Archives for 2009

Let The Walls Fall Down

November 9, 2009 by admin Leave a Comment

The piece of concrete in front of me, smudged with paint of different colors, is nothing valuable at all! One might wonder, why I keep it in a prominent place in my house. It is because it represents something very special to me.

I am talking about a piece of the Berlin Wall that I chiseled off that infamous structure of separation in my home country of Germany in the summer of 1990. Less than a year ago the 29-mile long wall of wire and concrete, which had been erected in 1961 by socialist East German authorities to halt the exodus of refugees to the West still seemed to stand strong. But by November 1989 the wall had been breached and millions of people watched on the news how flag-waving, joyful Easterners jumped the wall and entered into the western part of Berlin without being shot at by the ever watchful and merciless Volkspolizei. To this day watching these scenes makes me choke up with tears!

Not long ago even the most conservative politicians had wanted to strike a provision out of West Germany’s constitution that strongly called for a reunified Germany, because there didn’t seem to be any hope left for it ever to occur. What brought about a change like this? I realize there probably is no single right answer to this question. Certainly, growing disillusionment with the “blessings” of socialism, the breaking up of the stronghold of communism further east in the Soviet Union, Poland and Hungary and the overwhelming desire for true freedom played an important role. Yet, I believe one of the most important reasons why this radical change occurred without a bloodbath is a spiritual one!

Since 1983, Pastor Christian Führer had held the Friedensgebete or “Prayers for Peace” every Monday at the Nikolaikirche in Leipzig. First here, later throughout East Germany, groups met under the roof of the church as the one safe haven where they could voice criticism of the regime and seek a way to change it. Of course, soon the nervous regime infiltrated the meetings at the churches. October 9, 1989, Pastor Führer was warned, that if he continued to hold the Friedensgebete he would provoke civil war. Yet as history proves, an attitude of non-violence prevailed even while the demonstrators saw the light glinting off the weapons and looked at the shields, helmets and armored vehicles of a powerful police force. No shot was fired and the forces of peaceful change had won.

Over the following four weeks the streets would swell with more demonstrators. The socialist leaders would have to acknowledge that they had lost control and realized, that in a moral, political and spiritual earthquake, communism and the entire Eastern bloc was brought tumbling down.

Remarkably, in this un-Christian country the spirit of Jesus, the spirit of peace had descended on the masses and brought about peaceful, positive change.

Why am I telling you about this? I trust, that these events will both remind you that history is first and foremost HIS-story, God actively working in the affairs of mankind, and that it will instill you and me with new faith and fervor to pray and work toward the breakdown of walls of separation and racism which are so dominant in our society and sad to say often even inside the church’s walls. Last but not least, as this event shows, it is first and foremost the power of God, marshaled by unified prayer, not gun-power, that brings about lasting change!

Here’s a song that encourages us on our way:

Let the walls fall down,

Let the walls fall down,

By His love let the walls fall down!

One by one we’re drawn together,

One by one to Jesus’ side;

One in Him we’ll live forever;

Strangers He has reconciled.

In His love no walls between us,

In His love a common ground;

Kneeling at the Cross of Jesus,

All our pride comes tumbling down.

Fall, all fall down!

“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” Philippians 4:6-7 (The Message)

(Permission to reproduce this material is automatically granted on the condition it will be used for non-commercial purposes, will not be sold, and will be distributed for the sole purpose of expanding the Gospel.)

Sacred Warrior

October 29, 2009 by admin 2 Comments

In this powerful video, Tom Bee performs “Sacred Warrior”, a song written by Terry Wildman of Rain Ministries on location at Pine Ridge and Wounded Knee, South Dakota.

It calls all warriors to stand firm, to stand strong, by putting on the armor of light to stand against the night! By following the most “Sacred Warrior” of all, the One who is called the “Word of God”, whose vest is dipped in blood and whose eyes are blazing fire and who will go before them in war, the warriors will take their stand and never be left on their own.

You can purchase their music online at Worshipmusic.com

Neues Gebäude für YWAM Native Ministries?

