GIFTS AND GOALS

I am shocked when I see how much time has elapsed since I have updated the blog. The holiday season has come and gone, and we are now in the cold and bitter January South Dakota winter. The Sunday during Christmas weekend we did not get out to Lower Brule as we had so much snow and wind that travel was inadvisable and the interstate was closed. The next Sunday, we traveled to Chicago to meet our daughter Leah and her family. We had a wonderful time with all of them. Our granddaughters are always a special joy to spend time with. A neighboring pastor Lindell Howard agreed to fill the pulpit that Sunday morning, and a few were there to worship. Last Sunday was a "catch-up and let everyone know we are still there," and a few came for church and Sunday School. Before we left the reservation, we made several visits with the people. This Sunday was a nice day to be traveling, as it was sunshiny and peaceful. Esther and I went up the hill to West Brule and picked up some children for Sunday School. We were encouraged when two of our Sunday School girls were all dressed up cute and waiting for us out by the road when we drove up. We stopped some other places and got some more children (and some promises for next Sunday). Esther had a fun time down in the basement while she told the Bible story and talked to the kids. They have formed a bond, and this is what we are working toward. One of our regular children is especially bright, and he is a challenge to keep occupied. He responds to the stories, and he seems to assimilate the lessons although he is still quite young (six years old).When we started service this morning, we missed a man who has been faithful to be there whenever we had services the last several weeks since his wife passed away. We were singing when he came in and stood in the back. When we were finished with the hymn, he asked to speak and told us that he was not going to be able to be there as his son needed him to take him to a distant town. He said that he wanted us to know why he wasn't there, and he asked us to pray for them as they traveled. He then came down to the front and told Ray that he came to tell us that and to leave an offering. Ray reached for the offering basket, but he said, "No, this is for you for the gas you buy to come over here." He put a large bill in Ray's hand and said that he appreciated us coming, and then he went out the door. It was very touching to us. It was such a simple act, but so full of love and appreciation. This is one of the things I love about the Indian people--their simplicity and love. These little 'gifts' that God gives us is what keeps us encouraged and desiring to go to these people.

For many years I set goals for myself at the New Year, and I have made several again this year. We are hoping to set up a tentative calendar of events for Lower Brule for the next several months, and I'm hoping to set a few goals for the church. We will share this with you when we get it accomplished.