Green Bean Project 2026 Theme and Goals
It was the Tuesday night before Thanksgiving 15 YEARS ago that the lack of one can of green beans started this whole thing.
I had no idea when I stepped into that Wal-Mart line, holding my pathetic can of green beans where it would lead. I never would have guessed that the Facebook post I made that night—not about orphans, or fatherless kids, or statistics, but about a can of green beans and one woman’s kindness—would have such a lasting impact. But it has literally impacted hundreds of children.
So, this year, I want to really celebrate! I’d love to see how far we can spread the word. The project, as usual, will be primarily online on our FaceBook page, but we will have a celebration (sort of a combination of our open house and the Green Bean Casserole Cook-Off) on December 12, which I’ll post more about later. I can’t wait to see what God does this year!
So, what’s this year’s theme?
If you were to step into the Forbid Them Not office, you would be greeted by seven signs that have graced the walls for years. None of these signs have more than a few words on them, but each of them reminds us of what it takes to carry out this ministry. They are at the core of what keeps FTN going.
As I was preparing for this year’s Green Bean Project, those signs came to mind. I thought back over the years and how the ministries we work with have changed, how they are still changing. I thought of how both ministries included in this year’s project have exemplified the messages on these signs. While others have gone by the wayside or moved on to new seasons, these ministries have remained. They have been part of the Green Bean Project from the beginning, and their relationship with me and FTN started well before that.
As I thought of their dedication and their love for the children, I realized what these signs really represent. I realized these signs represent the qualities that make up a life of ministry, not just a chapter or season. Those qualities must be present for that ministry to endure and to endure successfully. But more than anything, I realized they are signs are Signs of Love.
So that will be our theme this year: Signs of Love. Over the next several weeks, through the end of the year, we’ll share one sign a week. And we’ll share a little of why each one is so important. (So, you’ll have to stay tuned to our Facebook page to find out what they say!)
Now to the Green Bean Project 2026 goals!
Over the years, Forbid Them Not has sought to meet the practical needs of missionaries working with orphans. Through The Green Bean Project we have provided textbooks, school supplies, fabric, clothing, and small financial gifts to schools and children’s homes in Kenya and Asia. Several years ago, we added FTN’s local outreach and special needs fund to the project. Over the years, this ministry has provided food, tires, clothing, counsel, discipleship, and other assistance for multiple fatherless families. Here are the needs and goals for 2026:
FTN Long-Term:
I’m going to start with the hard one first. So that we can end on the exciting ones. FTN truly has some financial needs of its own right now. While our support has remained fairly consistent over the years, the cost of ministry has increased substantially. The Green Bean Project Funds go directly to those we serve. None of it goes to our General Fund. But this year I’m praying the Lord will also bring in new monthly partners. Monthly partners not only keep us going, but you also help us grow. So, I’ve included a link at the bottom of the Green Bean Project giving page for just that purpose.
Kenya:
The ministry in Kenya, which has been a part of the ministry of FTN since nearly the beginning (2010), has a need for a new van. They estimate the cost to be around $4000-$8000. This is not extreme when you consider the cost of a vehicle (especially in the states), but it is higher than any goal we have aimed for in the past.
Central Asia:
The ministry in Central Asia is going through a time of change. While they do not have a specific tangible need, I would like to include their “Step Up” program in this year’s project. The “Step Up” program helps orphans who financially cannot afford it to take their education to the next step. This is a vital need in the lives of these children.
FTN:
This year FTN was able to sponsor multiple children going to camp where they clearly heard the gospel. We also gave a $25 scholarship for each mom and child attending a retreat for the Hannah House a local rehabilitation home for women. Forty-one women and children attended! And as a result, at least one woman gave her life to Christ! We would like to grow both of these areas next year as well as continuing with the other ministry we have offered locally over the years.
All of this puts this year’s goal at $12,000. I believe God can do this and more!
The Green Bean Project gives you an opportunity to help, and the confidence that 100% of what you give will go to these ministries and their specific needs. (Learn More)
Join us on our Facebook page for updates on how the project is going and more information on each ministry.
How To Give
The Green Bean Match ($1.15) came about during the first Green Bean Project, when the contents of a green, bean-shaped coin purse were donated to the project. Often, groups will make multiple Green Bean Matches (one for each member of the group or family). While this may seem a small investment, it adds up!
Other Amounts. Perhaps the Lord has put a specific amount on your heart or an amount has come in through a love offering at your church. This amount can be added manually here.
(Giving in someone else’s name? Just fill out that information in the special instructions section.)
Become a Monthly Partner. If you would like to partner with Forbid Them Not monthly, you can do so here. (Be sure to click the “Make this a Monthly Donation” button when setting it up.)
You can also send checks to:
Forbid Them Not Ministries
PO Box 80993
Billings, MT 59108
For more information, don’t hesitate to call us at 406-208-7332 or drop us an email.
Don’t Miss the Party!
Join our Facebook Page for GBP information and
our Facebook Group for special prayer requests and updates.
Get more Green Bean Project History Here!