October 10, 2009 by admin Leave a Comment

A new Ministry home for YWAM Native Ministries?

Für die vergangenen 16 Jahre unserer Präsenz hier im Land der Nez Perce haben wir unsere Arbeit als Jugend mit einer Mission (JmeM) gemacht, ohne eigene Dienstgebäude zur Verfügung zu haben.

Wir glauben, dass der Herr uns jetzt „grünes Licht“ gegeben hat, Ihm zu vertrauen, dass wir uns eine eigene „Domäne“ geben will, damit wir unseren Dienst erweitern können. Damit wir mehrmonatige Jüngerschaftsschulen (DTS), Beherbergungsmöglichkeiten für Einsatzteams, Schüler und einen wachsenden Mitarbeiterkries hier anbieten können, benötigen wir eine entsprechende Immobilie/Grundstück.

Wir hatten bereits ein Haus und Grundstück identifiziert, das unsere Ansprüche erfüllte. Leider wurde diese Immobilie im April 2009 verkauft, bevor wir die benötigten Finanzen zum Erwerb zur Verfügung hatten.

Obwohl es in unserer Umgebung nicht zu viele Angebote gibt, die unseren Kriterien entsprechen, ist in der Zwischenzeit ein anderes Gebäude zum Verkauf angeboten worden, das unseren Vorstellungen nahe kommt. (Webseite des Maklers)

Dieses Haus wäre sofort als Wohnraum für Mitarbeiter und Studenten nutzbar und kommt mit einem Grundstück, das für zukünftigen Wachstum viel Raum hat.
Es liegt strategisch gut, nur eine kleine Distanz von der Schule entfernt, aber gerade ausserhalb der Stadtgrenze, was bedeutet, dass es keinerlei Bebauungsvorschriften oder Beschränkungen gibt.
Das Grundstück ist ca. 4 hektar gross und liegt gegenüber von Land, das von mehreren Nez Perce Familien bewohnt wird.

Da das Gebäude und Grundstück schon für eine Weile zum Verkauf steht, dürfte der Preis verhandelbar sein. Wir haben bereits einige Spenden zum Erwerb erhalten, die auch Beiträge unserer eigenen Mitarbeiter beinhalten. Z.Zt. haben wir ca. Euro 17.500.00 zur Verfügung um eine Anzahlung zu machen.Weitere Informationen und Bilder des Grundstückes sind hier einzusehen.

Natürlich bewegen wir diese ganze Angelegenheit im Gebet vor dem Herrn und wir möchten Euch einladen uns besonders dabei zu unterstützen. Durch Eure Gebete und finanzielle Unterstützung könnt Ihr an der Erweiterung des Königreichs Gottes unter Indianern teilhaben. Möglicherweise könnt Ihr auch unter Freunden, Missionsgesellschaften und Gemeinden Fürsprecher für die Arbeit sein, damit Indianer ermutigt und ausgebildet werden können, um ihre Gott gegebenes Erbteil einzunehmen.

Steuerlich absetzbare Spenden können mit dem Vermerk „JmeM Dienstgebäude“ hier gemacht werden:

Arbeitsgemeinschaft Mission e.V.

Konto: 31 22 02 03,

BLZ: 516 900 00, Volksbank Dill eG

Über uns

October 9, 2009 by admin Leave a Comment

Der Dienst von YWAM Native Ministries, Kamiah, Idaho begann im Sommer 1993.

Wir sind in Deutschland aufgewachen, aber die Nez Perce Indian Reservation in Idaho ist seit 1993 unser Zuhause, wo wir bei Youth With A Mission, Native Ministries dienen. Wir möchten unter Indianern Nordamerikas Gottes Absichten in unserer Generation dienen und sie zur Nachfolge Jesus’ rufen.

Der Herr gab uns ein Wort aus 1. Mose 26, 12-22, besonders Vers 18, …”Dort hatten die Philister nach Abrahams Tod alle Brunnen zugeschüttet. Isaak ließ die Brunnen wieder ausgraben und gab ihnen dieselben Namen, die sein Vater ihnen damals gegeben hatte.” Wir sehen unsere geistliche Aufgabe darin, mitzuhelfen, die Brunnen, die ehemals frisches, lebendiges Lebenswasser hergaben, aber über Jahre hinweg verschüttet wurden, wieder aufzugraben.

