For the past 20 years Peter and Mary Myers of Sikeston, Mo., have devoted themselves to the ministry of uplifting and helping farm and ranch families. Peter was the deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture during the Reagan administration and later became a Missouri state representative.

A drought in the South and high interest rates in 1986 and 1987 led Mary Myers to search for something to offer farm and ranch families beyond the 22 USDA hot lines that were established. Her interest led to the founding of Adopt a Farm Family of America and the publication of its magazine, "The Sower," with a startup donation from the DuPont Corp.. The tax-exempt ministry is a national one with a board made up of both local people and those from other states, and is based in the Myers' home in Sikeston.

The group and The Sower are celebrating their 20th anniversary this year.

"What a year to celebrate," Mary said. "Floods have hit again."

Agencies exist to help farmers with crop and livestock losses, but the Adopt a Farm Ministry focuses on the farm families' spiritual needs and encouragement. The ministry distributes prayer requests among its membership. It also helps families find information and helps them financially whenever possible.

"The best thing for people are cards and notes and phone calls of encouragement," Myers said. "It means so much to people."

In a letter to Mary Myers, Janise Harbert, a farm wife in Texas, describes how devastated her family was at the prospect of losing the farm and starting over. Harbert said she was even more bewildered when, after the family pulled through, Myers had suggested she write an encouraging note to other farmers and ranchers. She writes:

"I first thought I had no sound advice. Then I began thinking back to the terrifying times and thought yes, I can offer some advice: Don't isolate yourself from others. Reach out for help, no matter how humiliating it may seem, you are not the only one. There are many of us who have gone through similar situations. Do what you legally can to survive and your dignity will remain intact. I faced those judging stares at the welfare office."

It just helps to have prayer and encouragement to keep trying and not give up, encouraging younger farmers to stay in farming, even if they have to rent the land and work an outside job, "just hold onto it rather than sell out completely," Myers said. Farmers need to be uplifted and know how important their work is.

The multidenominational ministry runs on donations from churches, businesses and individuals, and times are tough for it as well as for those it seeks to support. Myers said she would love for a church to take the ministry on as a mission project. She and the board members keep the ministry going because they know they're doing God's work.

"We would like to see more people know there is a God who loves them and cares if we could reach more people," Myers said. "We can't see or touch God unless we really understand the whole concept of spirit. A touch from somebody else who really cares, just to say I am sorry, I love you, God loves you, means a lot."

Board member Marsha Haskell of Cape Girardeau said she became involved with the ministry because she respects farmers' perseverance and hard work. Too many people, she said, take for granted the country's abundance of safe food and water sources.

"Think about it from a business perspective," Haskell said. "Farmers face challenges people in business really don't. So much is unpredictable. It's very important we do all we can to support them. My role is very small; I pray for these people every single day."

Haskell said she sees the results of her efforts.

"I know it's working," she said. "I have testimonies from families who have been helped by the Myerses and by the support received from the Adopt a Farm Ministries. They are affirmed by the testimonies that their work is valuable and helping do God's work.

"You can't beat that."

lredeffer@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 160

More information

To learn more about the ministry, visit www.farmersruralrestoration.com.