Montana Missionary Trip - Reflections from Cindy Dowell

In recent years, God has shown me that my contribution to the body of Christ, His church, is an unabashed ability to greet strangers and to speak in front of large groups of people. This gift from God is also my greatest fleshly weakness as I sometimes misspeak, shock, and embarrass myself and others. I struggle with a concern that when a critical time arrives I will misspeak and only blather on like an idiot. Fortunately, a dear sister in Christ once reassured me that the Holy Spirit would give me the words to speak when the time was right. My testimony today is about that very thing.

For years I felt God’s calling to step out and participate in a mission trip to Montana. I had many excuses as to why I could not be a member of the team that conducts a “Back Yard Bible Club” each year. Chief among my excuses were poor health due to my obesity, and a lack of faith in God that I had anything to contribute. In addition, I was concerned that my selfish desire to see Montana outweighed my desire to serve the Lord. I prayed and meditated and prayed again, watching for the Holy Spirit to direct my path.

Finally in July 2013 I had no more excuses, and I said, “Yes, Lord, I will go where you lead me.” Still unsure as to why He was sending me, I journeyed with my husband, Doug, to an amazing land of huge mountains, great prairies dotted with sage brush, cattle and horses.  Accompanied by a dynamic team of Christian brothers and sisters and led by a godly couple, Andy and Denise Samuelson, we prepared the way for the Lord to enter the hearts and minds of children who might not otherwise know Him.

It was a week of incredible exhilaration, constant driving/packing/unpacking, and incredible blessings as we bonded together as a team with one purpose: to serve the Lord.

During the week I struck up a relationship with a boy about 12 years old. He was polite and fun, and we just took to each other. Yet even as the week raced by I continued to wonder why I was there and what impact I was making.

On the last night of the Bible Club there was a neighborhood block party that was open to the entire town. My sweet young friend attended the block party as did many in the community.

That night he told me about an elderly friend whom he had just visited in the hospital. I was deeply touched by his concern for his friend. I asked him if we could pray for his friend and he agreed.

As we bowed our heads and I collected my thoughts to pray, I was filled with a calmness that I have never known before.

The Holy Spirit spoke words into my heart and I was able to offer a beautiful prayer of intercession. I did not falter or misspeak as I felt great peace and love flow through me on behalf of this child. As he left my side to join the festivities, tears of joy ran down my face.

At that moment I knew why God had sent me to Montana and that the Holy Spirit had worked through me to touch the life of a child.

I do not know if my young friend will remember that moment of simple prayer but I know I will never forget it.


To God be the glory, for He does great things in me. Praise the Lord!!!!
In Him,
Cindy Dowell
Pressing On in Grace class member