Alexis Jennings – Casper, Wyoming … Sometimes evangelism takes on different forms. Getting to know your community isn’t always easy, and sometimes you need to get creative to let them know your church exists. “The Casper Seventh-day Adventist Church seems to have found that niche,” remarked Alexis Jennings, Casper Church member. “What started as a small intimate church event, turned into something that some community members wouldn’t miss for the world.”

That event is the annual Hayride at Mills Spring Ranch in Casper, Wyoming, held this year on September 26.

Community members are invited to Casper Mountain to experience the day in nature and enjoy free food, a petting zoo, Christian music, and time together with family and friends. Jennings commented, “From the time they arrive to the time they leave, they are met with smiling, caring faces that welcome them and make them feel right at home.”

Church members are fully involved in the operation of the day and serve in a range of positions including, but not limited to, parking assistants, wagon masters, food servers, and registration personnel. There is a prayer corner for those who would like someone to pray with or for them. There is also a petting zoo which is always a favorite and has a menagerie of animals for attendees to interact with like ferrets, hedgehogs, goats, tortoises, rabbits, chinchillas, kittens, bearded dragons, and the list goes on. “It’s a time cherished by many, and it seems the day never lasts long enough,” reflected Jennings.

Anthony Handal, lead pastor of the Casper church, observed, “Perhaps one of the more interesting aspects of the hayride was how long people lingered, choosing to spend time together as families. In fact, we began to run out of parking in the areas we had designated. It’s exciting to see our church continues to discover what it means to invite and introduce our community to what Sabbath means to us.”

For many years, the Casper Church members have been meeting on the mountain for a special Sabbath service that included a hayride and food together. This experience was so endearing to some that they started thinking that more than just their church would benefit from such a special day. Could this be turned into an opportunity for evangelism and put Casper church on the map? Several members thought so and proceeded to put plans into action.

The first hayride opened to the community in 2021. It didn’t go as planned. They were rained/snowed out and didn’t make it past 1 or 2 hayrides due to the inclement weather. Operating out of the auditorium for warmth, they soon had to call the whole day off. Another year, they ended up with an overwhelming attendance of around 600 people which caused them to run out of food.

Overall, they have averaged about 400-500 attendees each year with the exception of last year when there was a scheduling conflict that dropped attendance to about 250. This year, the number was back up to around 500 including church members. Regardless of the setbacks, people keep coming.

Whether it is their first time coming for the event or they are repeat visitors, community members have a truly unforgettable experience. Community member and mother of three children ages 8, 6 and 3, Melissa Walker said, “This was our second year attending the hayride. Such a wonderful, family-friendly event! My kids enjoy running around, petting the wide variety of animals, and making memories riding the hayride. I enjoy the delicious food, and I didn’t have to cook. Everyone is so welcoming and kind, just a great outing into nature.”

Another participant commented, “While I was at the hayride, I really liked how everyone was so kind. There was a petting zoo for all the kids, they had food for everyone and a lot options! The hayride was beautiful and not too short and not too long.  I would love to go back to the hayride next time!!!”

Richard Current, a member of the Casper Church, remarked that there were more families seeking prayer this year than in previous years. He believes the announcements made over the intercom reminding people that there were prayer team members available helped to increase the interest.

Undeterred by setbacks and spurred on by successes, connections, and a mission to reach souls, the Casper Church continues to brainstorm how to utilize this event—which they believe the Lord has blessed them with—so they can use it for His glory and for the benefit of the community. They know that with God’s help many can be reached for the kingdom of Christ.

—Alexis Jennings is a member of the Casper Seventh-day Adventist Church. Photos supplied.