Praktisch bedeutete das, daß wir die bereits bestehende Arbeit unter den Indianern unterstützen und ermutigen. Als Mitarbeiter besuchten wir regelmäßig die Gottesdienste der indianischen Gemeinden am Ort und daraus entwickelten sich gute Beziehungen zu den Nez Perce.

Gott segnete uns mit offenen Türen zum Dienst. Wir wurden eingeladen Jugendprogramme zu unterstützen, bei Bauprojekten zu helfen und kleinere Einsatzteams zu beherbergen, die zur Hilfe und Ermutigung der Gemeinden nach Kamiah gekommen waren

Eine Älteste der Gemeinde am Ort sagte uns später, dass wir die “Gesandten” seien, für die sie so lange gebetet hatten.

Auch zukünftig bleiben wir verbunden mit dem Dienst der Gemeinden am Ort, indem wir das Wort Gottes predigen, junge Leute ermutigen an Kurzzeit Missionseinsätzen teilzunehmen und bei Bauprojekten und anderen Aktivitäten helfend zur Seite stehen.

Wir bieten Einsatzteams von anderen Gemeinden und Jugendgruppen schlichte Unterkunft und veranstalten gemeinsame Jugendabende, und Open-Air-Treffen. In 2008 hatten waren wir Gastgeber für drei verschiedene Gruppen, die im Ort Dienste ausführt haben. Im Jahr 2001 begleiteten wir eine Gruppe meist junger Indianer zu einem Missionseinsatz nach Tijuana Mexico.

Unser Gebet ist, dass mehr Indianer Ihre Berufung in die Mission zu erkennen. Wir glauben, dass Gott sie in besonderer Weise begabt hat und ihnen offene Türen gegeben hat, um auf ihre Art das Evangelium von Jesus Christus überall auf der Welt zu verkündigen.

Obwohl Indianer sehr viel Misshandlung erlebt haben und Ihnen ihr Land gestohlen wurde, glauben wir, dass Ihr Schöpfer Ihnen eine hoffungsvolle Zukunft verspricht.

“Freude soll ihre Trauer erstetzen. Anstelle von Asche sollen sie den Kopfschmuck der Ehre tragen. Sie sollen Diener Gottes genannt werden. Obwohl sie eine doppelte Dosis von Schwierigkeiten und mehr als ihren Anteil von Verachtung erfahren haben, soll ihr Erbe in ihrem Land verdoppelt werden und ihre Freude soll für immer währen. Ihre Kinder werden unter den Nationen als Menschen, die der HERR gesegnet hat bekannt sein.” (aus Jesaja 61)

“I will fight no more—forever!”

October 9, 2009 by admin Leave a Comment

October 8, 2009

The doctor entered the room, preparing to give me the exam required by US Immigration authorities. Quickly his questions turned personal. Why was I here, what was my job?

I briefly stated that I was working with a Christian non-profit organization seeking to walk with and work among Native people in the area. His reply dumbfounded me. He said something like this: “I don’t know what Native Americans want, we, (obviously referring to his Caucasian ancestors) won fair and square.” I was taken aback by his rather calloused and simplistic reply. Unfortunately, not being too quick-witted, it was only later that I could think of what I wanted to reply. “Maybe you won—but there was nothing “fair” and “square” about it!

Chief Joseph's surrender at Bear Paw — Chief Joseph’s surrender at Bear Paw

On Monday, October 5, 2009, our Nez Perce neighbors commemorated the 132^nd anniversary of the Battle at Bear Paw, Montana. Here, their fighting retreat ended with Chief Joseph’s heartrending surrender to Generals Miles and Howard. It marked the culmination of their almost four month long flight, fraught with many “unfair” battles, hardships and losses of warriors, children and elders. It all had started at White Bird Canyon on June 17, 1877, when a hothead civilian volunteer engaged the US Army and the Nez Perce, who had approached under a white flag of truce, in battle, by firing the first shot.

