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