Thirst Missions and Bethel Reformed Church of Brandon
July 2, 2026
WAUPUN — A dedicated team of 20 volunteers from Bethel Church of Brandon recently returned from a week-long mission trip to Alaska, where they spent June 20–27, engaged in various service and ministry projects. The group, composed primarily of adults with a shared heart for service, partnered with Thirst Missions to support local communities in Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley.
During their time in “The Last Frontier,” the team balanced hands-on service projects with relational ministry. Their efforts included supporting New Hope Compassionate Ministries’ food pantry in Anchorage, engaging with seniors at the Anchorage Senior Activity Center, leading youth activities for the Christian Church of Anchorage, and assisting with Vacation Bible School in Wasilla. The group also performed various maintenance tasks such as landscaping and painting at Family Promise, and spent time organizing donations for the Clothesline Project to provide back-to-school essentials for local students.
The mission trip was skillfully guided by group leader Ed Montsma. Ed Montsma, who has led previous mission trips, provided steady and dependable leadership that was instrumental to the group’s success.
Beyond their work, the team took time to appreciate the natural beauty of Alaska. Their itinerary included a hike at Byron Glacier, a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and exploration of scenic spots like Potter’s Marsh and Virgin Creek Falls. These moments of recreation offered the team a chance to reflect on their experiences and bond as a group before returning to Wisconsin.
This experience was made possible by Thirst Missions, a ministry specializing in high-quality, high-impact mission trips that connect teams with real needs. Thirst Missions handles every logistical detail—from lodging and transportation to ministry partnerships—allowing teams to focus entirely on building relationships and serving others in the name of Christ. To learn more about how your group can serve in locations like Alaska, visit https://thirstmissions.org/ to explore upcoming opportunities and begin planning your next journey of faith.
