BISMARCK – The congregation of First Baptist Church here participated in their annual Fall Family Mission Trip Oct. 26-28.
The mission trip hit close to home because it took place right inside the city limits. When the destination of this year’s mission trip was revealed, Bro. Matt Sheckles reminded the congregation that “as we go unto all the world we must be careful not to overlook those right in our own backyards.”
More than 70 workers of all ages participated in the “Epic Outreach” mission trip, tackling many projects throughout the town and within the church. Sixty-two kids attended “Epic Fun Day,” a free program offered Oct. 26 when several local schools were off for the day.
There were about 20 yard projects (and a city park project) completed throughout Bismarck, including tree removal, cleaning gutters, raking leaves and clearing brush. A family was provided with a roof repair. An outreach project for the elderly and people in need provided homemade bread, bottled water and blankets to more than 75 families and individuals throughout the community. A “Clothes Closet” was created and will soon be available for people of all ages in the community.
Those involved with the project shared touching stories in church during the Oct. 28 morning service. Many speakers expressed the same thought: The workers received just as much of a blessing as those they were serving. One speaker, church member Barb Steel, said the church’s mission of sharing lives and building relationships must not end here.
“Epic Outreach needs to be a lifestyle change, not just a one-time event,” Steel said. “People in nursing homes need to be visited more than once a year. The need right here in our own town is great!”
The church would love for “Epic Outreach” to become a yearly tradition while continuing with mission trips around the globe. Enthusiasm and passion is contagious, and the church did a Battery Outreach program on Nov. 3. Members went around the entire town providing replacement batteries for smoke detectors as the time changed. The Bismarck Fire Department provided help with installation upon request. The whole town was invited to a free fish fry that evening as well.