Questions:

Who can become an AGM/FFCI missionary?

Can I work a fair without approval of the Board?

How can I know God is calling me into this ministry?

How am I supported?

For the woman – how hard is it to adjust to a “life on the road” in a motorhome or trailer?

After I am accepted as a missionary with AGM/FFCI, what are the basic materials needed if I have to setup a booth.

Where do I get the “set-up” (3 door unit, tracts, and other materials etc.) needed to conduct a fair?

Will someone train me in “market place” ministry?

How should I get started working an actual fair?

Am I “assigned” a fair schedule?

Do I have to travel to be a part of AGM/FFCI?

Do I need a prayer letter?

Do I need a “Display Board?”

Do I need a Motorhome, 5^th Wheel, or Trailer?

Can you give me help on how to select a motorhome, trailer, or 5^th Wheel, etc.?

Is there a way to know that I am getting a good deal on a motorhome, trailer, 5^th wheel, etc.?

What about daily transportation when I get to my destination?

Can you give me help on insurance for my travel vehicle?

Where can I stay if the fair is not within driving distance of my home?

When traveling between fairs or events, is there some place to stay other than campgrounds?

Are there costs for working a fair?

How will I get my mail?

How do I keep track of and pay my bills when traveling?

How will I stay in contact with people while traveling?

How do I know which cell phone or internet service will work best for me?

Can I have TV on the road?

How do I get my prescriptions while traveling?

How to deal with doctor’s appointments while traveling?

Where are the best places to get fuel or LP?

Where can I “dump” black water and/or gray water while traveling?

How hard is it to prepare meals on the road?

Concerning working a fair as a helper or an AGM missionary - are there rules we must follow?

What happens to new believers after they have accepted Christ as Saviour?

Answers:

Who can become an AGM/FFCI missionary?

Anyone who meets the criteria set forth by the Board of Amazing Grace Mission:

·         Personal Testimony - A written testimony of your personal salvation experience.

·         Letter from your pastor- A letter of recommendation from your Pastor.  This letter simple should state that you are spiritually ready for soul winning with AGM.

·         Fill out a personal data form - It’s called an “in case of emergency” form, so we can contact you and any of your important relatives in case of some type of trouble.

·         Read and sign our Policies and Procedures form - These are the rules governing working in an AGM booth.  You must know and enforce these rules.

·         Read and sign our doctrinal statement - You are expected to abide with our non-ecumenical, non-charismatic, King James Bible stand.

·         Meet with the Board of Directors - (or any appointed board) for a personal meeting and final approval of the board. (This is done usually at our annual meetings.)

(Click Here) to read more details regarding joining AGM 

Can I work a fair without approval of the Board?

Yes.  You can “assist” our missionaries in soul winning at any fair or festival you are able to schedule.  You will need to contact the Fair Scheduling Coordinator at the office or a fair manager you may know and schedule an event.  You will need to read and sign our Policies and Procedures form, agreeing to abide by all our rules and regulations prior working the fair (all fair managers have the forms).  Many people who are considering the ministry like to “try out” a fair or several fairs during their prayerful consideration before joining AGM.  You are welcome to work with our missionaries anywhere as long as you abide by the rules of the mission.

How can I know God is calling me into this ministry?

That is a question only you will be able to answer.  A few questions you might want ask yourself is:  How did God speak to you regarding AGM?  Are you responding to an emotional event or a real call of God?  Are there circumstances in your life that have influenced your judgement?  Have you sought God’s will in the matter in His Word?  Have you sought God’s will in prayer?  Have you discussed the “call” with your pastor or sought the counsel of godly men?  Have you “bathed” the matter in prayer over an extended period of time (three months or more)?  Do you have scripture that has spoken to you regarding the call?  Once you begin your ministry there will be times when you may question your decision, but if God has really spoken to you, and you have scripture to stand on as a foundation of your call, those doubts will only be fleeting moments, and you can go back to the promise God spoke to you in His Word. “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.”(Rom 4:20-21) And “Every word of God is pure: He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him” (Proverbs 30:5). 

If God has spoken and called you, then you are faced with a choice: obey or not obey, go or not go.  One verse God spoke to Joshua when he was chosen by God to go and possess the land God had promised. “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest”(Joshua 1:9). But, in the verse before this (Joshua 1:8) God gives Joshua a conditional statement:  that Joshua can be assured of success and his way may prosperous by: “This book of the Law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” Therefore, the conclusion one can make from these profound scriptures is: if a person will saturate himself/herself in the word of God; God will direct your ministry to success.  If you have been saturating yourself in the Word of God, and you still aren’t sure, the scriptures tell us to ask for wisdom: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and unbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (James 1:5).

