With the end of summer looming in Idaho's panhandle, few things bring people together like a local fair does. A microcosm of greater society, this regional event with its many visitors provides exactly the type of field God's people need to be sowing. With that thought clearly in mind, the Post Falls (Idaho) Church decided to host a booth at the North Idaho Fair in Coeur d'Alene for the first time in several years.
The idea for the booth came less than two months before the fair, and church members had no supplies nor a budget ready. The space alone cost $800, plus they needed literature and items to give away. They decided to lean on Jesus, knowing that God was going to have to provide if the booth was to become reality. And He did.
Amid the typical fair offerings like merchandise, animals and not-so-healthy food, the Post Falls booth focused on health information and featured health-screening equipment contributed by John Torquato, a mission-minded medical doctor in Hayden, Idaho. The booth's theme was taken from the words of Ellen White: "The work of health reform connected with the present truth for this time, is a power for good. It is the right hand of the gospel, and often opens fields for the entrance of the gospel" (Selected Messages, book 1, p. 112).
Seeing their faith and hard work blessed in such a way was both humbling and even more faith-building for the Post Falls Church members.
Owen Bandy, pastor of Idaho's Post Falls Church, and Lori Parker work the fair booth together as summer winds down in northern Idaho.