Is it not high time that we shed ignorant and simplistic attitudes about historic events and begin to deal with the reality of what happened, not by re-writing history, or by trying to “explain away” what happened, but by squarely facing the hard and difficult truth, warts and all?
Unfortunately, what has happened cannot be undone; however we can learn from history and commit to not let injustices go on or happen again. We can begin to identify with the loss and pain that our Nez Perce neighbors are reminded of on days like this. We can choose to treat them with the dignity and honor Creator has endowed them with. They are the First Americans and they are the Gate-keepers of this nation.

From Creators Word to us we know that transforming change begins with the recognition of wrong, and honest repentance, (change of mind and then of action). While it is impossible for me to even imagine the agony and suffering Nez Perce families are reminded of on this day, I want to express my sorrow over the injustice they suffered and identify with the sins of my forefathers. I know, it will not bring their ancestors back, restore the lives and land lost, but I commit myself to walk beside you, to speak up against unrighteousness and injustice and to add my small contribution to a better present and future for you. Most of all, I trust and pray that the Judge of all the earth, will do what is just! (Genesis 18:25)

By: Volkhard Graf

Where Were You, God?

September 11, 2009 by admin 1 Comment

The horrific events of 9-11-2001 have no doubt caused many to ask questions like this one. “Where you asleep God, or on vacation or did you just not pay attention?”

Interestingly enough, these questions seem to be asked mostly by people who may not think or care about God when things run smoothly in their lives. Some who ask may not even believe there is a God or that he can be known.

Others may have a notion of what God is like and events like the terrorist attacks of 9/11/2001 seem to rattle what little trust they may have had in him.

Somehow we feel that God, who is all-powerful has the obligation to protect us from evil. Many may ask: “Can the all-powerful God, let evil happen to our lives and at the same time claim to be the God of Love?”

Here are some answers, that Lee Strobel, an investigative reporter was given by Peter John Kreeft, a first rate philosophical thinker with a PhD. from Fordham University, who has been a philosophy professor at Boston College since 1965.

[Read more…] about Where Were You, God?

Can’t We All Just Get Along?

August 23, 2009 by admin Leave a Comment

This question was posed by Rodney King (African-American), who had been severely beaten and mistreated by his arresting Police Officers (White), as was widely broadcast on the News. The failure of the courts to bring about justice by convicting the perpetrating officers later sparked the infamous Los Angeles Riots.

In a time, when racial tension is flaring up like never before, this question is an important one to ask. It is Black against White, White against Native American, Hispanic against Black, Asian against Black and Hispanic etc. The year 1995 has been declared the International Year of Tolerance.

Isn’t it interesting that those who proclaim the value of tolerance most fervently stop short of abiding by it? They announce: Intolerance is unacceptable! To everyone’s dismay, intolerance seems to be more prevalent then ever. Is tolerance the answer? Is there really a simple answer at all to the racial question?In my opinion, the answer is No, we can’t just get along! Yet a positive answer to the question of peaceful co-existence of people of all races and backgrounds is possible if we look beyond ourselves.

We first have to realize that we are all of equal value to God who created and therefore wanted different people groups with their own cultural traits. It seems that each culture has certain strength’s (gifts) and weaknesses. From a biblical perspective, all people, all human beings are not only created in God’s image, (Genesis 1: 26-27; Genesis 9:6) their lives are also all stained by sin. (Psalm 53:2-3; Romans 3:23;) We all fall short of God’s standard.

Any person can be changed by sincerely repenting and receiving forgiveness, granted by God, because His Son Jesus carried our sins and the just penalty for them on the cruel cross. (John 3:16-17; Romans 6:23) The one receiving this new life should also be aware of the tremendous value that God placed on every single human being. It is expressed in the fact how much God paid for us. He did not pay with riches measurable in Dollars and Cents, but by giving His only Son, Jesus. That is how valuable we are to Him. One who has received forgiveness is commanded to forgive others also, realizing that the forgiveness he has received is by far greater than what he might have to forgive his neighbor for.

