Mission trip to Wisconsin Dells, US Rural, October 17, 2010 to October 22, 2010

Location Description:

Wisconsin Dells is a city in south-central Wisconsin, with a population of 2,418 as of the 2000 census. The city takes its name from the dells of the Wisconsin River, a scenic glacially formed gorge that features striking sandstone formations along the banks of the Wisconsin River. With numerous indoor waterparks and outdoor waterparks in the Dells area, covering 70 acres, Wisconsin Dells proclaims itself the "Waterpark Capital of the World." The Dells area has an estimated five million annual visitors.

The Dells is also the home to the Native American Ho-Chunk tribe. The Ho-Chunk (meaning �people of the big voice�) tribe owns 4,000+ acres across 12 counties, most of which are in and near the counties that the Dells shares. As of 2001 there were 6,159 tribe members. Like most adult tribe members, these people are closed to the Gospel as their memories of persecution from the US government and sometimes preachers, are passed down with each generation. Giving up their traditions is equated to being a traitor. If Native Americans choose to follow Christ, most are called Apples�red on the outside but white inside. But the Lord desires to have all people know Him and be known by Him. Recently a tribe warrior was won to Christ and is undergoing bible school, praise God! Your group can work along the Native Christians to reach their people.

In the summer and winter seasons thousands of international college-aged students come to The Dells to work and practice English. In the summer there have been up to 4,200 students come from all over; Ghana, France, Taiwan, Germany, Costa Rica and other countries. They are very open to building friendships and are eager to sit and have a good conversation. Working with Bridge Point Ministries, your group will have an opportunity to influence the leaders of tomorrow! This is an incredible opportunity!

Ministry Description
Your groups can do VBS in the housing complexes of the Hispanic population, or in the park, do sports evangelism, light manual labor, help with the feeding program in the city schools, do prayer walks, ATL�s and have a week-ending open-to-public Hog Roast in the park�which usually draws 200-400 people! There are lots of opportunities to reach out to the lost.

Recommended Prayer
� Pray God would remove the hardness of hearts and that God would produce hearts of flesh in all people, residents, students and tourist alike.
� Pray for the Gospel to be given and received.
� Pray specifically for the Ho-Chunk people. Help in reconciling their traditions and identity in light of who Christ wants them to become�not like anyone else, but His children and disciples entirely.
� Pray for the staff of Pine Valley Church and their outreach ministry Bridge Point. The enemy is very active in his plans to disrupt, confuse, and discourage their ministry and those who they minister too, especially the international students who come with backgrounds of false beliefs. Ask God to go before them, equip them, and empower them to be overcomers.

Links to Information Resources
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ho_Chunk
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wisconsin_Dells,_Wisconsin
http://www.ho-chunknation.com/
http://www.native-languages.org/hochunk.htm
http://www.census.gov/econ/census02/data/wi/WI000.HTM
http://www.dells.com/wisconsin-dells-community/wisconsin-dells-history.htm

Wisconsin Dells, US Rural Mission Trip