Clothing

Someone once said, "If you do not like the weather in Montana, wait fifteen minutes." That is so true. We recommend that you bring clothes for summer and winter seasons, but you only need enough for about two weeks altogether. A jacket will come in handy and so will layering your clothes.

Housing

Prepare yourself for a variety of housing. Some places will provide for you almost no privacy while others will provide for you your own bedroom and bathroom. You may stay at the church some weeks.

Evangelism

Be prepared to witness at any time. Use whatever method God leads you to use. Some good ways are; the Roman Road, ABCs of Salvation, or your own personal testimony.

Miscellaneous Some useful tips:

- Learn to drive a standard vehicle if you do not know how. Some weeks this will be your only transportation.

- Develop pictures while on the field. This way you can write about them before you forget. Even in only a few weeks your memory will become fuzzy about all the places you have gone and all the things you have done.

- If you have the time, keep a journal about your trip.

- If you are into letter writing, be prepared to spend a lot of money on postage.

Be sure to enjoy your trip and remember that your attitude is a reflection of yourself People will be watching you when you least expect it, so be sure that you show a Christian attitude.

Sincerely,

Crystel

Summer Missionary 1998

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March 19,1999

Dear Summer Missionaries,

Congratulations on your future mission work in Montana! What an honor you have been given by being assigned to "Big Sky Country". I served as a Summer Missionary to Montana in 1998. The summer was such a blessing. In three short months, I learned so much about ministry, myself, and especially my relationship with God. My prayer for you is that God will teach you as much in one summer as He taught me. I have full confidence that you "I grow to love the people in Montana and your life will never again be the same.

There are several things that I learned while ministering in Montana. The most important advice that I could give you is to be flexible - ANYTHING can happen! Be prepared to try any foods, sleep anywhere, and serve unselfishly. Don't be surprised if it snows in July, if your van breaks down on a mountain road, or if you have to sleep on a pew for a night. The people of Montana will give from the bottom of their hearts to help you in an unexpected situation & yet some things are just beyond their control. Remember that the unexpected moments create unforgettable memories and develop true character.

Bring along any ideas for games, object lessons, devotions, etc. Look through your old church VBS material and grab any ideas that children would like. Also ask friends Particularly education majors) at your school for songs and hand games for children. I kept a list of games and songs in my Bible and used them time and again. You never know when a bus will break down and you will need to quickly entertain fifteen elementary school children.

My advice about packing is this ... pack light!!! Dave Howeth, your supervisor, will encourage you to do this. Take his advice. As a traveling team, you need to be able to just grab your luggage and go every week. As girls, I know that it is a temptation to take your entire wardrobe with you this summer; but save yourself a lot of trouble and only take about two weeks worth of clothes.

The weather in Montana is crazy and unpredictable! Take along a couple of pairs of jeans and sweatshirts as well as shorts and t-shirts. The weather will drop and soar and just go from one spectrum to the other!

There are only a few other things to pack: camera, film, bible, a journal, toiletries, and a towel (for those weeks when you go to children's camp, youth camp, etc). You don't need a sleeping bag or a pillow; the churches are wonderful about finding those for you when you need them. Don't worry if you leave anything at home, they have Target and Wal-Mart!

You are going to have an incredible summer! Write down everything, because you never want to forget all the memories. Just be "willing to do whatever you are asked to do and you will have the experience of your life! The most important things to take are a teachable spirit a servant's heart and flexibility!

God Bless You!

Emily

Montana Missionary 1998

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August 8, 2003

Dear Summer Missionaries,

First of all congratulations, you made it this far and you will thoroughly enjoy your trip to Montana. My name is Janna Lind and I am from Montana. I was a summer missionary this last summer which was between my junior and senior year in High school. It was a great experience and it really opened my eyes to what is out there in the rest of the world. I truly believe that it will open you eyes also and will be a great experience.

First of all, people think that Montana is truly a foreign country. Its not quite that extreme, but it has its moments. Be prepared to be in very hot weather to fairly cold, rainy weather, it varies often. I had a problem with luggage so these are a few things I found out. When they say only bring two bags, they totally mean it. Sometimes you will be transferring in a very small car, you just never know what your going to end up with. I found out that usually you will be at a church for only one Sunday and you really only need one, maybe two pairs of dress clothes. Also people are really great about letting you use their washer and dryers. I found that out and had to send a
lot home.

Your are going to have many experiences, but just remember that God loves everyone. The people are great out here, they love God and they truly go out of their way to make you comfortable. Just don't compare everyone from week to week. Take every week with a fresh new mind, and always have a willing heart to work. Sometimes you will have an easy week and sometimes
you won't even be able to take a breath. Just remember to get plenty of rest.

One more thing is that you try to make good friends with you team mates. They will be with you non stop until you return home so try to get close. Just remember to let God work through you and trust me He will. He will definitely change your life this summer and the people that you come in contact with. He is doing a lot of work in people's hearts in Montana and there is a great work going on here. I am truly thankful that you have dedicated you summer to missions and May God bless you.

Just remember to have fun and fully depend on God and He will see you through.

Sincerely,

Janna
Summer Missionary 2003

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Dear Summer Missionaries:

Get ready to enter the “Big Sky Country!” Montana is a wonderful place to serve God. If your experience is anything like mine when I served the summer of 2006, you will encounter challenges that produce spiritual growth and be blessed richly. This will probably not be the only time you hear this statement, but remember to be flexible. Let your love for Christ be seen in how you love others. There will be changes as you travel to different locations and live in various housing arrangements. It was exciting to begin each week in a new location and agenda. We met some very special people that treated my partners and I like family. Montana has a great need for the truth of the gospel. There is a large field, but few people to go and harvest souls for God.

Here are suggestions:

Be prepared to point people to specific Scripture references when you are witnessing to them. For example, know where to find passages about God’s forgiveness of sin and how to be saved and follow Christ.
Set aside time for just God and you. It’s important to be spiritually feeding yourself as you minister to others.
Enjoy the different worship experiences you have each Sunday. The churches are generally small, but the people have big hearts. I found there were many first generation Christians in a lot of churches.
Concerning the type of clothing to bring, make sure to include warm and cold weather clothes. Pack for about two weeks. We often had access to washers and dryers. Bring luggage that is easy to transport!
Bring ideas for children’s games, devotions, and songs. Be prepared to share your testimony-how your life was before you accepted Christ, the point where you asked Jesus into your heart, and where He has taken you since your decision to follow Him.
Record your experience in a journal so you won’t forget details and take lots of pictures!

Have fun and enjoy serving the Lord in the beautiful state of Montana!!!

Love in Christ,

Casey