Written by Bekah Stratton on October 29, 2021.
It’s fall, y’all! And it sure felt like it at the Hotdogs, Hayrides, and Missions event on Wednesday, Oct. 20.
The air was crisp, cool, and filled with excitement as about 200 students and parents flooded the gym parking lot at Alliance Bible Fellowship. Kids and teens got right to work painting the pumpkins and eating the candy that doubled as table centerpieces, while parents enjoyed some fellowship against the backdrop of the colorful Boone mountainside.
After a classic hoedown dinner of hot dogs, chips, and slaw, Outreach Pastor Doug Cheshier took the mic to introduce several members of the community who participate in missions organizations, such as CRU and Freedom Farms. He encouraged students and their parents to take some time to talk with these folks about the work they do.
Next, Alliance Financial Manager Libby Dowell introduced this year’s Missionary Challenge—a reading program that encourages children to learn about as many missionaries as possible throughout the year. She explained that this year, in addition to reading about and interviewing missionaries, children are welcome to research missionary agencies and organizations, as well as unreached people. Every form that children complete about a book or research topic will enter them to win some fun prizes, including a scooter, Dollywood tickets, and a half-price rate for summer camp and retreats. Libby says Alliance is planning “another big hoopla like this” in the spring when the Missionary Challenge concludes!
After the missions presentation, families picked up their challenge folders, checked out library books, and received “Pray for Afghanistan” bookmarks made by Afghani women.
As the sun went down, the air turned from cool to chilly and families hopped onto hay bales to end the evening with a relaxing ride through the parking lots.
It’s not too late to join the challenge! There are extra worksheets on the third floor, or you can ask the church office for a packet.
Learn more about Children’s Ministry and upcoming events at Alliance Bible Fellowship.