SUNDAY SCHOOL, CHURCH, AND AN ORGAN

Today was a very nice morning. The weather was a little cool, but much warmer than it has been. I felt that church was a refreshing time, and we all enjoyed it. Only a few came to worship with us, but our worship is not based on how many are attending. Ray gave a good message, and he spoke of the many miracles that God worked for the children of Israel when they were fleeing from Egypt; and he left us with the question, "How big is your God? Is He big enough to solve the problems of your life? The God of Israel is big enough, if we are serving Him." I left feeling challenged.

Ray and Esther went around and tried to get some children to get out of bed and come to Sunday School and they were successful. Esther had a few in the basement, and they had a good Sunday School. The children seemed happy when they left, and they promised to come next week. God has given her the ability to make relationships with young ones.

I was so happy when some friends donated an organ for the chapel. (Yes, it was an organ donation!) I love to play the organ, and it sometimes seems so much more worshipful to have organ music.

We are encouraged, and God is helping in Lower Brule!

REVIVAL CHALLENGE

It is an understatement to say that we felt overwhelmed this week when we were trying to do all that needed to be done to have revival services. So many things that looked impossible worked out easily, and the work was done on Thursday evening. Becky Yoder came and helped by playing the piano because the regular piano player could not be there, and it was such a lift to those who were there. We also appreciated the help that Ben and Lori and the boys gave us during that week. Ray got our old blue van running {a miracle in itself :)} and towed the camper out to Lower Brule and parked it beside the church. This made a comfortable spot for us to stay in during the day.
We appreciate Cecilia and Joe coming to Lower Brule--they were both an inspiration and comfort to us. She also spoke directly to the Native people about their own issues. The people accepted her message well. We also appreciate the people from Lower Brule and Fort Thompson who attended the services. The Fort Thompson church brought their people and came to our service on Sunday evening. Thank you to the Fort Thompson people for their support.

Different people from the community visited the services, and we were happy to see several new faces. Our children's services were very low key, and only a few children attended; but the mother of one girl attended the services, and another family came on Sunday night. We were so pleased with the new contacts. We are fairly certain that the children who came will be the beginning of our Sunday School.

I suppose the highlight of the services came on Saturday night when we could sense the Lord's working among us. At the end of the service, Cecelia asked those who would like us to pray for them to raise their hand. Every native person who was there raised his or her hand. This is a challenge to us, as we must be faithful to pray for each one of them. These are sincere people who want a relationship with God. Some of them are serving Him now, some have served Him and fallen away, and some have never known Him. We have a huge responsibility. Please pray for us that we will not fail them.

We have often been impressed with the potential among these people. Even the children seem bright and eager, and they are a joy to work among. It is a long road each week to come to the people, but it is worth every mile. :)