SULPHUR SPRINGS — For the second year, the Wonder Tour took place in Sulphur Springs.

Despite the heat, youth and adults from Benton County, and McDonald County, Mo., spent the week of June 24 through June 30 investing in the lives of the community. Throughout the week, the Wonder Tour staff, split into four teams, served residents of Sulphur Springs with community service projects. The heat didn’t slow down the staff’s determination to make a difference.

In preparation for the Wonder Tour, the staff put boxes in the Sulphur Springs Post Office and City Hall requesting community service project suggestions. In response to those suggestions, the staff did yard work and painting for multiple households in the town.

Thanks to donations from ABC Supply, Arvest Bank, Deffenbaugh Industries and the tireless work of the Wonder Tour staff we were able to replace a roof for a local family. During the Wonder Tour’s eight years of service in Oklahoma, Kansas and Arkansas, we had yet to be able to leave such a tangible legacy in a community. It was an incredible privilege of which to be a part!

In addition to the community service projects, the Wonder Tour staff also partnered with Harvest Baptist Church in hosting Vacation Bible School.

Between 40 and 60 children gathered each afternoon for an Island Paradise-themed time of Bible stories, crafts, games and snacks.

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening, the Wonder Tour staff transformed the property of Dwayne and Vivian Barber on Hwy. 59. Inflatables were donated from the Royal Family of Rogers, and Glenn Duffy Elementary PTO allowed the Wonder Tour staff to enjoy their carnival-style games. Aubrey Young helped kick off the event on Tuesday with face painting. Thanks to a generous donation from Tyson, the Wonder Tour staff was able to serve free dinner each evening to anyone who stopped by. After dinner, the crowd was entertained with improv dramas, a hot dog eatingcontest and arm wrestling competitions.

Each evening, Real Encounter Outreach from Springfield, Mo., mesmerized us with an illusionist, motorcycle stunts and BMX stunts. Not an evening went by without our guests hearing about Jesus Christ and the change He has made in the lives of the Wonder Tour staff.

Friday evening, the Wonder Tour Grand Finale took place at Shiloh Auditorium, with Vacation Bible School Family and Friends Celebration followed by the Wonder Tour’s Got Talent Show. Judges awarded first place prize of $100 to Sulphur Springs youth Jesse Evans for his flawless electric guitar solo.

The Wonder Tour 2012 staff would like to thank everyonewho took part in our event. Thanks to the months of successful fundraisers and the tireless, selfless work of thestaff, the Wonder Tour 2012 was a wonderful experience and we are looking forward to the Wonder Tour 2013!

News, Pages 11 on 07/25/2012