On Solid Ground
These last several months have been challenging for all of us. Perhaps your coping method has been in prayer, in video chats with friends and family, in taking a walk, riding your bike, or enjoying a game of golf. Maybe all you needed was the words of your favorite hymn.
When I am feeling particularly challenged by issues of the world, I begin to sing a favorite hymn that is constantly in my head and never far from my lips. I bet you know it:
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name
On Christ the solid rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
Perhaps this is a favorite of yours, too – one that brings comfort in challenging times.
Beloved hymns have a way of becoming spontaneous prayers when they weave in and out of our thoughts, reminding us Jesus is not far away.
Despite these times, you and I know “all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
This season of our lives will pass. But let’s give thanks that in the meantime, we have a God much bigger than any of our worries or fears. Be further assured that, “In all things, we are more than conquerors through him who loves us.” (8:37)
We ARE more than conquerors – not because of our own courage, strength, or desires – but because of our relationship with God in Jesus Christ. A relationship that nothing, not even COVID-19 or any of the unintended consequences of the pandemic, can separate.
Your faithfulness to Lutheran Indian Ministries allows our missionaries to continue to share this hopeful message with our Native American brothers and sisters.
The Native American experience is difficult even in the best of times. Drugs and alcohol still find their way onto the reservations; isolation keeps many from adequate medical care; poverty and homelessness in major cities create a weak point for sickness and mental health disease to move in. And none of these issues are improved by self-isolation and social distancing. If anything, they add to the historic trauma already embedded in the DNA of Native peoples.
As an organization, we are called to help them to heal from the stressful effects and traumatic impact of worldly trials and tribulations.
We do this on your behalf.
We know you would be there right alongside us if you could be. And because you support Lutheran Indian Ministries… you are!
God is working mightily through LIM’s dedicated missionaries because you have sustained them with your prayers and with your gifts. By the power of the Holy Spirit, Lutheran Indian Ministries shares the hope that can only be found in the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Throughout the Bible, there are examples of plagues, sufferings, and tyrannical regimes that tried to contain the spread of the Gospel. But nothing can stop us from sharing the grace, mercy, and love that is ours as believers in Christ Jesus.
Through virtual worship services on the Navajo and Makah Indian Reservations, our homeless outreach and healing program in Phoenix, and summer evening Bible studies and one-on-one video chats at Haskell LIGHT Student campus center, the Holy Spirit is impacting Native lives for Christ. And I’m happy to report that, as you read this letter, Nate and Sarah Milan, our missionary couple in Fairbanks, AK, are sharing a summer VBS programs, through an on-line, video curriculum they wrote specifically for the Native children!
You have been a cherished and faithful friend of Lutheran Indian Ministries, through good times and through these recent trying times. It is my prayer this letter finds you well and as hopeful as I am that soon we will return to our lives as usual and continue to help our Native brothers and sisters on their healing journey from trauma to a new life in Christ. Until then, we know we stand on the solid ground of Jesus, our Rock. Through you and your generous gift, this message is being shared throughout Indian Country.
No matter what is going on in the world, we have hope! With this hope, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us!
May the Lord bless you and keep you and grant you peace and good health.
Tim Young Eagle (Pawnee)
Executive Director
P.S. No matter what challenges we face in life, we know that Jesus is our Rock, and with Him, our ground is solid. Your gift today will help us to continue to share this message with our Native American friends in Christ. Thank you!
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