Juan and Jenn Whiting
Fri, January 9 | 7:30-9:00 pm MDT
WHERE:
James and Judith McConkie.
3373 S Oakwood St
Millcreek, Utah 84109
Thanks to Jim and Judi for hosting this gathering in their home.
THE CONVERSATION:
Imagine your family, young kids and all, moving from Millcreek, Utah to Rwanda, Africa for a work opportunity. You hope to help a people torn apart by war to apply land stewardship and agricultural practices that will bring healing and some prosperity to their communities. But it is not nearly as straightforward of an opportunity as you had hoped. Challenges abound even before the funding is shuttered. You then decide to go it alone as a business venture only to have COVID arrive in the middle of starting up. In the meantime, their service in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints— while also challenging—is bearing much more rewarding fruit.
How does one keep moving forward with hope in the face of economic stress and hardship in a country and people foreign to you? Where do you go for solace and strength when so much seems to be going wrong? What if the reason for your current path, isn’t the “what and why” you thought it was? What are the merits of staying or moving on? Where is faith in all this and what role does it play?
Finally—and Jenn wants you to especially contemplate this question for discussion—”What is one thing you know the Lord/universe has asked/pulled you to do that you have not acted on?
Why not?
What would it look like if you did it, right now?”
Join us for an inspiring brief recounting of the Whiting family’s journey into living in Africa for years and then returning to Millcreek. Maybe more importantly, let’s explore, as we begin another new year of our lives, what might happen if we seriously address Jenn’s question.
ABOUT JUAN AND JENN:
Juan Whiting is an agricultural strategist, land-stewardship advocate, and global development practitioner who bridges international experience with innovative solutions for resilient food systems and empowered communities.
As the founder of Stray Acres LLC, Juan helps farmers, ranchers, and agricultural organizations secure critical funding by developing expert grant proposals, customized funding strategies, and strategic partnerships that unlock resources for sustainable agriculture, climate-resilient projects, and rural economic development. Through Stray Acres, he has guided clients in navigating the complex landscape of agricultural funding to strengthen local food systems and community outcomes.
Juan also serves as President of the Hinterland Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to training veterans in regenerative grazing, holistic land management, and sustainable agribusiness practices. The Institute equips former military service members with hands-on skills to restore soil health, manage working landscapes, and build resilient rural economies, linking land stewardship with meaningful careers and broader food-system impact.
Before founding these organizations, Juan spent more than eight years in East Africa, leading community and agricultural development initiatives aimed at improving food security, farming practices, and local livelihoods particularly in areas plagued by natural disasters and conflict. During his time in Rwanda, he taught mission preparation classes, served in the branch presidency, and was a key advocate for establishing a Church area along the Congo border — an effort that came to fruition the year after his family returned to the United States. His time in Africa deepened his commitment to regenerative approaches that honor both people and place, and strengthened his ability to lead across cultures and complex environments.
A fourth-generation farmer, U.S. Army Civil Affairs Officer, and author, Juan combines field experience with strategic vision to catalyze long-term resilience in food and land systems. Whether guiding regenerative projects in the United States or addressing global agricultural challenges, his work continues to connect ecological restoration with community empowerment and sustainable growth.
Jenn Whiting is a change agent, educator, and mentor who blends leadership, compassion, and faith to strengthen families and communities. She helps individuals find Christ, align their lives with His light, and develop the faith to follow Him, while empowering parents to love their children more fully through connection.
Jenn spent six years in East Africa with her husband, Juan, working in community development and faith-based education. She taught seminary and institute, mentored young adults, organized youth programs, and in 2019 introduced the Pathways program to Rwanda, opening new educational opportunities for students across the region.
Now based in Utah, Jenn is a mother of five, homeschooling her children, and enjoys surprising her husband with little acts of love. She believes lasting change comes as we learn to listen and love one another, starting in our hearts and families.
I’m delighted those who can’t attend in person can join virtually. I’m sorry I can’t give you the same care and attention given to those in person. Please contact me if you have suggestions for improvement.
- Click on the Zoom link above for either last month’s recorded conversation (if the event date has passed) or the live conversation now. If you are participating in the live conversation keep reading.
- When you are connected you will either be waiting in a lobby and will let be in shortly or you will immediately be able to see other participants. Please make sure that you are muted and that your video is on if you choose to have it on. (Love to see and hear you live, but we’ll take curious lurkers also.)
- If you can’t hear the host, me, or others, find your settings and make sure you have a working microphone and speaker selected. OR maybe the problem is on my end so please let me know if it is.
ZOOM ETIQUETTE:
- Please mute your microphone before entering and when you are not speaking so noises are not heard by everyone else.
- If you are going to multitask—not recommended—or wander around a lot, please turn off your video and make sure you are muted. No one wants to be distracted by you eating or using the loo.
