Fair Surveys

Damen Therkildsen • November 17, 2021

We're Listening... As the results of the fair survey have started to be analyzed some key elements have been brought to light. 

Renew Spokane Booth @ Spokane Interstate Fair (photo credit: Elder Eric Brown)

In partnership with Shine 104, Renew Spokane hosted a booth to listen to and pray with those who attended the fair. This fair was far different than any in the past with spread out booths and recommended health protocols in place. Within the vast empty areas an opportunity to mingle with people in a spiritual way was unexpectedly born. 

 

Lead by Renew Spokane Board Members Gayle and Gerald Haeger, a crew of volunteers was assembled to conduct a community survey of the people attending the fair. Over a 10-day period the volunteers of Renew Spokane met with over 300 people to hear their perspectives and listen to the needs of the community. Most people were drawn in by the Shine 104 booth, the local radio station that plays uplifting and encouraging music for the Spokane/Coeur d’Alene metro area each day. This gave the Renew Spokane volunteers a doorway into the lives of the community after they visited with the crew at Shine.

 

As the results of the fair survey have started to be analyzed some key elements have been brought to the center of Renew Spokane’s attention. 

 

1.    People desire to know and understand the Bible in the community. The pandemic has brought spiritual matters front and center in people’s lives. They have questions and are yearning to know what biblical truth is. 

 

2.    Addiction to substances affects the family, friends, and the community. People want to overcome their addictions, or they want to help a family member or friend who is battling an addiction. It is clear from the survey results that addiction is at the forefront of some of the pain and suffering occurring within the community. 

 

3.    People want to feel safe and secure in their neighborhoods. The rise in crime is having a profound effect on those surveyed. In addition, they want: 

 

  • homeless to have a place to call home that is off the streets,
  • to connect with their neighbors and to share community together,
  • to see more green spaces that were clean and safe for them to go to each day, including a community garden to network with and meet their neighbors.

 

Renew Spokane seeks to be a conduit for people to improve their community through hope and healing, while introducing them to our Heavenly Father. We can do this by coordinating our efforts of churches, ministries, and volunteers who come from all walks of life to offer physical, emotional, spiritual, and social help for those in need. If you are interested in joining the movement of Renew Spokane talk with your local pastor or visit RenewSpokane.org for more information.

STEAM Ahead Participants Attend Camp MiVoden

By Damen Therkildsen • November 1, 2022
STEAM Ahead @ Discovery Junction ended their school year by sending all 21 of their students to Camp MiVoden. By: Damen Therkildsen Renew Spokane communications coordinator This year STEAM Ahead @ Discovery Junction capped off their school year by sending all 21 of its students to Camp MiVoden. Children and parents were beyond excited about the opportunity to attend Camp MiVoden. This year was the first time in the four years of sponsoring Garfield elementary school students to attend that all the students of STEAM Ahead were able to attend camp — including even the shyest student. “The kids were so excited and so blessed by Camp MiVoden, Spokane Central Adventist Church, and the STEAM Ahead Board, for each entity to pay a third of the cost to sponsor the remarkable experience each student encountered,” said Gayle Haeger, program coordinator. “The generous giving to these entities has forever left a positive impact on the students’ lives.” Many parents were so thrilled that they drove their own child to Camp MiVoden to learn more about the camp and see it for themselves. With the thanks of Renew Spokane, the STEAM Ahead van was sponsored to take seven of the students, with Gayle and Gerald Haeger, to camp. Every student came back excited from the transforming week they had at Camp MiVoden. The staff at Camp MiVoden cared for these students using Christ’s method of teaching in a fun, nurturing environment, on the shores of Hayden Lake with life-changing experiences. At the end of the week each student was presented with a Bible with their name engraved on it. Over the last seven years Discovery Junction has continued to build upon its success in making a positive difference in the Emerson-Garfield community of Spokane, WA. Third graders who attend Garfield elementary school have the opportunity to take part in STEAM Ahead @ Discovery Junction. STEAM Ahead works to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math subjects to further enhance the student’s education in a safe and nurturing environment. STEAM Ahead students get to interact with a number of guest presenters. This school year the guest presenters included an engineer who made a small hovercraft, that students then replicated with balloon power. An Avista engineer helped students explore gravity, sound, and the atmosphere using hands-on activities. A local art teacher brought the creativity out of every student, creating budding artists. With all these activities it helps to develop the knowledge of the students in a safe and wholesome environment using gifted community members. You can help support STEAM Ahead @ Discovery Junction by praying for families to connect with this vital urban ministry opportunity that serves our Spokane intercity neighbors. To learn more about Discovery Junction visit www.renewspokane.org/DiscoveryJunction .

A Recipe for Success

By Damen Therkildsen • July 25, 2021
STEAM Ahead @ Discovery Junction (photo credit: Damen Therkildsen)