses with cattle
Cattle for Christ uses 90% of undesignated donations for missionary work. A herd of donated cattle helps fund expenses.
Photo by Brooklyn George
At Cattle for Christ, missionary work includes teaching farmers how to improve their management practices and livestock genetics. Ag producers and corporate sponsors support the nonprofit ministry by donating products, services and more.
Ag producers and corporate sponsors donate animals, crops, cash, feed, equipment and more. Cattle for Christ gives back, too, and has donated cattle after natural disasters.
“Together, we can change the world through agriculture,” Glenn says.
Breeding for quality
The herd is known for quality sires and top-producing females.
“Mr. Glenn is one of our top producers because he stays with the best genetics,” says Steven Bozeman, the Crumplers’ loan officer at Alabama Ag Credit.
Glenn and his partner, Jack McIntosh, manage the herd. Lisa, a former bank teller, manages the office. And board members and volunteers help work cattle.
“We breed and manage our cattle the very best we can to ensure we are being good advocates for the cattle and agriculture industries who fund our work,” Glenn says.
— Staff