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.