Alcoholism, abuse and poverty are rampant in Crow Nation and the Native people are desperate for hope and healing. Forward Edge teams are hosted by Kenneth Pretty-On-Top, who has pastured Spirit of Life Foursquare church for more than two decades, and his family. First and foremost, you will have the opportunity to build relationships with the local people by spending time with and serving them, especially the youth and elderly. Teams participate in light construction projects throughout the week.
If you are serving during Crow Fair, the reservation will grow to 25,000 people and more than 1,000 teepees will be set up around the grounds as they gather for this celebration week. Forward Edge teams assist however needed most.
Teams stay in gender-specific cabins in groups of eight. A kitchen is on site and teams help with meal preparation. Because the area grows significantly during Crow Fair, other housing or tents may be made available to your group. Make sure to bring your own sleeping bags and pads no matter the time of year you serve.
Please contact Sandee Hallock (360.574.3343 or sandee@forwardedge.org) for more specifics on your trip.
Many families live in extreme poverty in Juarez, a U.S. border town, and in surrounding villages. Most of these families struggle to find consistent work in the bustling city, making basic education a luxury for many children in the city. In the mountains surrounding Juarez, many more live in destitution. The Tarahumaran people are the poorest of the poor in Mexico, living without electricity, running water or an education.
Forward Edge teams partner with Pastor Mauricio Gilberto in Juarez to assist with construction of a school that serves more than 180 poverty-stricken children. By building relationships with these children and the Pastor, teams make a lasting difference in Juarez!
Teams also partner with Pastor Eliseo Juarviso in the Sierra Tarahumara mountains to provide the people with love and the basic necessities of life. Forward Edge volunteers repair homes and churches, provide food for the local villagers and build priceless relationships!
Please contact Nate Wieck (360.574.3343 or nate@forwardedge.org) for more specifics on your trip.
In December 2007, thousands of people in the Northwest were displaced when rivers rose, flooding areas that had never flooded before. Even months later, hundreds of families are waiting for help. Most of these families did not have flood insurance and cannot afford to make the necessary repairs to their home alone.
Forward Edge teams will travel to Vernonia, Ore., Chehalis and Centralia, Wash. and outlying areas to help with the rebuilding process. Teams can go for as little as one day or as long as two weeks. Teams helping for multiple days will stay at a church in the area and be fed by members of the congregation.
Please contact Nate Wieck (360.574.3343 or nate@forwardedge.org) for more specifics on your trip.