Get Involved

When I was in prison did you…?

July 22, 2014 by admin Leave a Comment

by Volkhard Graf

It began about a year ago. Out of the blue we received requests from Native inmates located in prisons in different parts of the country. The letters were sometimes scribbled on half-sheets of notepaper and contained questions, asking for resources to help them in their spiritual walk.

Some asked if we could help supply traditional objects of worship, others spoke of how the inmates had come to know Creator through Jesus while incarcerated. We have no idea how inmates got our contact information, especially since requests came from so many different prisons.

We wrote back, to provide printed study materials that could be helpful in their process of becoming apprentices of Jesus, following him behind prison walls. In some instances regular correspondence began to form. We heard heartbreaking stories of abandonment, neglect, abuse in younger years, often leading to lives of addiction, criminal acts, and prostitution.

Many years ago, when I received my own call, the words of the prophet Isaiah speaking about the Messiah, Creator’s Son, strongly impacted me:

He has sent me to bring good news to the poor, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim release for captives, and liberation for prisoners… (Isaiah 61)

We began hearing stories of hope, how the desperation, loneliness, and heartache had literally driven inmates to Jesus. They found acceptance, forgiveness, comfort, and strength in their difficult situations. They also shared their concern for other family members, in one instance, a lady told us of her husband who was incarcerated in another maximum security prison and wanted us to get in touch with him. We have been able to provide Bibles, Books, and other relevant materials, particularly from a Native perspective and have heard back that they are helpful and that there is a desire for more. Because of security restrictions, these materials often need to be shipped directly from the publishers, which is more costly. If you would like to financially support this outreach, you can donate securely here.

A gift of $25 covers a paperback discipleship Study Bible, or Richard Twiss’ book: “Many Tribes–One Church, Following Jesus the way God made you”

Falling Into Place–A Story of Overcoming

October 27, 2013 by admin 2 Comments

For someone on the outside looking in, she had it all. Beauty, notoriety, influence, financial security. Millions of people regularly watched her news reports on the national TV show, CBS This Morning. She had won several Emmy Awards for her outstanding work, rubbed shoulders with Presidents, First Ladies, Actors and Musicians and covered human interest stories from wildfires to crimes. However, when her husband of seventeen years unexpectedly asked for a divorce, she was thrown into a deep emotional crisis, questioning her identity and value.

Growing up in poverty in Seattle’s “projects,” as the daughter of a Nez Perce woman and a German and Dutch father, she remembers her parents struggle with alcohol, neglect, hunger, and going without electricity and water. The rare times when she

and her siblings got to go back to Idaho to see their grandparents, were like an oasis for a thirsty traveler. There she experienced unconditional love, plenty to eat, comfy beds, forests to explore and rivers to swim. Another light during dark days was her Aunt Teddy, who deeply cared for her and her siblings. She would shower them with attention, take them on little discursions, and encourage them to memorize words from the Bible, such as the 23^rd Psalm. Although the words didn’t make much sense to her at the time, somehow, her current crisis brought them back. She began to meditate on them and find encouragement and strength. As she reflected on her childhood and the seemingly random experiences she had made while covering news stories, she began to see a pattern emerge that showed her that God had always been near. One night while covering the Oscars Awards show in Hollywood, she felt drawn to a church near the auditorium and experienced a profound touch by God, coming to her rescue, blessing her in a powerful way.

By now you might have figured out that I am talking about Mrs. Hattie Kauffman. She has been telling her story in a newly released book entitled “Falling into Place—a Memoir of Overcoming.” During a promotional interview she was asked: “Did you find God or did God find you?” Hattie stated:

“God didn’t have to find me… He knew where I was all the time. He knew that I was a hungry girl, trying to control her world, scrambling to get somewhere and be someone. It was only when I was so broken in spirit that I could no longer even pretend to be in control…that I looked upward. God? Are you real?”

I hope you take the time to read Hattie’s insightful, deeply moving story, but even more importantly that you to realize God is there for you too, right now, waiting for you to respond to his extended hand.

Volunteer champions making a real difference

January 24, 2013 by admin 1 Comment

Copyright: Marc Walters Photography | Used With Permission

“Do you ever have need for adult volunteers” the short message sent via our website asked!

Responding to the request, we listed a few areas where our ministry can make use of volunteer workers. We also asked about particular our responders areas of interest . While exchanging emails, we found out that Marc is a professional photographer and his wife Jill a nurse. This gave rise to a few more ideas how they could contribute and led to their first visit in Kamiah during the annual Looking Glass Pow-Wow. Marc began to take pictures, listened to suggestions and thought deeper about what could be done.

