Mom, Boos, and 1700 miles of the West

I'm back. Not that anyone has really missed me. ;) Since the kids are out, I have an opportunity to write and share how Jesus has been working in my life. The last week of July I had the opportunity given to me from WC Foods and River of Joy (ROJ) (a ministry for Native people on the Pine Ridge Reservation) to travel to South Dakota. I am forever grateful for the opportunity that was given to me.

South Dakota Sunset

Here are some of the highlights:

I met some really great friends on this trip. The people of ROJ are great women of God. By the end of the week Kathy Naugle was used to me calling her "Mom". One of Mom's favorite past times is outrunning the storms that I encouraged her to drive into. Kelly Boos (pronunciation BOOZE) and I immediately formed the team of "Boos and Money" and had a great time playing "True or False?" at the expense of Dave. Is it true Kelly has a dog named Scooby? Pastor Rick Evans came along because Kathy is active in the church he pastors. Rick was able to see what ROJ is all about. Rick was my driver the night I finally reached Rapid City. (I believe God places airports in people's paths to teach them patience.)  I think we were a little delirious as we recited the lines of Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. We made to the cabin on the Flying Heart Ranch in one piece after traveling what seemed like 416 miles of Nebraska dirt road.

The Whole Gang
Me, Rick, Ken, Mom & Boos

Ken Brandes, who has been a friend for the last year, was also along for the trip. Ken has been instrumental in showing me the ropes to Native ministry.  Ken and I had a great week.  We got to know each other and were able to talk about where the Lord is calling us in service on Pine Ridge Reservation. The King of Kings brought immediate unity and the Fast Wolf project was born.  (More details on that in following messages.)

The Fast Wolfs

Along with these great friends we had the opportunity to mingle with the Native pastors in the community. ROJ  is an encouragement.  They focus on edifying the body by supporting the Native/White Pastors in their role among the people. We attended a camp meeting amongst the Lakota, rode on a school bus, played games, and drove a ton. Everything is spread out the res, no joke! 1700 miles in a week is what our total miles driven ended up being!


However, the most powerful point of the entire week was when The Lord revealed His calling to me. When I left SD, I left part of me. My soul longs to go back.  I don't know just yet how God will use our family amongst the Lakota. This is what I know:

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:  For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?  Matthew 7:7-9

When I came home I wondered how Native Ministry would be received. Our Pastor spoke on living outside the four walls of the church and serving God with your whole heart. This is the way God has been speaking to me for over a year now. (That would be the still small voice.) I might have a bowel movement if the audible voice ever occurred.  

Seeking the purposes of God is not high on the list of Americans but as Joshua said "as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord".

We look forward, as a family, to see what God has in store for us. This we do know, it will always be about bringing Honor and Glory to His Son Jesus.