How it all started...
God graciously delivered FGR Founder Bill Schlipp from bondage to alcohol in 1997 and set him on a new path of obedience to Christ. That moment of rescue became the beginning of a lifelong passion: helping others experience the same freedom, hope and transformation found in Jesus.
God ignited a fire in Bill's heart and clarified his mission through a discipleship course in Bible college. After his graduation in 2012 and biblical counseling experience at Pacific Garden Mission in Chicago, Bill launched Fertile Ground Ranch Discipleship Ministry in 2014.
God ignited a fire in Bill's heart and clarified his mission through a discipleship course in Bible college. After his graduation in 2012 and biblical counseling experience at Pacific Garden Mission in Chicago, Bill launched Fertile Ground Ranch Discipleship Ministry in 2014.
Then God expanded the vision....
Over the years, Bill had walked alongside many individuals who were seeking to leave behind old, destructive patterns, surrender to the Savior, and grow in faith. Through these relationships, the vision for Fertile Ground Ranch began to take shape — a place where believers could step away from the noise of life, immerse themselves in God’s Word, and be discipled toward maturity in Christ.
The location would temporarily remove students from the worldly influences that had distracted them from God-honoring living. Along with learning from the Bible (the core focus), a farm setting would teach them discipline and responsibility through caring for animals and the farm property. They would also learn to love and serve others through encouraging each other and serving in the community.
In 2017, God led Bill and his wife Judy to Brown County, Indiana, where a home for FGR was opened in 2021.
The location would temporarily remove students from the worldly influences that had distracted them from God-honoring living. Along with learning from the Bible (the core focus), a farm setting would teach them discipline and responsibility through caring for animals and the farm property. They would also learn to love and serve others through encouraging each other and serving in the community.
In 2017, God led Bill and his wife Judy to Brown County, Indiana, where a home for FGR was opened in 2021.
Please pray for FGR's fruit.
The first and greatest priorities of FGR are to glorify God with the actions of the ministry and to please Him by following His will. We covet your involvement through prayer and -- if God so leads -- your financial support.
Please ask God on behalf of FGR:
Please ask God on behalf of FGR:
- To send us students who are ready to devote their lives to obedience to Jesus, including making more disciples.
- To grant the disciples freedom from sin's bondage.
- To provide funds and material goods to enable our continuing operation and future growth.
- To lead the FGR team to be obedient to His will in all we do.
