First, I just want to say thanks to all of you who were gracious enough to read and share my latest post. When I looked a few minutes ago, that post had gotten over 5,000 views, and total views for the entire blog were well over 6,000. That’s just since last night, and, I believe more views than the blog has gotten, cumulatively, since I started it 2 years ago, so frankly, it’s a little overwhelming, and I just want to say thanks for reading!
I’m also going to take this golden opportunity, this bully pulpit, as it were (although those of you who know me know the last place I should ever be allowed is behind any kind of pulpit), to plug Nape Na Si Ministries. (pronounced Naw-pay Naw See. It means “Hands and Feet” in the Lakota language)
NOTE: Don’t stop reading now! We’re not asking for money! We’re asking for something much more valuable.
Nape Na Si is a mission organization that started in my home church, Whitewater Christian Church, by Ray Vance, the minister at that time, and my niece, Sarah Roberts (now Hartlieb). Ray wanted to get our church involved in missions personally, as opposed to just sending money to missionaries. Sarah had some connections of Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, so they and several others from our church went out there on a mission trip, where they all died (okay, not really, but from the stories they tell, I’m pretty sure they thought they were going to). They survived camping rough, tent-eating horses, and what sounds a lot like dysentery. They also made some deep connections on the Rez. This was in 2003, and some iteration of that group has gone back every year since.
We do a daily VBS/Street Ministry for the kids, a basket ministry for the adults, mow playgrounds and parks, and do construction work as funds and personnel allow. Our goal is to eventually acquire land out there and establish a full-time presence out there. However, for the time being, we’re just plugging along the best we can.
Here is a link to the Nape Na Si blog/website: http://www.napenasi.com
Anyway, as I said before, we are not asking for money. We’re asking you to get involved yourselves. Not even necessarily with us. Just get out there and help someone. However, if you’re not sure how to get started, check out NapeNaSi.com, and if you want to, give us a holler.
Okay, shameless plug over. Thanks again for reading!
I saw your post about the trip the other day and am interested in more info so I will check out the site. I was even telling my Mom and brother about it last night.
Duly shared and noted. We have several reservations around us, but they’re all pretty glitzy and have churches established (even Seventh Day Adventist). Not to mention casinos. 😛 I’d love the opportunity to help out someday where it’s really needed and wanting.