Several weeks later he contacted us again, to see if he could come with all his equipment and cameras to do a professional photo shoot for any Nez Perce Tribal members who might be interested. We began contacting the local tribal Community Center and they graciously entered into partnership with us to provide the place for shooting the pictures and helping promote the event. Emails were sent, calls where made, facebook announcements posted, and on Nov. 5 and 6, Marc and Jill took 374 different images of a a number of Nez Perce people, some dressed casually, some in regalia. One re-known Choctaw artist, Roger Amerman, had his beadwork photographed, which had just recently been returned to him from the Smithsonian

As part of Marc’s service, he offered a free print to each person or family and all his images will be made available to individual participants on a CD, making it possible for them to have them printed for Christmas cards, sent in emails or posted on facebook and webpages by their owners, without the expenses and restrictions of a regular commercial shoot.

All in all a great blessing to all participants, who expressed their gratefulness to Marc at the photo shoot.

Take a look at Marc’s great work and “like” his facebook page. (Check back soon for a link to some of the images taken here)

We hope Marc and Jill’s generous example encourages or reminds you of something you can contribute to make a real difference in the lives of people. What could you contribute? Consider your gifts, interests, talents, or simply the willingness to give some of your time or resources. Whether it is through our ministry or the many other possible avenues of involvement, you can make a difference with what you have been given for others!

If you have a question, how you can possibly assist our local work, feel free to contact us with your suggestions. There are things that can be done even without being physically present at our location.

(Photograph, Courtesy of Marc Walters Photography)

Not to be served but to serve

August 6, 2012 by admin 1 Comment

A team of 74 young people and adults descended upon Kamiah during the last week of July to serve and share the love of Jesus with members of the Kamiah and Lapwai community. They were invited by YWAM Native Ministries, the Nez Perce Indian Churches and the Wa-A’Yas and Pinewaus Community Centers.

Lapwai-BBall-Camp-2012 — Lapwai Basketball Camp 2012

During their time here they conducted services at three of the Nez Perce Indian Congregations. Several of the young team members shared their hope stories, encouraging others to do the same. Pastor of Student Ministries and Coach Shon Tenkley and team members also led the ninth annual free Basketball and Kid’s Camp’s offered at the tribal Community Centers in Kamiah and Lapwai with over 130 participating young people. Over the years, team members have established many friendships with young community members. Thanks to Facebook, many stay in touch during the year, eagerly looking forward to the teams return every summer.

Kamiah-BBall — Kamiah Basketball Camp 2012

Adults and team members also worked hard serving in practical ways. They mowed and cleaned cemeteries, repaired leaky roofs, helped out at the Emergency Food Outreach and Loving Hands Thrift Store, cut down brush, split wood for Elders, washed windows, cleaned houses, helped bring in hay for an injured animal lover, etc.

While here, the team enjoys cooling off and swimming at the Rock. They spent time every day worshiping and praying together, sharing their struggles and joys, affirming and serving each other. Although tired at the end of the week, team members share with us how much fun it was to be here, which is also evident in the fact that many of the young people return year after year, proving that they are following their Master, who said that he did not come to be served but to serve.

Maverick Flying Car

August 6, 2012 by admin 3 Comments

Steve Saint (Son of Nate Saint) of I-TEC drove the road-legal flying car from Florida to Oshkosh, probably the largest Air-show in the world to exhibit its capabilities. Since then the FAA has also issued the Maverick a S-LSA aircraft airworthiness certificate. I-TEC hopes to be in production by EAA Oshkosh 2011.

As Steve shares in the short video, the Maverick Flying Car was developed to primarily serve humanitarian and mission applications.

For updates on the development of the Maverick, visit here.

50 Years Later-YWAM is still innovating

December 24, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

YWAM Still Innovating Mission Work

Loren Cunningham’s vision first took shape in 1960. Fifty years later, nearly 4.5 million people have been involved in Youth With A Mission.

“God called us tor break some norms, and change the paradigm of missions. Although we didn’t know what all that meant, we were used to do the radical. When YWAM was founded, people didn’t think missionaries were anything but westerners speaking to non-westerners under a shade tree, often with a pith helmet. That was never what God thought!” (Loren Cunningham)

“We have always recognized that it takes everyone and that God has uniquely made different people. We are called to release young people into their destiny. Our focus is to develop potential in others.” (Darlene Cunningham)

“God is willing to use ordinary people of all backgrounds! He is no respecter of nationalities, color of skin, or background. He is willing to use anyone.”
“All Nations are sending Nations, they all have the Great Commission in their Bible, no matter what language they read it in. We need each other desperately. At this point, YWAM is a majority non-western mission! It is an incredible experience to see the riches of Jesus revealed through the human creation, blended together in this adventure that we have experienced in these last 50 years.” (John Dawson)

At the final 50th Anniversary celebration in Hawaii, one participant described her feeling like being at a United Nations event because of the over 100 nationalities present.

