In light of the unexpected passing of AgConnect Ministries’ founder Les Yoder in October 2023, we praise the Lord for His faithfulness and provision as we introduce Herbert H. Graybill as the new Executive Director of AgConnect Ministries. Many of you may have heard Herb’s name due to his involvement with AgConnect Ministries since its early beginnings; he was also spotlighted in April 2023. Herb is fully committed to following the Lord’s lead as he carries out Les Yoder’s vision on existing projects and expands into new projects and opportunities as well.
Herb resides in southern Lancaster County with his wife Elaine. As Herb transitions to his new role, Elaine will continue to run their small hauling business which provides services to the local Amish community. Herb has three daughters with three sons-in-law, and he enjoys spending time with his four grandchildren. He is fond of camping with family and friends, riding horses in warm months, and hunting. Herb is also involved in a Missouri-based ministry called Men’s Encounter. On each Men’s Encounter weekend, a large gathering of men come together and are challenged to look into their lives to see if they are living as God called them to be.
Herb is entering his new role as Executive Director with a wealth of prior agricultural and ministry experience. Not only has he served on the AgConnect Ministries board, but he also has 25 years of experience as a dairy farmer milking 60 Holsteins and farming 125 acres. Herb is coming to us from 16 years with Homestead Nutrition in New Holland, PA where he has consulted on dairy cow and equine nutrition and worked as an economist.
Even prior to his involvement with AgConnect Ministries, Herb was no stranger to international travel and agricultural training. Herb first traveled to Kazakhstan in 2002 and 2004 with the US Aid Farmer-to-Farmer program where he spoke with dairy farmers concerning dairy herd management. Herb’s first trip to Moldova then occurred in 2005 when AgriService Moldova (now AgConnect Ministries) was born after seeing the needs of the people. Herb joined the board in 2005 and has traveled to Moldova multiple times as a board member, assisting with seminars and other agricultural projects.
God has been speaking to Herb for the last two years to walk alongside Les during his battles with illness and to help in any way needed. For example, while Les was receiving treatment for recurring oral cancer in August 2023, Herb traveled to Kenya, Africa to speak in his place at the Pastors’ Leadership Conference with Preparing the Way Ministries.
Herb says, “God has commissioned farmers to feed the world. God has called Christian farmers to feed the world food and the bread of life.” As Executive Director, Herb will be working toward expanding AgConnect Ministries’ influence worldwide, bringing new hope and the love of Jesus to families through agriculture. When families can utilize agriculture to provide a livable income, they can meet their basic needs as well as give back to their churches and communities. For Herb, this is a mission worth his wholehearted commitment as he begins his role as AgConnect Ministries’ Executive Director.
If you would like to contact Herb, you are welcome to reach out via phone or email. For churches and small groups interested in hearing Herb share about what God is doing in Moldova and Kenya, please contact Herb directly for scheduling.
Cell: 717-989-5809
Email: herbg@agconnectministries.org
Fundraising Update
The Moldovan Headquarters House is ready for the final phase of remodeling! We still need just under $25,000 to finish this project. We would greatly appreciate your help! Donate by mail, or click the link below to donate online. Thank you!
