July 8 – 18 Looking for 4 more people!
This will be our 10th year that LightShine Ministries worked with the World Eskimo and Indian Olympics (commonly referred to as WEIO). People from all over Alaska and beyond travel to attend the games. The Olympics are held in Fairbanks every year. (223) 216-1565
WEIO has it’s own board of directors that provides direction to our team. During our time at the games we aim to fulfill whatever responsibilities we are given with loving hearts and willing spirits. This may include setting up for the events, handing out water to the elders and athletes, helping vendors set up and tear down, etc. It is important that individuals who sign up to be part of the team understand that we typically arrive at WEIO around 9 in the morning and often do not leave until after midnight. Therefore it is important to have the ability to spend large amounts of time on your feet.
During our time at WEIO we partner with Youth With A Mission Arctic Mercy. Their team is led by the Director of YWAM Arctic Mercy, Scott Smith and his wife Barb. The two teams spend a lot of time together. It is crucial for team members to understand the importance of working together.
It is truly an honor to serve at these amazing games. It is our prayer that Jesus’ love will shine through in every thing we say and do as we volunteer at WEIO.
One thing that our team must always remember is that we are there to serve and learn as representatives of Jesus Christ. The differences between the indigenous culture and our own can become obvious in things such as how you shake hands or make eye contact with those you are talking to. Our goal is to share the love of Christ by serving others and it is also a time of learning how God works within other cultures to bring about His glory.
WEIO runs for four days (Wednesday through Saturday). The team usually has a day of sightseeing around Fairbanks, but this is secondary to our purpose of being there for WEIO.
Click Here to learn more about the World Eskimo-Indian Olympics
Your Team Leaders are Mark & Laura Raifsnider. Mark & Laura have four children and have been married 16 years. They are deeply committed to missions in Alaska and this will be their 8th time leading a team there. If you have any questions, please send an email to: etownzoo7031@gmail.com or you can call Mark at: (223) 216-1565
The cost of this trip is $1975. That covers travel, airfare, 3 meals a day and lodging.
If you want to be part of this team, please complete this Registration Form with a $40 registration fee. This fee covers the cost of a team shirt and locks you in as a team member. Once you are contacted by your team leader and your place is secured on this team, you can begin raising financial support by sending out support letters to your family and church friends. Simply have them send missionary support to us for your trip costs. Your team leader will help you develop your support letter and include two important dates for your supporters to note. The first financial deadline for half your support ($987.50) is due on May 27, 2023. This first deadline is very important to keep because it will enables us to purchase your airline tickets. Once airline tickets are purchased, there is no backing out of the team. The second deadline for your entire amount is June 10, 2023. Please note that these deadlines are strictly enforced. Not keeping them will cause us to ask you to step down from this team and consider another future team. Please take time to review our “Policies” page for more information.
The earlier you register the sooner you can start raising your financial support. We encourage you to get this out of the way early so you can enjoy the experience without any distractions. You will be so glad you did! You will meet many amazing people in Alaska with a side benefit of seeing God’s beautiful creation. This will be a life changing experience for you and will give you a new perspective on helping those who are really in need!
2023 will be an amazing year to serve our Lord Jesus Christ and point others to Him!