“It has been an enormous privilege of blowing the bugle and we have been honored and humbled by what God has done. Her certainly is the “wave maker.”

This video segment about YWAM’s 50 anniversary was shown on CBN. We trust it will encourage and challenge you to get involved. He wants you, He loves you, He likes you!

You can find much more information, pictures, videos and a sampling of the international music from and by YWAMers: YWAM Music (Check out “Warriors come home,” “I’m calling you home,” and “Shout it out loud” by June Mataia for sounds of the Pacific Islands.

Natives captivate German Hearts

December 14, 2010 by admin 2 Comments

…When the wind of the Spirit blows, Warrior, come on and ride the wind…”

Mayor-Altensteig — Robert Soto, Lipan-Apache, protocols the Mayor of Altensteig

The words sung by Broken Walls and accompanied by a powerful drumbeat are thundering from the massive speakers in the horse arena serving as concert venue. Colorful Traditional, Fancy, and Feather dancer’s busts into the arena, as hundreds of German’s give rousing applause. This scene was repeated at several other major venues, often with hundreds of visitors each, coming from near and far to see the “Indianer” from North America. The team performed at churches in Herborn and Altensteig, at City Halls, at a well-known area restaurant, at a “House of Blues,” music pub, a water castle, and various other locations.

Visitors anticipated seeing Native people in their colorful regalia, hearing music that included pow-wow style drumming and the

Crowd-Haiterbach — A very interested crowd in Haiterbach

more contemporary sounds and music of “Broken Walls.” They were not disappointed. It was evident again that there is great interest in Native people from North America in Germany and all over Europe. But cultural exchange was not the only purpose of the team’s trip to Germany. They also came to share parts of their history, including the often horrendous results of abuse, mistreatment by the majority culture, neglect, alcoholism and drug abuse and the healing that they experienced by coming to know Jesus their Creator in a personal way, helping them overcome devastation and hardships.

SAM_0607 — Klaus-Peter with Broken Walls

Dancing for Creator from YWAM Native Ministries on Vimeo. A native person having experienced so many hardships but having found freedom in Christ is a powerful and believable witness to European people while sharing their beautiful and varied cultures. Is this possibly part of their destiny in the Lord? We believe that the words first spoken by the Prophet Isaiah to Israel also apply to Native people: “…their descendants shall be known among the nations.” Isaiah 61:9 Jonathan Maracle, widely traveled leader of Broken Walls stated that the country that printed the first Bible is especially on his heart. He said:

“We came here to remind Germans of the message of God’s love they helped bring to us in the first place
Interview by German ERF TV
and have largely forgotten themselves.”

“In the past, First Nations people were either completely assimilated into European culture, or they reacted against it and it’s religion,” said Maracle. “But God didn’t make a mistake when he created our native cultures. Jesus came to conquer sin, not culture. We were made ashamed of our culture.

But now, as native people we reach out for restoration, to all European peoples with the message of Jesus.”

“We love the responses we previously enjoyed in Europe and the enthusiastic reception the music of our native culture has received and we look forward to make new friends.”

Here are a few reactions the team received.

A young lady was moved by the music and dance of the team. Members of the German organizing team are working with her, introducing her to life in fellowship with Jesus and other Followers of Christ.

Native team members keep receiving encouraging news via email and facebook about how their lives were changed by the words they shared and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

A young couple has begun their journey to know and grow closer to Jesus

Several other concert participants are taking part in the basic discipleship courses of the church

One mother wrote that her son listens to the CD’s the teams brought,…”he listens to the songs up and down…and dances to the music, making the whole house shake.”

Broken Walls (Jonathan Maracle – Mohawk, Vocals, Guitar, Mohawk Wind flute, Bill Pagaran – Tlingit, Drums, Kris DeLorenzi – Bass, Vocals) For more information about Broken Walls, their music CD’s and DVD and other products here Created to Dance (Robert Soto – Lipan Apache, Fancy Dancer, Homer Hinojosa – Lipan Apache/Cherokee/Blackfoot, Fancy Dancer, Trey Adams – Lipan Apache, Southern Traditional Dancer, Orena Monahan – Quechan, Jingle/Fancy Shawl Dancer, Erika Monaham Quechan, Fancy Shawl Dancer, Chelsea Flores – Lipan Apache, Southern Traditional Dancer) More information about Created to Dance, their music CD’s etc. here This tour was made possible by a very dedicated, generous, and hardworking team of organizers in Germany. We are all very thankful for their vision and tireless work to make it possible for the team to share their culture and faith in Jesus.

