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This little girl comes to church with her grandpa quite frequently. He said she will ask, "Gampa can I go to church with you?" whenever he goes to church. She gets herself dressed up and is excited to go with him. She even asks her Grandma if she can go to Bible study with her during the week. She just likes to go to church. Wouldn't it be nice if everyone had this desire?
Blogging is a form of journaling, and my understanding is that journaling is for the purpose of putting our thoughts in writing. I have felt that this week would be a good week to be transparent and honest with those who care enough to follow our blog. The critical and curious will have become tired of my chattering and I would like to share my feelings with our caring friends.
Mission causes have been very close to Ray’s and my hearts since before we were married. When we were engaged to be married, we had an understanding that we would eventually become engaged in mission work, and Ray’s particular interest was the Native Americans. Though openings sometimes presented themselves, nothing was right until Bev Fay called and asked us to consider going to Ravinia, South Dakota. We spent seven years there, and we poured ourselves into the work believing that we would always be there. We sent Philip and then Lynn to Mitchell to Faith Bible School as they became older, and then we realized that Leah would have to also leave the reservation. We have always felt that our children were our first priority; and so we moved to Mitchell, South Dakota to be near the two older children. We were invited to work at the school; so that’s what we did for eight more years. The three older children moved out and went on with their lives, and we have tried to make a solid and safe home for Esther. She is now looking to graduate and leave home to go far away to Bible College. Ray and I expect to make changes again.
Near the end of our stay at Ravinia, our hearts were drawn to the little reservation where we are working today; even though we knew that it was not wise to move our children back to the reservation. We spoke to some friends who seemed to have an interest in the same reservation, and we began having services in one of the homes of the Native American people. We were involved in coming out for a couple of years helping with the music, having VBS, and helping however possible until the door closed for us to do that. Others tried to “keep the work going.” It saddened us when we began hearing the calls for help, and we felt we were not in a place to respond. Our hearts felt that they would break when we saw that some were considering closing the church. We have responded, though we do not feel that we can move out to the reservation until the time is right. We realize all too well that “long distance missionary work” is not as effective. We know that God is working in our lives, and He has a deep interest in the Lower Brule community and the church. We have responded to this position under the present organization for the duration of one year.
So…what are we doing now? I am not interested in just keeping church doors open, though that may be what we will be doing for the present. We are planning the aforementioned revival campaign in October. Though I have had a deep interest and have worked with Native American children for 14 years, the situation with the children in Lower Brule was ‘out of hand’ when we arrived, and it is impossible for us to continue with the same set-up that had formerly been practiced. We conducted a few children’s services, and I was given the opportunity to observe the present situation.
Mission causes have been very close to Ray’s and my hearts since before we were married. When we were engaged to be married, we had an understanding that we would eventually become engaged in mission work, and Ray’s particular interest was the Native Americans. Though openings sometimes presented themselves, nothing was right until Bev Fay called and asked us to consider going to Ravinia, South Dakota. We spent seven years there, and we poured ourselves into the work believing that we would always be there. We sent Philip and then Lynn to Mitchell to Faith Bible School as they became older, and then we realized that Leah would have to also leave the reservation. We have always felt that our children were our first priority; and so we moved to Mitchell, South Dakota to be near the two older children. We were invited to work at the school; so that’s what we did for eight more years. The three older children moved out and went on with their lives, and we have tried to make a solid and safe home for Esther. She is now looking to graduate and leave home to go far away to Bible College. Ray and I expect to make changes again.
Near the end of our stay at Ravinia, our hearts were drawn to the little reservation where we are working today; even though we knew that it was not wise to move our children back to the reservation. We spoke to some friends who seemed to have an interest in the same reservation, and we began having services in one of the homes of the Native American people. We were involved in coming out for a couple of years helping with the music, having VBS, and helping however possible until the door closed for us to do that. Others tried to “keep the work going.” It saddened us when we began hearing the calls for help, and we felt we were not in a place to respond. Our hearts felt that they would break when we saw that some were considering closing the church. We have responded, though we do not feel that we can move out to the reservation until the time is right. We realize all too well that “long distance missionary work” is not as effective. We know that God is working in our lives, and He has a deep interest in the Lower Brule community and the church. We have responded to this position under the present organization for the duration of one year.
So…what are we doing now? I am not interested in just keeping church doors open, though that may be what we will be doing for the present. We are planning the aforementioned revival campaign in October. Though I have had a deep interest and have worked with Native American children for 14 years, the situation with the children in Lower Brule was ‘out of hand’ when we arrived, and it is impossible for us to continue with the same set-up that had formerly been practiced. We conducted a few children’s services, and I was given the opportunity to observe the present situation.
Our full intent is to work with the children here, although it will be a slow process to begin it again and get it headed in the right direction. I have been researching the education of Native American children, and have found some books helpful in understanding the challenges that these children face. I also have been honored to get acquainted with a Native American who is the third generation of educators of Native American children. She has been exceedingly helpful, and she has produced a research project that details behaviors and management in the education of Native children. She has put herself at my disposal, and this is an untold blessing. I have plans to meet with an effective missionary of many years for advice, also. I understand enough about the history of Native American education to recognize the danger of vigorous activity without knowledge and understanding. It will be a slow process, but we plan to continue with the challenge and the quest for the best way to manage. There will be those with little understanding who will criticize, but Jesus was belittled and ridiculed for His methods.
Hopefully, this will give you a better understanding of our feelings and our activities (or the seeming lack of them). At best, we do not have the capability to reach men and women and children and change their lives, but we serve One Who does. We are at His disposal, and we feel that it is required of us to be faithful. Part of that faithfulness is being patient, researching the best management methods, preparing ourselves, and trying to achieve an understanding and love that will win everyone we meet to Christ. Thank you for caring for us and the people and work of Lower Brule.
Hopefully, this will give you a better understanding of our feelings and our activities (or the seeming lack of them). At best, we do not have the capability to reach men and women and children and change their lives, but we serve One Who does. We are at His disposal, and we feel that it is required of us to be faithful. Part of that faithfulness is being patient, researching the best management methods, preparing ourselves, and trying to achieve an understanding and love that will win everyone we meet to Christ. Thank you for caring for us and the people and work of Lower Brule.
I enjoy reading your updates every week. It has been an encouragement to me to see you guys take on the work at Lower Brule. I know the Lord will bless you as you work with these precious, needy children.
ReplyDeleteNicki Woodard