Ultimately, the decision to follow God’s calling comes down to: FAITH!  “But without faith it is impossible to please Him..(Hebrews 11:6a).  Did you see that? IMPOSSIBLE!  This scripture tells us it is impossible to please Him without faith.  Faith requires we do something we cannot do or understand, which would lead one to think that God is not going to call you to do something you can completely understand how it’s all going work out. In reality, most of the time God does not direct us to do something we can do, that would not require faith and we could claim the glory.  Oswald Chambers expresses it like this:“If you are able to tell exactly where you were when you received the call of God and can explain all about it, I question whether you have truly been called.  The call of God does not come like that; it is much more supernatural.  The realization of the call in a person’s life may come as a clap of thunder or it may dawn gradually.  But however quickly or slowly this awareness comes, it is always accompanied with an undercurrent of the supernatural - something that is inexpressible and produces a “glow.”  At any moment the sudden awareness of this incalculable, supernatural, surprising call that has taken hold of your life may break through - “I have chosen you…(John 15:16).”

How am I supported?

As missionaries, we are God supported.  Each individual missionary/couple is responsible for their own living and travel expenses.  You may want to step out in faith and trust God for all your needs; or go out on deputation to raise support in advance.  Either way, faith is required, which we all know God blesses.  Where God guides, He provides.   “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.” (2 Cor. 9:8)

For the woman – how hard is it to adjust to a “life on the road” in a motorhome or trailer?

If you are led of God to serve in AGM, then your life on the road is in obedience to Him.  It’s not always easy, sometimes challenging, but always an adventure!  God will prepare you for the lifestyle and bless you immensely for your obedience.  Most of us find it a simple, cozy, free way of life.  Travel homes are so well equipped, you seldom lack for anything, although kitchen counter space and storage areas are sometimes minimal.  However, you will quickly adjust and learn we can live very comfortably with a lot less.  You don’t need 5 different Pyrex dishes, 1 or 2 will do just fine and so on… You have the means of seeing the country, meeting wonderful Christian brothers and sisters, traveling to family when you desire, serve the Lord and be a part of hundreds and thousands accepting Him as Saviour.   What could be better!!!  It’s not what you give up, it’s what you gain by serving and obeying God’s leading.  (Deut 28:2)   “And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God.”

After I am accepted as a missionary with AGM/FFCI, what are the basic materials needed if I have to setup a booth.

Most all missionaries are asked to be equipped to setup up a booth if necessary.  Even if you plan to work with others, there may arise a special need.  If God so directs, you will need the following for a basic booth set up.  Some is provided by AGM and the rest you will need to purchase or borrow.

·         Three door unit – provided by AGM

·         Smiley tracts, decision cards, Bible-club cards & Birth cert. – provided by AGM

·         “AGM Booth Instruction” document for non-missionaries – provided by AGM.

·         AGM  Banner/s – provided by AGM (need bungee cords or tie-straps for hanging)

·         6 ft. Table for booth front with red table cloth (4 yds. of red 72” wide, washable felt sold at JoAnn’s Fabrics works well.)

·         6-8 folding chairs and (2) optional card tables

·         Storage containers for tracts and ministry supplies

·         Writing pens & small clip boards if not using card tables

·         There are other items which are often used, such as a tent (optional - don't buy a tent until you have to), table lights, clamp on lamps for illuminating a tent at night, pencil cups, trash can, first aid kit, basic tools (hammer, screw driver, pliers, tie straps, bungee cords etc.). Not all of these are essential; once you have gained a little experience you will discover what items you find important to you.

·         Approximate cost for all the items listed above (not provided by AGM) is about $200-$250. A tent (optional) can be purchased at a Sams Club for approximately $175.

Where do I get the “set-up” (3 door unit, tracts, and other materials etc.) needed to conduct a fair?

The Amazing Grace Mission office will mail/ship them to your requested destination.  The “Fair Manager” must make a request for tracts (smiley tracts, and other printed AGM tracts) weeks in advance of an event (preferably a month in advance) to ensure enough tracts are available for the fair. If you desire to use tracts not provided by AGM, you will have to purchase them yourself (please refer to the Training Manual regarding types of tracts we should and should not use – all tracts must be King James scripture tracts).  Items not provided by the mission (as listed above) can be bought at various places, but one favorite is Wal-Mart and “Dollar” type stores, which have discounted prices.  Various “specialty” items may be purchased at an office supply store such as Office Depot or Staples, etc. Much will depend on your personal preference for some of these items. 

Will someone train me in “market place” ministry?

Yes!  During the AGM conference every year we have training sessions to help “new” and “experienced” missionaries with methods used in market place soul winning.  New missionaries should receive a Training Manual with all of the procedures, methods, and regulations utilized by AGM workers.  It is important that you read through this manual thoroughly.  Part of the requirements of working at a booth is that you agree to follow the procedures and regulations outlined in this manual.  AGM’s ability to continue to work in fairs, festivals and farm shows in the future may very well depend on how we have followed these rules and procedures.  Available also, are several videos which demonstrate how we work at the fair.  When you are ready to work an event, you should notify the AGM office staff or the Fair Scheduling Coordinator.  They will direct you to an event where experienced AGM missionaries are working.  Once it is decided where you will go, the office will supply you with the phone numbers and information needed to contact the senior missionary. He will then direct you to where and when you should come.  You will then have the opportunity to be trained “on the job.”  Working in the fair booth is where you gain the most confidence, knowledge and experience.  Although, it is helpful to be as prepared as possible. (For example:  Be very familiar with salvation scriptures, familiar with your personal Bible, which can be used if you prefer as long as it’s a KJV).  Fair managers usually have “booth Bibles” which are “highlighted” with preferred salvation scriptures which can be used by anyone.  Senior missionaries have great insight on methods and situations encountered at an event, please listen and watch them, you can learn much.

