The tent is set up and ready to go! Special thanks to the Richards family, Vicki Jacques and Danny and Laura Orpin for their help. The tent opened at 11 a.m. and it poured for the first several hours. There were a total of 24 who came through the tent.
On the Frontlines: Emily Weddle, Isaac Schurter and Shannan Mehler
September 6th
Lyrinda Richards of Medora Bible Church reported that even though there was a lot of rain and parts of the tent was flooded 180 youth heard the gospel presented. There were 4 repeats and 7 professions!
On the Frontline: Sarah Crawfood, Tanner Crawford, Angie Lehhrman, Patti Butler, Chelsey Butler, Melissa, Joshua Richards, Audrey Johnson, Aaron, Courtney, Ethan, Brittney and Tiffany Bosworth, Corey Richards, CJ/Courtney Johnson, Vicki Jacques, Toby, Linda Witt and Ron Jacques
September 7th
A beautiful sunny day brought many to the State Fair. Anna Weddle reported 311 came through the Gospel Handpainting Tent. There were even 23 repeats! Please pray for A. who accepted Christ! Highlights of the day include a lot of cute kids, some teenagers and adults that Liz handled very well. Pray specifically that the teens will take the gospel seriously.
Those on the frontlines were Rachel, Messer, Anna Weddle, Kristen Weddle, Erin Keeley, Liz Messer, Rebeckah Weddle, Anna Messer & Mark Weddle.
September 8th
Though the weather today was cold, windy and damp Nancy Pierce reports that 201 individuals had their hands painted. There were 2 professions! Praise the Lord! 16 were counseled for assurance and 9 Bibles were given out. The team said the highlights from Monday include the receptivity of children and parents, the excitement of the workers and those who trusted in Christ.
On the Frontlines today: Marcia Ashton, Gloria Cox , Pauline Filbert, Jo Griswold, Jelene Grady, Linda Hambrick, Marilyn Hardin, Darlene Klassen, Joy Shumway, Jacqueline Reimschisel, Jackie Craft, Jessica Craft, Paula Unruh and Allen Lister (Rinky Dink!) We appreciate Nancy Pierce coordinating this day! Thanks as well to Mrs. Richards for her help in set up.
Sept 9th
There were 121 total today. Thirteen individuals said they accepted Christ today! Eleven were counseled for assurance. The weather was partly cloudy.
On the Frontlines: Nick Johnson, Jon Prigge, Arlen Busenitz, Abigail, Andrea, Bethanne, Makenzie, Ashlyn, Breanna, Hannah, Ben Block, Brandon Busenitz, Ben Busenitz and Nate Busenitz. Special thanks to Charlene and Jon for being team coordinators!
September 10th
163 visited the CEF tent.
Prayer Requests: Sunny’s friend seemed cold at first, but a little more open at the end.
Also pray for one child who thought baptism could get him to Heaven
On the Frontlines: Alisha Busenitz, Lucas Schooley, Jenna Myer, Trisha Bevan, Lisa Wiebe, Shawna Ranfeld, Kristen Wiebe and Sylvia Busenitz. Team picture below.
September 11th
Today was a RAINY and VERY low traffic day. Pastor Wayne commented that it was the lowest traffic day he’d ever seen. A total of 33 received Gospel Handpainting.
Frontlines: Rita Schwartz, Elizabeth Walton, Lyrinda Richards, Pastor Wayne, Lori Johnson, Amber Ells and Brittanee. Thank you Vicki for coordinating the day!
Sept 12
Does this weather report sound familiar…
“Wet, rainy and muddy”
Despite the conditions, 99 individuals heard the gospel presentation. Seven of those individuals made a profession of faith. Team coordinator Stacy Ranfeld highlights of today included, “The experience of sharing your faith with others; learning the basics of what to share, talking with the little kids and growing closer as a group.
Please pray that the kids who heard the story would ponder it more on their way home and read their tracts. Also pray for the handful that prayed would have someone come along side of each of them and encourage them and help them to grow.
On the Frontlines today were Karis, Leah, Alyssa, Emily, Hannah, Sarah, Elise, Maureen, Breanna, Erica and Jeriel.
September 13
A.m. shift: Just wanted to let you know how things went this morning. It was very muddy, but someone had brought in some sand and dumped it in our "driveway". Pastor Rick put it around and then we just had two tables set up on the south end of the tent. We had Pastor Rick Grossenbaucher, Kathy Tevis, Stephanie Wright, Isaac Shoemaker, Aron Decker and myself. I would say we saw about 50 some children/youth. Kathy even shared the Gospel with a few others who didn't want their hands painted. We did hand out some of the bracelets/tracks to just passerbys. All in all, it was a very good day.
P.m. Shift: The reports we have now show 99 children came through the tent in the afternoon. Two children received assurance for their salvation. The weather was mild.
Pray for the 2 people that took a Bibles but didn’t want to pray.
The afternoon team included: Joshua, Michaela, Rachel, Hannah, Matthew, Velda and Elizabeth.
September 14
158 children came through the tent today. It was cool and sunny. Six children came through a second time. Quite a few children expressed a desire to profess Christ! Praise God!
A highlight of the day for the workers was seeing many children who were familiar with the gospel and were willing to talk about it.
Those serving today: Katie Hill, Ben F, Julie F, Scott Hill, Lynette Hill, Brandy, Donneta, Kathy P, Rachel F, Andy Gilmore, Deb and Mark Gilmore.
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We want to say THANK YOU for your part in reaching just over 1,400 children through the State Fair Ministry. Continue praying for the 49 individuals who indicated they professed Christ! It is a blessing to serve alongside each and every one of you.
Looking Ahead to 2009!
We have several specific needs for the State Fair Ministry. We will list the needs below. If you would enjoy assisting with the 2009 Fair planning and preparations, please contact Brenda and Tim Harder at harder@wheatstate.com
** TENT **
We really appreciate the Weddles and Schooley's letting us borrow their tents this year. We also are grateful for those who helped waterproofed the 2 tents by securing a large tarp over both. THANK YOU!
By next year, we would like to have purchased a tent that is more designed for our needs. If anyone is willing to research good options (size, price, color, design) for purchasing a tent, let us know. We would then make that information public for those who may want to specifically designate towards it's purchase.
** ORGANIZATIONAL **
We would like to spead out the responsibility next year for organizing this event. If you enjoy secretarial work. i.e. recruiting Team Coordinators, Making phone calls, updating forms, putting information online, helping put together promotional information, etc - please let us know!
** STORAGE **
Ideally, we'd like to store the handpainting supplies down in the Hutch area.
Right now they are stored in Manhattan KS. It would be helpful to find a more central location, to avoid hauling the supplies back and forth each year.
