Partners & Friends,
I hope all is well with you and your loved ones. Our team just returned from our trip to the Sioux Indian Reservation in South Dakota. The Rosebud Reservation, home to around 11,000 Sioux Indians, is located near where the movie ‘Dances with Wolves’ was filmed. The reservation faces significant poverty, and the need there is immense.
Upon arrival, our team of 21 split into two groups: one for outreach and the other for construction. The outreach team held nightly events with the community, playing games with the kids, distributing over 300 backpacks filled with school supplies, and giving away glasses donated by America’s Best in Pittsburgh, as well as shoes provided by our contact. The crowds grew to 200-350 people each night, and the gospel was shared. Over 100 people accepted Christ, and many more heard the message of salvation. Enclosed, you’ll find pictures of the team in action.
The construction team worked for a lady named Trisha. Trisha came from an abusive background and to get clear of that situation, she bought a shed that was 12 feet by 24 feet. She moved into it last November. She has spent the past 10 months living in this shed that had no water, no plumbing, no insulation, no toilet, shower or bathroom. She had 1 extension cord run into the shed that she ran a heater off of (still no insulation, it gets down below 0 in South Dakota, not sure how she lived).
In just four days, our team installed insulation, connected sewage and water, built a wall and door for a bathroom, installed a tub/shower, a kitchen sink, and ran electricity throughout the shed. By the time we left, she had electricity, a functional bathroom, a tub, shower, and a small kitchen. Team members also bought her bedding, window coverings, and supplies for her bathroom and kitchen. Enclosed, you’ll find before and after pictures.
The ministry has also received funding for two churches in Cambodia, which we’ll be working on during our winter mission trip. We’re still seeking sponsorship for 2-4 Cambodian nationals to become church planters at $200 per person per month.
We’re offering an open mission trip in October to minister in the Appalachians, with a cost of $1,200 per person. If you’re interested in more details, please let us know. The dates are October 14th-21st.
God bless you as you continue His work in and through your lives.
Blessings,