How should I get started working an actual fair?

If you are an AGM Missionary, just call the office and they will direct you.  If you are not an AGM Missionary, but desire to “try it out somewhere,” again, call the office and the staff will direct you to an AGM missionary in your area with whom you could work.  It is very typical for people “seeking God’s direction” in this ministry to help at some fairs as they seek a decision about God’s leading in the mission.  Please don’t hesitate to call, and let us help you get started.  You never know what God might do.

Am I “assigned” a fair schedule?

No…You and the Lord are in control of your schedule. In January of each year the office staff will ask us to make a fair schedule for the year.  It’s not written in stone, just a starting point.  Once the staff has an opportunity to discern everyone’s schedules they can determine weak spots and needs.  If you want to travel to a certain part of the country then you would want to schedule fairs in that area and so on…Often missionaries like to work the region they are from.  That’s fine too!  There are great needs everywhere and the more workers we have the more fairs we can do, ultimately reaching more lost people. The Scheduling Coordinator may call and ask you to redirect for specific needs and it is your option to either accept or decline based on your prayerful consideration.  Some missionaries keep the same fair schedule year after year, and others flex and change from year to year.  It’s up to you.  If it’s your first year serving, it is wise to hook up with an experienced missionary who is managing fairs and gain experience and confidence under their tutelage. In this case, their schedule becomes your schedule.  

Do I have to travel to be a part of AGM/FFCI?

No, but if you do God will take you on an incredible adventure as you see different parts of the country, and experience the very diverse culture we have here in the USA.  The mission field in America is as great as anywhere in the world.  However, if traveling is not possible, you can work your local fairs, festivals, farm shows, and flea markets.  Flea markets or Jockey Lots, as some call them; have become an exciting method of spreading the gospel right where you live.  One church, Liberty Baptist Church in St. Petersburg, Florida, has been doing a flea market ministry patterned after the methods of AGM for 10years.  They have seen more than a thousand people profess Christ as Saviour, and given out millions of tracts.  So, the truth is, you can participate in market place ministry anywhere.  You just need a “heart for souls.”  If you or your church would like to start up a local ministry like this, please contact us, we will train and help you get going.

Do I need a prayer letter?

A prayer letter or newsletter is our way of communicating with our supporters, loved ones, sisters and brothers in Christ, churches and Pastors.  Writing a prayer/newsletter is not a rule, but is certainly encouraged.  Bragging on what the Lord is doing and sharing with others the blessings of the fair ministry is a joy.  The letter allows others to rejoice with you, pray for you, encourages them, and so on… The office staff will process and mail your written copy to your mailing list if you desire or you may choose to do it yourself. Monthly, quarterly, semiannual, but at the very least yearly should be the goal.

Do I need a “Display Board?”

If you are going to be presenting the ministry, speaking in churches or attending Mission Conferences it will be helpful to have a “display board.”  However, if you are going to have one, it needs to be a good one.  Your display not only represents you, but also Amazing Grace Mission, and every missionary of AGM.  The Office staff would be happy to direct you to someone to help you with “ideas” and “how to’s” for your “display board” if you determine it’s needed.

Do I need a Motorhome, 5^th Wheel, or Trailer?

Not always, but it helps immensely if you are “fulltime.”  Some missionaries depend on profhet chambers or a fellow Christian’s home in the fair city for living quarters.  These are not always available and obviously can restrict where, or how many fairs you may be able to work.  You may elect to stay with friends, relatives or motels.  However, motels can be costly.  If you are considering part-time service, these options may be viable.  However, for full-time missionaries it is desirable to have a travel-home.  Which one?  The decision to get a motorhome, 5^th wheel, trailer, Class C camper, or travel van is a personal choice, based on your needs and financial circumstances.  The cost of the different types of travel homes is varied and the $ range within each style is huge.  There are pros and cons to each type of unit.  AGM missionaries use each style described and they are all sufficient and provide a cozy home on the road. Note: considering the statement above:  don’t let your lack of a motorhome, travel trailer, or 5^th wheel, etc., keep you from fair ministry.  If God has called you into this ministry, HE will make a way for you to get to events and a place to stay while there.  So, come on!

Can you give me help on how to select a motorhome, trailer, or 5^th Wheel, etc.?

Because many of us have one of these rigs, there is a wealth of knowledge and experience available.  We can share with you the pros and cons, styles, brands, dealers, tips of what to look for, what’s helpful for everyday living etc.  The ultimate decision is yours and is determined by your needs and finances.