Washington County Fair: Brenham, Texas

Young Cowboys Learn to Share the Gospel with the Wordless Book Bracelet

At the fair, young cowboys had the opportunity to learn from their peers how to share the gospel using the Wordless Book bracelet. Guided by the youth working at the event, they discovered how the five colors of the bracelet represent the story of salvation through Jesus Christ.

This hands-on experience not only deepened their understanding of the gospel but also equipped them with a simple, effective way to share their faith with others. It was a wonderful moment of learning and growth, as the next generation took steps to spread the message of God’s love.

The First Christian Church of Brenham continued its tradition of community outreach by sponsoring a booth at the Washington County Fair, held from September 18th-21st, 2024. As the oldest county fair in Texas, the event draws thousands of visitors, and for the third year in a row, the church partnered with the Fellowship of Christian Farmers International (FCFI) to share the gospel.

The congregation, under the leadership of Pastor Chuck Topping, spent the year preparing for the event. Volunteers crafted handmade cedar walking sticks, crosses, pocket prayer quilts, and pot holders. Many of the materials, such as the wood for the walking sticks and crosses, were sourced from scrap and byproducts donated by a local sawmill. The Sunday school classes contributed by stringing colorful beads onto bracelets, while several older members lovingly made the pot holders and quilts.

A particularly heartwarming aspect of this year’s outreach was the involvement of the church’s children. They eagerly worked alongside adults, fearlessly sharing their faith with friends and fairgoers. Many young members shared the gospel through the “Wordless Book” colors on the bracelets, explaining how each color represents different aspects of God’s plan of salvation.

Despite the late-season heatwave, which brought triple-digit heat indexes and impacted attendance, the booth remained a beacon of faith and fellowship. Though fewer visitors stopped by during the hottest parts of the day, the congregation remained committed to its mission, welcoming those who did visit and offering encouragement and prayer.

Looking ahead, First Christian Church has already reserved its booth for next year’s fair, eager to continue proclaiming the message of Christ. Praise God for another successful year of ministry at the Washington County Fair!