Indiana—The members of the Northwest Church in Crown Point, Ind., were challenged by a fellow member to use their talents to raise funds for a mission project. After some prayerful discussion, they decided to enter the local county fair, submitting their arts, crafts and foods. They would keep their winning ribbons to show off, but the money they won would be used to help a missionary pastor who has 20 congregations in the Philippines. He usually walks or bicycles to get to all his churches, but said he could visit his members more often if he had a motorcycle.

More than 20 church members entered items at the fair. The local pastor, Allen Shepherd, entered his photography, and his daughter, Jennifer, won second place with her photography entry. Shepherd was very happy to see the creativity of so many members in their effort to raise money for the mission project. Leota Hainey, 82 years young, didn't think her peanut butter fudge or knitting would win, but she won second and third place with them. She said, "God must have wanted my entries to win because my funds are limited, and He knew I was using the only resources I had to earn money for this mission project."

Members were impressed how God worked when they used their talents for Him. Gene Wineland received a blue ribbon for his woodworking. Shirley Nielson also won a blue ribbon for her bread. Jeanne Gilbert received Best of Show for her flowers that she takes so much pride in. Many members invited friends to see their entries at the fair and discovered it was an easy way to begin a conversation that led to witnessing for Jesus.

Pat Kubik said she never thought they could raise the money, but admitted that, just as the mustard seed was sown, God did big things with their little talents and their faith increased as a result. One gentleman, who wanted to remain anonymous, donated to the cause because he works for an auto dealership and could relate to a minister needing good transportation.

Altogether, with the award money from the fair plus donations from other members, God blessed and $2,700 was raised for the motorcycle. The congregation recently received word from the Philippines that the pastor has purchased the motorcycle and also had enough money left over for a projector, which he desperately needed to show slides during his evangelistic meetings.

Some officials from the local fair board heard about the Northwest Church members' project to help a pastor in the Philippines. The officials remarked that they were impressed that people would do something like that "in this day and age and in this economy," and thought Adventists must be "really good people who care." They also expressed praise for their "very creative fund-raiser ways."

The Northwest Church members decided to enter the fair again next year and will designate another worthy project to be the recipient of their winnings. They hope their experience might serve as an inspiration for other churches to be involved in their own local county fairs to raise money for missions or church outreach projects.

James Pavelka, communication leader, Northwest Church