What are the needs in our communities?

The world around us seems to be changing very quickly. With the pandemic of 2020 along with the political and civil conflict we are living in a very difficult and divided state of unrest. Regardless of each of our opinions of what’s true or what’s false; who’s right and who’s wrong; the reality is that satan has managed to divide us in an attempt to destroy us. But we believe we will see God’s victory! In many cases the church has been separated from those who look to them for help and guidance (silenced). We need to find new ways to communicate the Gospel and share the love of Christ.

Girl on bench The true body of Christ consists of Every Tribe and Every Tongue walking in unity. Native American communities need strong Christian Native American leadership but so does all of America. Black communities need strong Christian Black leadership but so does all of America. White communities need strong Christian White leadership but so does all of America. Hispanic and Asian communities need strong Christian Hispanic and Asian leadership but so does all of America. I think you get the point; our diversity is a good thing, God made us that way, but He desires us to come into unity in the midst of that diversity as His body. The world needs to see us coming together in unity, truly representing God, so that they will have a curiosity, a desire to know Him, our Savior.

What is it like in communities around us, in Native American communities? First I should tell you that Most of our experience is on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, and the urban Native communities of Oklahoma, and now our home in rural Pennsylvania. Although many of the communities suffer with the same sorts of problems, not all communities are the same. In other words, they're not carbon copies. It is like comparing the inner city of Pittsburgh, PA with the inner city of Los Angeles, CA. They both suffer with similar problems, but they're not exactly alike. And the culture of all people even among the same ethnicity will differ greatly based on geography (inner city-suburb-rural, north-south, east-central-west).

Native American community and Tribal leaders recognize that there are many serious needs among their people. Many adults and children only have a bleak outlook about the future because they see no reason to hope for a better life. Stability and continuity are often lacking in many homes. In many of our communities of the United States we are recognizing the same problems especially since the pandemic. Unemployment is a factor. Alcoholism and drugs are where many turn. Under these circumstances dysfunctional families are not uncommon. Often this results in problems with the law, or even violent death. Suicide has risen to epidemic proportions. Unfortunately many with some Christian experience are often caught in meaningless religious ritual, not the vibrant life of a disciple that Christ intended.

There is a great need for Native American people to recognize that the One True God is their Creator, and He loves them just as He created them (as Native Americans). For Native American people to come into a mind-set that says, "I have true value in the Kingdom of God, I have something to offer others, I can make a difference in my community and in the world, and I can be a minister of God." And that statement is the truth of God that every person needs to know and believe regardless of the color of their skin. The church at large needs all of His children to take their place in the body of Christ to complete the picture and fulfill their calling of God in the great commission.