Guest post by Shelby’s own, Don Alsup…
I just returned from a week-long mission trip to Spearfish, South Dakota. It was a life-changing experience. A mission trip is one of those things that I have always wanted to do but never got around to it. Instead of traveling to South America or all the way overseas, I thought that I might start off a little closer to home. As it turned out, there are plenty of mission fields right here in our own country. 90% of the Dakotas are unchurched. When you share the Gospel with one of them, it is likely that they are hearing it for the very first time. My church (Faith Baptist Bartlett, TN) sent a group of 20 volunteers to help Connection Church (Spearfish, SD) host 3 free block parties on three consecutive evenings. We handed out flyers to every home within walking distance of the park and waited for everyone to show up. Over 100 the first night, over 120 the second night and over 160 the third evening. Everyone had a great time, there were plenty of meaningful conversations and a decision for Christ was made at each event. Connection Church has tripled in size over the past 3 years. Much of the growth has come by way of the block party ministry. It was a wonderful time of spiritual growth, and I am so glad that I finally did it. Warning: it’s addictive. Now I am looking forward to going again next year.
Please take time to watch the short video of this recent mission trip to the Dakotas. Perhaps you have considered signing up for one of those summer mission trips at your church but never followed through. We hope that this slide-show (with music) will inspire you to make the commitment. I can tell you from personal experience, you will not regret it.
You will see:
- our trip to Spearfish, SD
- stay at Foothills Community Church (Piedmont, SD)
- meet Steve Warren (only living Pearl Harbor survivor in SD)
- worship with Pastor Steve Hixson at Connection Church (Spearfish)
- road trip to Wyoming to see Devil’s Tower
- morning meeting at the church office
- delivering flyers for the free block party
- lunch at the park
- three block parties in 3 days – serving hundreds
- late night Uno and other games
- road trip to Mount Rushmore
- visit to nearby Belle Fourche (center of the US)
- lighting of the harvest candle
- 3 souls saved
- Overwhelmed