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Camp is going great. The heat has really been terrible, but that is everywhere. Temps today 104 F. We are trying to see where God wants us to fit in permanently. ************************************************************************************************** In Matthew chapter 25 Jesus tells a parable of the Talents. The parable tells us of a man that gave his servants money / talents, to one he gave five to another he gave two and to the third he gave one the story tells us how each one used his talents. All but one took a chance went outside his comfort zone and used his talents to make more for the man but one played it safe and did nothing with his talent. And the story continues when the man returned that two of the men were able to give the man double what they had received while the third one only gave back what he had originally received and as the story ends we see the two that were willing to take a chance to use their talents, were rewarded and that the one that did nothing was cast out. So what is this parable telling us? I think it is saying that all of us have been very blessed by God with talents, recourses, time and yes even finances (money) and God expects us to use what He has given to us for his glory. And also He expects use to do something for others, to step out on faith and trust God that he will take care of us if we will only trust Him. What are you doing with what God has given you? Are you using your “Talents” to glorify God and to help others? Are you willing to trust God, to get out of your comfort zone, and let your talents be used to enlarge God’s kingdom? What is it that you need to do? Will you be the one that hears; “Well done good and faithful servant” When Diane and I answered God’s call on our lives to sell all that we had and move to Africa we never questioned why or how but trusted God would be faithful if we were faithful and He has been. Even when we felt God was calling us to a new journey in ministry again we trusted Him and moved back to the states to minister to the Native American people on Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Even though the donations/ support have never met more than 60% of our budget we have always had what we needed to live and to minister to others. It has been tough at times, but always God has come through for us and used some of you to support/donate at just the right time. Diane and I do not normally ask for specific things, we trust God will impress upon people to help in the ministry God has given us. We can definitely say that He has done just that….. however, we are in desperate need. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Our Need>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> As many of you know Diane and I purchased a used fifth wheel camper that we live in fulltime on the reservation, we also had to purchase a vehicle large enough to pull our little home on wheels. The vehicle we had to buy to say the least is a beast that loves to make frequent stops at the pumps. Each time we have to fill the tank the cost is $100.00-$125.00. This we have to do on average twice a week. We have to travel long distances to minister here on the reservation, even the trip just to buy our weekly/bi-weekly groceries is over two hours. So with all that said, Diane and I are being forced to buy a much smaller vehicle that will be cheaper for us to operate. We are asking that if anyone feels that God impresses on your heart to help us purchase this second vehicle to please do so. Any donation would be a tremendous help. As always and as in the past, we trust God will provide. We are so honored and blessed to be serving Him and the Native American people of Pine Ridge. As always thank you to those that have partnered with us and donate to help us to enlarge God’s Kingdom and in advance thank you to all that give to help us get this smaller cheaper vehicle. Prayer Needed: For the People and Children of Pine Ridge Reservation. That we find an affordable reliable used vehicle.

Right Neighborhood ; Wrong House

When God moved us from Swaziland back to the states more specifically,  Pine Ridge, South Dakota Diane and I knew it was His will, but I must admit that I never really had peace about it.   Of course I thought it was because we missed Swaziland so much.

So we sucked it up,  packed up and moved to Pine Ridge.  Since we have been here only seven weeks God has done amazing things, we were able to find property with buildings that was just right to house the church and space for the other outreach ministries, the food pantry and clothes closet.  The buildings had not been occupied for several years so you can imagine the condition they were in but in only two and one half weeks the work is over 90% complete.  We have held three informal services in the church and have already had one salvation and other decisions made.  But with all this my heart was still unsettled and not at peace.   With much prayer and soul searching God placed this thought in my heart and mind; you are certainly in the right neighborhood but in the wrong house.  I spoke to bro. Ken (president/Director) of Native American Baptist mission about what I had been feeling and what God had placed in my heart.  We both agreed that the best and most healthy thing for each of us would be for Diane and I the resign from NABM and Pray about what God would have us to do.  Brother Ken would continue the work with the church and other outreach ministries.   

That was last Friday, and by this past Sunday Diane and I were extended an invitation to join Youth Evangelism Strategies.  Diane and I had met with Mike Brennen and his wife Monica last Friday afternoon.  I must say that Diane and I both felt so comfortable and at peace with Mike and Monica. Mike is the Director/Pastor.   He is a Native American of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee.  Mike also pastors a southern Baptist Native American church that is located nearby.  The ministry/camp property encompasses 80 acres (and growing, presently building new buildings) and is located on the edge of the Badlands; they are vast, barren beautiful rock formations.  This ministry has been here on the reservation for three years.  The ministry focuses on the physical and spiritual development of the children and youth here on the reservation. By the way 52 teenagers committed suicide here on the reservation last year.

