The mission work LIM does in Alaska is unlike anything we see in the lower 48 states. The sheer size of the state and distance between villages makes it hard to help everyone, so the Sternbecks use volunteers whenever possible.

Jesus impacted cities because of his compassion. Just look at how Jesus responded to the people in Matthew 9. He felt compassion for them. He knew they were hurting and lost, and he befriended them and healed them.

We often think one half hour a great deal to spend in meditation and secret prayer, but Christ was whole nights engaged in these duties. In serving God, our great care should be not to lose time, but to make the end of one good duty the beginning of another. 

This Week in Native American News (8/18/17): 40 under 40 awards, generational dancing, and a discussion about race

wipe the sweat off your brow, step into that nice, air-conditioned store, and help provide love to the Native people of the Olympic Peninsula in the shape of a glove.

Jesus, help me to see your heart and your vision for [my reservation/city]. Help me to not only understand your task for me but to be able to encourage and support others in this same work. Give us favor as we work to transform the lives of Native people.

Christ was neither ashamed nor afraid to own the purposes of his grace. He healed the poor man, though he knew that his enemies would take advantage against him for it. Let us not be drawn either from our duty or from our usefulness by any opposition.

The stories shared in Our Fires Still Burn: The Native American Experience are powerful, startling, despairing and inspiring. They reflect an American history fraught with the systematic destruction of a people.

Yet, amidst the debris of suffering and trauma, there is resilience and a profound remembering and healing taking place today, which will also benefit the next Seven Generations.

This Week in Native American News (8/11/17): Indigenous Peoples Day, New Laws, and New Wine