Faith, Fellowship and unity in Sisseton, South Dakota

Sisseton, South Dakota Summer 2016 

 10^th Anniversary

Reflecting on our missions trip late this afternoon, as we are driving back to Rochester, Mn, I see blessings have been abundant for our trip this year. I am excited to share this story with you as I thank Christ Community Church and Dakota Alliance Church in providing this opportunity for our family to serve together, strengthen friendships and grow spiritually.

CCC church leadership connected our team to Isaiah Crossfield, an area teen who has impacted the lives of children across the world and we are thankful for his heart in sharing his passion with the children and teens on the Sisseton Wahpeton Reservation. Prior to our trip, we were blessed with a session in learning bike maintenance, and safety in setting up the first bike rodeo. During our time in Sisseton this week on Friday, our team held our first Bike Rodeo after morning VBS, and children had bikes repaired while learning basic maintenance, learned bike safety, and were delighted to ride and have fun. Thanks for your continued prayers for the youth in Sisseton for their salvation, safety, security and for their school year.
Genesis 22:14 that they would experience God as Jehovah --Jireh Their Provider.

Pictured: Dwight Crossfield and Bob from Bicycle Sports

teach our Sisseton Team bike maintenance one week ago.

Fellowship and traditions

Our church has sent a team to Sisseton, South Dakota for ten years, and this is our  sixth year as a family serving in Sisseton. Each time we travel, there is a bond of unity within the teammates as we are able to work together while building relationships through Christ. Over the years, CCC has helped  build a swing set, and a picnic shelter.   Year 2016 marks a ten year commitment for families traveling to Sisseton to support and encourage the Sisseton Alliance Church and the Dakota Alliance Church. VBS is held at the Dakota Alliance Church.  Tradition has been to tie dye t–shirts beginning the week of VBS. In the afternoon, we have had great success in hosting a “Finding your voice” session with the older elementary students.  Sand art is also an activity the children look forward to with great delight.  Last year we added Lego building during VBS and each year the students look forward to receiving school supplies donated by the children attending vacation bible school at Christ Community Church!

School Supplies from VBS CCC!

Finding your Voice 

                                    

                   Thank you to the Dance family who plans and prepares all of the sand art prior to our trip.

Prayer and Devotions:

Team members are up early for breakfast and devotions as our team is in Sisseton from Tuesday through Sunday. Prayer and devotions are held around 8:30 in the morning and then the team heads over to the Dakota Alliance Church to prepare for Vacation Bible School. This year, our team held the first prayer walk through downtown Sisseton.

Women's Spa Day, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet. So you also should wash one another’s feet. I have given you an example. You should do as I have done for you. - John 13:14-15

Puppet Shows:

Kim and Jim held a fantastic puppet show during the bible lesson each week.! Kim made the puppets this year and wrote a wonderful script.

Mobile VBS puppet show!

Songs:

Claudia and Sidney led songs to the children who attended. There are many children whom we recognize and know from previous years, and I am always delighted to see how they have grown.

Church Family and Community Meals

All of lunch and supper meals are planned for fellowship with our church family and the community of Sisseton. A very special thank you to Charlotte Dance who planned and prepared several of the meals. Sharing our time together over meals is a very special time to visit and serve.  

Sunday afternoon after church services we have a potluck before heading home.

Evening Campfires

Our evening campfires build in a time of fellowship with church and community members. Children have the opportunity to roast marshmallows, participate in Jiffy pop contests and hear stories around the fire.