Repeat Trips Produce Fruit: Rocky Mountain

Who would have thought that a group of friends traveling to Montana in March of 2022 would lead to a mission opportunity? During our trip, we needed to store a van seat from our rental vehicle. Our pastor called a pastor of a church near the Bozeman airport, and he was fortunately able to help. Our relationship began that day. Several phone calls later, we had a small group go serve at the Bridge Gallatin Gateway Church. Our first task was to repurpose an area for hosting mission teams and interns.

Our team returned in the summer of 2023 and joined the Bridge Church for outreach during their local annual car show. We had a bouncy house and a rock climbing wall. We distributed backpacks filled with school supplies to children. Our team provided street cleaning for the city of Belgrade during the show. We took this opportunity to speak with locals and visitors to the show. Our southern dialect made it easy to have conversations. We invited attendees to check out the Bridge Church and many did. We also painted, did light construction, and installed a drop ceiling at the local school. These improvements got the attention of school leadership and parents when school began. We were known as “those Christians who did the work.”

In the summer of 2024, our youth group visited the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation to assist a youth camp for Reservation kids. The gospel message is shared with them, along with plenty of fun. Our group worked to get the camp ready for summer activities. We also helped with Vacation Bible School at Bridge Gateway Gallatin Church, which was held for the first time in years. Our team members were shocked when some of the students didn’t know what a Bible was. After hearing stories from the Bible, the students wanted to carry their Bibles home and share them with their parents.

Repeated trips to the school and car show have fostered lasting relationships both within and outside the church. We learned early on that it takes around three years before individuals begin to know and trust you. Conversations may start with “Why are you traveling across the country to do what you do?” By the way, we also get those same questions from home. Once team members go, they want to help and contribute in whatever way they can. Two of our men purchased and installed a new HVAC system for the Bridge Gateway Gallatin Church. Others have sent cards, letters and financial support. In short, listen to God, join Him where he is at work, and be obedient. The blessing will be yours!
– Greg Parker, Western Prong Baptist, Whiteville, NC

Cook and maintenance teams of 8-12 volunteers are needed each summer to serve at our partner Baptist Camps in Wyoming and New Mexico. Other requests come from all across the region.

Check out the list and contact us if you have a team that can help!