As we realize this we need to make an effort to extend grace to others, even if their actions are less than desirable.

We need to make an effort in trying to understand why the other person is reacting in this way. We need to feel and share in carrying their pain. This includes looking at historical events, that are all to often brushed off as happened a long time ago. Do we really understand what it means to be held as a piece of property, being bought and sold at will by an arbitrary owner. Do we really understand the pain that a Native American might feel about massacred beloved ancestors, land stolen from them, broken promises, and crude and untrue stereotypes being applied to all of them. Their wounds are real, no amount of tolerance alone can take care of those. “Time heals all wounds” is not only a false but cruel figure of speech. A festering wound left alone will not heal by itself, it will only get worse.

When will we tend to our neighbors wounds and seek healing for them, instead of having only quick answers? When will we look beyond behavior that is often only the outflow of things gone wrong and touch the hurting soul underneath instead of adding to their insult and isolation by placing blame on them? Jesus himself gave us a perfect example. He showed us how we should live, by being completely “other’s-centered.” This “Jesus-Brand-Christianity” is lived out by considering others more than ourselves. Jesus told us that the most important things for us to remember and do are to:

Love God, because He first loved us and showed His love by giving Jesus.
Love our neighbors as we love ourselves.

If we follow these simple yet profound commands we will get along with each other and much more, we will start to appreciate one another, differences and all, and begin seeing that we all need and complement each other with our giftings and abilities.

© 1995 Volkhard Graf, YWAM Native Ministries
(Permission to reproduce this material is automatically granted on the condition it will be used for non-commercial purposes, will not be sold, and will be distributed for the sole purpose of expanding the Gospel.)

Some of our “wildlife”!

August 15, 2009 by admin Leave a Comment

We featured a picture of a large rattlesnake, reported to be over 9 feet long, weighing about 97 pounds, that supposedly was killed not far from Kamiah in Lawyers Canyon. The information was forwarded to us by what seemed to be a credible source and all the geographical descriptions appeared correct.

As long-time residents of this area, we are aware of the presence of rattlesnakes in our area, especially in Lawyers Canyon, however we are unable to verify that the pictured snake was really killed here.

We recently became aware that we might have fallen prey to a “hoax” or “urban legend,” as the large snake has been reported killed at other locations, such as Texas and North Dakota, with similar, detailed geographical descriptions. You can find further information at these websites:
Snopes.com
Urban Legends.com

We apologize for featuring this picture and for any inconvenience this may have caused!

Property News! SOLD to Other Buyers!

July 2, 2009 by admin Leave a Comment

UPDATE

Thank you for your prayers and donation toward the purchase of a ministry property. We received a number of generous contributions but fell short of the amount needed to make an offer on the property we had envisioned. A few weeks ago, we learned, that the property was sold.

Although this was a little disappointing to us, we are content in the knowledge that the Lord will have another opportunity for us. We are not giving up! We trust that an even more fitting property solution is going to open up. All donated monies remain set aside for this purpose.

Please continue to remember this need in your prayer for us, so we will find the right real estate which will allow us to house students and staff. If you would like to contribute to our Ministry House Fund, you can mail checks to our address below or will find other options there.

_________________________________________________________

To accomplish what we are called to do, we are in need of facilities to house students and staff. The property should have a good size kitchen and rooms for meetings and learning.

We had identified a property that met all those conditions. It also allowed for future expansion. For more details on the previously considered property click here. Unfortunately, the property was sold in April 2009, before we had the needed finances for purchase available.

Although there are not too many options that meet our criteria available in the Kamiah community, another property has come up for sale that might provide basic initial space and room to expand. (Realtor Web Site) [Third listing from the top] This property features:

2 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom Rancher (1552 sq. feet, built 1963)
2 car detached garage, which can be turned into bunk-style housing
A work shop, (16′ x 22′)
3 blocks from schools but just outside Kamiah city limits in Idaho County. (No zoning restrictions!)
9.75 acres, allowing us to add a community building with a commercial kitchen and office suite
The property is also just across from where several Nez Perce families live

We believe the currently listed price can be negotiated down. At this time, we have funds for a down payment and we are in the process of praying for more funds by generous donors, small and large and/or 15 year no-or low interest private loans from individual sponsors.

