Bend, Oregon

New Start: Bend was identified in 2020 as the second-fastest growing city in the U.S. A core group of eight families has been gathering twice a month for Bible study and planning as they plant a church in an area where 62 percent of people are not involved with any religious community.

Fast Facts:

• No WELS churches are located on the eastern side of the Cascade Mountain Range in Oregon. The closest WELS church is 2.5 hours away.
• The population in Bend is expected to grow by more than 16,000 people by 2032.
• Work on this mission effort started in July 2021
• In addition to regular Bible studies and planning meetings, the core group has done door-to-door canvassing and food drive canvassing with support from short-term volunteer teams and its district mission board.

Prayer:

Lord God, as in everything, the task begins with you. As the core group in Bend, Oregon, looks forward to the arrival of their new missionary, be with them, Lord. As they continue to reach out to and into their community, be with them, Lord. As they seek to build a church for your name, be with them, Lord. As they go about their work, be with them, Lord. Help them always to see you and allow the city of Bend to see you through all that they do. Be with them, Lord, strengthen them, and teach them that as they remain in you, they will bear much fruit!

Contact:

Rev. Paul Bourman, District Mission Board member
[email protected]
971-533-3120