Eddie ,WHEW’s leader, and Brian met in Lake Charles, Louisiana while serving with Samaritan’s purse. It was truly God’s plan for them to meet, because they only worked together for one day and then Eddie had to leave. At the end of the week a chaplain from Billy Graham Evangelistic Association gave Brian Eddie’s number, after Brian thought he would never see Eddie again. The next year we went on a mission trip to Puerto Rico with Eddie and WHEW Missions. We had an amazing experience in PR and this is where the idea of having a team come to Sun Valley was born. Fast forward a year and what looked like would never happen, our awesome God made a way! I would also like to say we love the southern accents of the group and the kindness that only comes from the south!
At camp the mission team talked to the campers every morning about evangelizing and how to tell their salvation story to other people. Most in the group were able to connect with the kids at the camp. It was so great to see the youth on fire for Jesus. Madalyn and Winston had a great time staying at the camp without Mom and Dad a couple nights. Everyone in the group was so kind and took them under their wing.
During the day we were able to go to Ketchum and share the Good News! We were really amazed at how many people we were able to talk to and tell them about Jesus. It is really intimidating and kind of uncomfortable to talk to people from your own country versus going to another country where there are usually interpreters and the people are more open to hearing about Jesus. Here in the States it seems like people feel they don’t need Jesus because we have been paralyzed by prosperity and feel we have everything we need. But people can always use someone to talk to and if you can share the gospel while doing that, it is a win win and here was no different.
We worked with our local church The Rock Church in Hailey to set up a tent at the farmers market where we did face painting and hair wraps. We also did an outreach in Hailey at the park that brought a lot of children and families out to enjoy hamburgers, hot dogs and more face painting and hair wraps. We were able to share the Gospel and just enjoyed giving out free food and showing God’s love.
We had a really good time and we enjoyed getting to know everyone in the group. They all have a special place in our hearts. There is so much growing in a group of believers, not only closer to Christ but also with other believers. We are planning on visiting them in Tennessee this November and hope to get to see each one of them!