Adaptability & Ingenuity in Native Ministry
“I thank my God
every time I remember you,
constantly praying with joy
in every one of my prayers
for all of you,
because of your sharing
in the Gospel
from the first day until now.”
Phil. 1:3-4
Every morning during my prayer time, I thank God for you. I thank Him for your faithful presence in this ministry through your prayers and selfless generosity. I pray He will protect you and keep you safe as, together, we continue in this time of recovery.
In that prayer, a great sense of peace comes over me. I know God is in control – and I know that He has you and me, and those we love, in the strong grip of His loving arms. One thing I will never take for granted is the peace and comfort that comes to me through prayer, God’s Holy Word, and your love of the work He has called us to do.
I pray, also, for the Native American people we serve.
The COVID -19 virus has hit the Native American population in a disproportionately profound way. Lack of adequate health care, poverty, and increased risk of mental health issues has caused Native people to be particularly vulnerable to the impact of this virus, both the illness itself and the aftermath of isolation.
But our ministry continues, and it will be even more important in the upcoming months and years. Native people need Christ more than ever, and Lutheran Indian Ministries’ unique holistic approach to ministry brings healing and hope to Native peoples.
I am amazed at the adaptability and ingenuity of our ministry team. They have seized this time to reach out in new and exciting ways, overcoming great obstacles, so ministry to God’s Native American children will continue without interruption. Here are just a few highlights:
In Mesa, Arizona, Kevin Maulson uses YouTube to broadcast his Bible studies, keeping the hope of Jesus Christ alive in the daily lives of the Native people he serves. Trauma, addiction, depression, and suicide do not care about a quarantine. In fact, they seem to take advantage of times like these to lead our people down deeper and darker paths. Kevin’s vigilance in addressing these critical health concerns through Zoom classes, in addition to Bible study, help to keep those we serve on their healing journey despite setbacks. On top of this, Kevin found the time and resources to reach out to the Hopi Reservation, 229 miles away, with food and a message of hope.
Every Sunday, Tim Norton uses Facebook for live Sunday services from Gallup, New Mexico. His wife, Heidi, and their children are the congregation and choir. Tim’s sermons are a comfort in these hard times.
With the Haskell Indian Nations University campus closed for the school year, Bob Prue has been ministering to the homeless in Lawrence, Kansas, bringing them bottled water and the Word, so they will know they are not alone.
Nate Milan and his wife, Sarah, used this time to create a curriculum for Vacation Bible School for the Native children in the villages of Alaska. Anticipating that travel into the remote villages will be limited this summer, they prepared with a rich, culturally-appropriate guided Bible study which parents and older children in the villages can access on-line and easily use to teach about Jesus.
When the nation began to isolate itself, the Makah Reservation in Neah Bay, Washington, closed its borders. As a result, there are no open restaurants or food services on the rez. So, Ben Maxson and his wife, Natalie, bought a food truck. Now Natalie and her cousin, Mollie, are providing prepared food for their community. They call the food truck “Cousins” and sell out of breakfast, lunch, and dinner, daily. On Sundays, Ben provides food for the soul through his Facebook Sunday services.
And in more exciting news… Rick McCafferty completed his vicarage and received his call as an ordained LCMS minister on May 26th. We celebrate with Reverend Rick McCafferty and applaud his accomplishment! And, we praise God for Rick!
Unlike many non-profits and faith-based organizations, Lutheran Indian Ministries has not had to cut salaries or furlough staff. We have been blessed. I believe God is keeping us going with creative staff and faithful friends, like you, because He knows there is so much to be done for His glory!
For all of this, I thank God for you! We have been able to continue this vital work, guided by God’s grace, through your continued faithfulness and generosity.
We thank you that despite these uncertain times, you have continued to stand with us, reaching out and supporting Native ministry in any way you can.
Thank you!
May the Lord bless and keep you, and grant good health and peace to you and your loved ones.
In Him,
Tim Young Eagle (Pawnee)
Executive Director
P.S. Though these times seem uncertain, you and I know we have a God who is certain; He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. As you are able, your gift will help us to continue sharing that message with our Native brothers and sisters. Thank you!
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