You could actually feel the difference as our team prepared for Tuesday’s VBS program. A sense of excitement filled the room as we welcomed another 45 kids to our Kid’s Club. Feeling more prepared than ever, our team made the kids a high priority and focused on “having fun”. And God smiled on our efforts. Three children dedicated their lives to follow Christ! Tears filled the eyes of one of the grandmothers who was told that their granddaughter is now a Christ follower.

In the evening our team had a unique opportunity to sit with older members of the Nazarene church that we are working with. We were given the opportunity to ask any questions we had about Native American culture. It was a sobering time as we heard about Native American children being taken from their parents in the 1950’s and placed into boarding schools. The eyes of the Westwind team were opened to the issues facing Native Americans, including substance abuse, suicide, and losing their culture. Many conversations took place after the meeting that will hopefully bring our team to our knees in prayer for this hurting people group.

With all the amazing things happening with our team at Rosebud, it is hard to believe that Monday could be even better, but it was. With almost twice as many kids as the first day of our Kid’s Club, our team led 47 kids in songs, skits, and in the theme “God is Bigger Than Our Fears”. With the leadership of team members, we were able to reach out to more neighboring communities, which allowed more kids to hear about Jesus.

Our team was also able to bless the pastor our hosting church. There were several projects accomplished that helped the pastor and his church. The hard work and effort of our team helped free up Pastor Jack to reach out to the community. In the evening a small team was invited back to the drug and alcohol abuse center at the request of the residents there. This time the emphasis turned toward building trust, and sharing testimonies. The director of the center said that no other team has ever been invited back. It was a very special opportunity.

The team’s spirits are high, and they look forward to two more days of Kid’s Club and more service opportunities. As you think of our team, be in prayer for the following issues:

• Energy level of team
• Open hearts of kids to receive Christ
• Pastor Jack and Nancy (leaders of the church)
• Continual reliance on God to lead this trip

On Sunday morning, our team of 22 set out for a long day of ministry. First, we spent the morning with the White River Nazarene Church for Sunday School and their worship service. It was a great time of fellowship, as we were connected by a love for God, his son and the Word. After the service we enjoyed a potluck dinner with the church community.

After the morning our team spent the time recruiting neighborhood kids to come to our Kid’s Club. Our entire team took part in all the aspects of the program. There were great songs, skits, crafts and wonderful stories. Some highlights were Sarah Stillmunkes’ lesson on GOD HEALS OUR HURTS, and the testimonies of Jon Colyer, Dierdre Sullivan, and Anna Greiman. There were 27 children present, which the pastor’s wife, Nancy, was very impressed.

One of the impact moments of the day was when we were invited to lead a service to a group of Indians in an Alcohol and Drug treatment center. Papa John, Jay Safford, John Harrington and myself got to be a part of this unique opportunity. Alcoholism and drug abuse run rampant on the reservation and seeing it up close and personal was not only enlightening, but heart wrenching. John Harrington’s testimony, which is similar to many at the treatment center, was what lightened up the room, as people heard how they could be freed from substance abuse with the help of God and his son, Jesus. There were tear-filled eyes on the faces of many patients when John shared that only Jesus could set them free.

It was a great day of ministry and the rest of the week will be just as filled. Please be in constant prayer for our group.

We are here! After a long day of travel, and several bathroom stops, the Westwind team arrived in Mission, SD with 200 other students and adults to share God’s love to the Rosebud Reservation. Already there is a sense of excitement as we prepare ourselves for what God can do through us to the town of White River.

Tomorrow we will be worshiping as a church with White River Nazarene Church. Pastor Jack has invited us to potluck dinner following the service. Later in the afternoon we will be hosting the first of four Kid’s Club programs, involving music, crafts, skits, message, and snacks. We will be concluding our day by having a hotdog cookout for those who came to our club.

We are excited and appreciate any prayers you can offer.

Every time I leave for a trip I think through all the things I need to pack. Our Westwind missions team also has a list of prayer needs that we are asking you to pack in your heart this week:

1. Pray for safe travel as we take the 8.5 hour trip West to White River, SD.
2. Pray for the town of White River as we begin a ministry relationship.
3. Pray that our Kids Club will show children that God loves them.
4. Pray for safety of the team
5. Pray for God-ordained experiences that will stretch our team and share Christ to others
6. Pray for people to come to know God through Jesus.

Check back the this site from time to time to get updates (and maybe even a picture or two).

Operation Christmas Child brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations worldwide through gift-filled shoe boxes and the Good News of God’s Love. Westwind is excited about the opportunity to help serve underprivileged children around the world. Here are some ways you can make a difference in the lives of those children:

Pray. Please pray the God will touch the heart of ever child who receives a shoe box gift and that he will bring many children and families to faith in Christ.

Pack a Gift. A shoe box filled with small toys and other gifts can open hurting hearts to God’s love. Instructional brochures are available at the offering table on Sundays beginning November 23 – December 6. The information can also be found at www.samaritanspurse.org. When your gift is packed you can return your boxes to the church on Sunday or bring them to the church office on or before December 7.

Give. Please remember to give $7 or more per box to cover shipping and other project costs.

Thank you for joining in this special effort.