In order to grow, we also plan to add a larger meeting facility with a commercially equipped kitchen, to host training and conference events. We envision to add a simple, functional and architecturally pleasing facility.We would like to invite to pray with us for this project and to prayerfully consider if you could be part of the answer to raise the needed financial support or to be an advocate for our ministry with other friends, associates, or churches.

Contributions can be made by:

Mailing checks or money orders to YWAM Idaho, Inc., Native Ministries, PO Box 1391, Kamiah, ID 83536-1391
By Direct Deposit (please contact us for detailed information)
Credit Card contributions can also be made using PayPal, by clicking: Send Money to email ywam@ywamfirstnations.org. (Note that a PayPal account is required).

Youth With A Mission Idaho, Inc. is registered and in good standing with the State of Idaho and has 501 (c) 3 Non-profit status with the Internal Revenue Service. (Federal ID #: 82-0408415) Contributions are tax-deductible.

If you have questions or would like to be involved, please contact us.
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Interessiert ein Einsatzteam zum Reservat zu bringen?

June 27, 2009 by VolkhardG Leave a Comment

Öfter gestellte Fragen:

Was könnte unsere Gruppe tun um den Nez Perce und YWAM Native Ministries zu dienen?

Missionarischer Dienst beginnt mit dem Aufbau von Beziehungen. Aus wachsenden mitmenschlichen Beziehungen ergeben sich Möglichkeiten im Leben anderer ermutigend und herausfordernd zu sein. Durch miteinander arbeiten, spielen und essen ergeben sich Möglichkeiten zur Evangelisation und Jüngerschaft. Wir wollen Teams die Möglichkeit geben zu evangelisieren, zum geistlichen Wachstum anderer durch gemeinsames Bibelstudium, Diskussionsgruppen und Jüngerschaftskurse beizutragen.

Open-air Treffen kombiniert mit sportlichen Aktivitäten, (besonders Basket Ball) Anspielen, Musik, Zeugnissen, Unterhaltungen und Gebet für andere, können dabei mithelfen Türen zu öffnen.

Wenn Euer Team Mitglieder hat die Erfahrung in Gebäudekonstruktion, Schreinerei, Dachdeckerei, Landschaftsgestaltung usw. hat, können wir helfen Projekte von indianischen Gemeinden zu finden bei denen eure Begabungen und praktische Arbeit ein großer Segen sein kann.

Habt Ihr Unterbringungmöglichkeiten für Teams?

Das uns zur Verfügung stehende Gebäude erlaubt die Beherbergung von Teams von 5 bis 20 Mitgliedern. (Luftmatratze, Schlafsack auf Teppichboden). Unser Gebäude hat eine Küche mit 2 Toiletten und einer Dusche. Ggfs. können wir auch Übernachtungsmöglichkeiten bei einer örtlichen Gemeinde arrangieren. Wenn Euer Team nicht mehr als 4-5 Mitglieder hat, können wir auch Übernachtungsmöglichkeiten bei örtlichen Familien einrichten, dies ist auch abhängig von der Dauer Eures Einsatzes. Es gibt auch einen Wohnwagen Park und Campground und verschiedene, recht günstige Motels im Ort.

Welche Kosten haben wir zu erwarten für Essen, Übernachtung, Transport etc.)?

Einsatzteams sind für Ihre eigenen Mahlzeiten zuständig, die in der Küche unseres Gebäudes vorbereitet werden können. Um für die Kosten von Strom, Wasser, Abfluß usw. aufzukommen, erheben wir einen Beitrag von $ 50 pro Person/pro Woche. Wir haben einen Kleinbus (15-Sitzer), der von YWAM für die Einsatzzeit gemietet werden kann zur Verfügung.
Für weitere Informationen kontaktiert bitte:

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