News From the US Portion of the Outreach

Just to let you all know that we have had a wonderful time so far on our practicum/outreach for the YWAM school we did. We have been to many historic indigenous sites in Oregon and Idaho, ministered at 4 churches, done a night of sharing Panamanian Wounaan dances while we got to learn Nez Perce dances as well, learned how to do Nez Perce bead work (well at least a little), visited with the Head Start and Senior Center in Kamiah, Idaho (on the Nez Perce reservation) to share dances and cultural stories. We were invited to a home to learn about the sweat lodge and the fishing skills of one man, who also shared fresh elk meat with us. Oh, and Alex, Steve and Yessy had their stories recorded to be played later on the local radio station in Kamiah!

Alex and Yessy are so surprised at how alike the Nez Perce and Wounaan cultures are. They have similar stories, the same dugout canoe, the same values of community. Everyone's heart has been touched. Alex and Yessy have also been able to share their personal stories of faith.

We head to Tacoma tomorrow for another indigenous potluck and church service. Next week we are invited to an Elders and Youth Council meeting at Native American Youth Association in Portland. Plus lots more!

Fort Clatsop, Oregon

The Creation Story of the Nez Perce

Praying for the Nez Perce people at The Heart of The Monster

Visiting the Cultural Center on the Nez Perce reservation

Oh yes...there was snow!

Teaching Wounaan dances at the First Indian Presbyterian Church

Singing a hymn in Woun Meu in Manzanita, Oregon

 

The Panamanian portion of the team has been ministering in Bocas del Toro, other places in Chiriqui, and is working with Debby Tracy and a team from Kona. All that we hear from them is very positive. We will update more when we can get a fuller report on their ministries.