Free summer camps are ongoing throughout the summer months where the children/youth are exposed to Christian values, fun and games and of course God’s word.                                                                                                  

Diane and I will be living on the property in our fifth wheel of course. See below picture of our front yard (breath taking). What will we be doing, anything and everything needed at camp and around the church.

                                                                                                                                                                                        Now I can say with peace in my heart that we indeed are living in the right neighborhood(PineRidge Reservation) and in the right house (Youth Evangelism Strategies). To God we give praise and Thank Him for allowing us to do what we do. Blessed.

Donald/Diane,
 Missionaries to Native America

Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota

Pine Ridge here we come!

Packed up and ready to go!       

 In many ways it seems like Diane and I have been back in the states for many many months and in other ways it seems as though we have been back for only a few weeks, but in fact it has been 5 months and the time has come that we once again say good-by to family and friends.

Although it is always hard to leave those you love however we are happy entering the next chapter of ministry and we know we are following God’s will for our lives.  Diane and I are excited and anxious to get to Pine Ridge and begin serving and ministering to the Native American people living there.

 Although the work will be hard and it will take time to build trust and relationships with the people, we know God has gone before us in fact He has already provided several semi truck loads of clothing, shoes and food that will be used to help minister to the people there. God is also showing in other ways that in fact He does want NABM (Native American Baptist Missions) serving the Native American people on Pine Ridge.

Some have asked “What will you be doing there”? What I can say to that is we will be helping to get a church started and outreach from that a food pantry, proper nutrition is not always available also help provide adequate clothing to those that may not have enough or have the proper clothing, it gets really cold on the reservation during the long winter months. It is a possibility through Piedmont International College we will also offer Christian biblical studies. It is also possible we may be able to provide some type of medical help.  Really the list could go on and on as there is tremendous need on Pine Ridge. I know God will show us what He would have us to do once we get there.  I know a big part of what He wants is for us to show the Love of His son Jesus to all that we can.

Diane and I have the privilege to be serving / working alongside the President of NABM,  Dr. Ken and Sherrie Trivett.  We already Love them and are excited about working with them on Pine Ridge.

Diane and I will be leaving for Blue Field, West Virginia on Monday May 7 to meet Brother Ken and Ms. Sherrie we will be with them at  Memorial Baptist church until May 9^th  and from there we will be  traveling to Chattanooga, Tennessee  for a couple of days.  Then we  will begin our journey to Pine Ridge on Monday May 14^th.  Lord willing we will be arriving on Pine Ridge Thursday May 17^th.

I will take this opportunity to once again say Thank you our supporters for helping Diane and I do what God has called us to do.  We are so thankful to all for every prayer, encouraging word, your hospitality and for all those little things you have done and are doing to show your love for us and the Native American people of Pine Ridge.  We know it is ultimately from God but we thank you for allowing yourselves to be used of Him.

Privileged to be serving in the wonderful name of Jesus

Don and Diane Page

Missionaries to Native America

Short update

Just a short post to let you know what's been going on...
First of all... Thank you Lord for all you have done, and will do - now and forever !!
Since Christmas we have been very busy. Preparing for the new Ministry and trying to get our things together.

We are still staying with our daughter in Willow Springs, NC but will be moving into our new "5th wheel home" (picture) sometime later in the month. Praises to the Lord he made it possible. We took our life savings and purchased a used 2006 5th wheel camper and a 2008 Ford F350.  The camper has been parked at my brothers house  so he can do a few repairs, installations and woodworking.  Thank the Lord for my brother, all the work he has done for us has been our Christmas gift from he and his wife. Once he has completed the work we will be taking it to a certified RV repairman for a complete "going over".  We want to get everything up and running before we take the 1,800 mile trip to our new ministry location..South Dakota.
Don and I have been invited to speak at a couple of churches in and around our area over the next month..
We ask that you Pray for us and the Native Americans,  as we embark on this new ministry -- \  If you would like to hear more, we are having a presentation at our home church Sunday night, Jan 22, 2012 @ 6 p.m. Come join us !
doing it all for HIM.
Love and thanks to you all !!!
Diane