When I first came to Spirit Lake three years ago, John 8:32 kept coming to mind and the value, power, and need of Truth became very real to me. Taking the youth to Missouri for Warrior Leadership Summit, the Native Discipleship conference (click here to watch a video highlight of one of our days at WLS!), this past month was kind of my last “official” ministry event, so it seemed quite fitting that this year’s theme was “Who Am I? Leave the Lies, Live the Truth”. As usual, the week was full of fun: smoothies by the lake, crazy water activities, conversations with old friends, incredible worship, and powerful messages. Our group came together from different places this year, since several have moved on, but it was great to be together again in Missouri: Suzy, Skye, Travis, and me from Tokio (plus our friend, Tyrone, from SD), Fred and Jamie from Bismarck, Joy and Duke from Iowa, and Christina who is going to school at the International House of Prayers in Kansas City (we picked her up on our way!). Not only was the conference itself an encouragement, but the Lord allowed me to see a glimpse of how He’s been working in the lives of some of these dear friends…and that was incredible. Just in our little group, we had two On Eagles Wings team members (the group of Native youth that travels to reservations across the country to share the Gospel) and five people who are interested in being youth leaders back home…talk about being filled with hope and encouragement! Please pray that the Lord would continue the work that He’s doing in their hearts and that He would continue to strengthen and encourage these leaders! All of this was a good reminder for me, too, that this work doesn’t depend on me or my presence on the reservation. It’s the Lord Who is working. He is fully able. And He is raising up Native leaders who are leading the way and living the Truth! Praise Him for that!
June was my last official month on staff with AIM (although the ministry never ends)! I started a new job at North Dakota Teen Challenge (a faith-based residential drug and alcohol rehab program…click here for more info) on July 6 and I’m now living in Bismarck. On my first day of work, I met a man who is the pastor of a Native church (All Nations Assembly of God)here in Bismarck…isn’t it amazing how the Lord works?! I also have a few friends from Spirit Lake and WLS who live here, so I’m looking forward to seeing them more often and hopefully checking out All Nations Church with them! Please pray for me during this transition time and ask the Lord to continue to guide me and use me for His glory. Pray that the Lord would continue to use me to encourage and speak truth to my dear friends back at Spirit Lake. And please ask the Lord to continue to bring hope and freedom to the Native people through the power and truth of Jesus Christ! I appreciate each of you and am so thankful for your support, prayers, and encouragement over the years…you have been a blessing and I am trusting God to bless you abundantly!