Warrior, Ride the Wind from YWAM Native Ministries on Vimeo.

Jingle, Fancy Shawl, Southern Traditional, Traditional, Feather Dancers (Created to Dance) enter the arena at Altensteig, Germany to Broken Walls singing “Warrior, Ride the Wind.”

Dancing for Creator from YWAM Native Ministries on Vimeo.

Broken Walls and Created to Dance share their beautiful culture through song and dance with the German people in Haitersbach and Nagold

Beautiful Feet from YWAM Native Ministries on Vimeo.

Created to Dance members joining the Music of Broken Walls. “Beautiful are the feet of those who proclaim Good News.”

Indianweek 2010 Deutschland from YWAM Native Ministries on Vimeo.

Native Messengers for Jesus

June 7, 2010 by admin 1 Comment

A small group of wonderful German friends have diligently and competently organized an outreach for a Native and First Nations Dance Team to Germany. Not only that, they have raised the funds for the airline tickets for the team of ten members and will also provide all housing, meals and transportation while in Germany.

Their intent is to offer an opportunity for cultural exchange and the sharing of the Good News of God’s kingdom through their beautiful dances, music, and art. From July 16 through August 2, 2010 we (Volkhard & Marianne) are privileged to accompany the team in our home country, with the great hope that our Native friends will be able to reach many Germans with their unique gifts and talents.

The team is made up of “Broken Walls,” a professional Native group, led by Jonathan Maracle (Mohawk) that is well known throughout Canada and the United States. They have performed at many different locations in North America and Europe, such as URBANA, published a number of CD’s, a DVD and won “Aboriginal Peoples Choice Awards for their recordings. Besides Broken Walls, a colorful team of Hoop, Fancy, Traditional, and Shawl Dancers from the Southwestern US, led by Robert Soto, (Lipan Apache) will be part of the team.

They will perform at three large open-air venues to which the organizers expect hundreds of people each, as well as several church services and other venues. You will be able to find updated information about the team at www.indianweek.de For those who might be in the area, we would like to extend our invitation to join us for colorful, exciting performances. If you you know others who might be interested, please forward this information to them.

Indianweek Program, German (PDF, 6.7 MB)

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.
[recaptcha_form]

Path to Peace

February 28, 2009 by VolkhardG Leave a Comment

Choosing the Creator’s Path

The Creator created the world – the mountains, trees, rivers, and seas. He created all the creatures on this fair land. The Creator also created man and woman from the land and put them in charge to take care of the Creator’s work.

Man and woman were placed on the path of life. They were given the choice of walking on the Creator’s Path or going another way.

The people did not listen to the voice of their Creator. They chose to go their own way and do what seemed right to them in their own spirits.

This caused the Creator much sadness. He loved His creation dearly and did not want them to go their own way. He decided that there was only one way to save man and woman from destroying themselves and all of His creation. He would send His Son to become like them and live on the land.

Creator sends His Son

The time came when the Creator’s Son came down to the earth and took on the form of a little baby. He came from a woman and grew as a child. Soon He became a man-a young warrior.

But this warrior was different. He did not choose to fight. He came to bring peace and to teach.
Not every one liked what the Creator’s Son was saying. They did not want to accept His message of forgiveness and salvation.
Some of the people who followed Him wanted to make Him their chief. Others wanted to kill Him.
One day, those who wanted to kill the Creator’s Son became more powerful. They were able to turn the hearts of their leaders against the Creator. They got permission to have him put to death.

This Man has done nothing wrong

They hung him on a tree and left him there to die. But the Creator’s Son was not the only one hanging there. They put two thieves on either side of him.

One of the men who was guilty of death hanging next to the Creator’s Son spoke harshly to Him. He said, “If You are the Chosen One of the Creator, save Yourself and us.” But the other man spoke sharp words to the other man. “Are you not afraid of God the Creator? You are also guilty and will be punished. We are suffering and we should, because of the wrong we have done. But this Man has done nothing wrong. He turned to the Creator’s Son and said, “Remember me when You come into Your holy nation.”

The Creator’s Son said to Him, “For sure, I tell you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

Those in charge placed guards around to make sure that followers of the Creator did not come to take His Son down from the tree.

Some believed, some didn’t

Many people stood around watching what was happening. The leaders were with them and some of them were making fun of the Creator’s Son. They said, “He saved others, let Him save Himself if He is the Chosen One of the Creator!”

There were women who cried and had sorrow for the Creator’s Son. He spoke to them and said, “Daughters, do not cry for Me. Cry for yourselves and your children. Listen! The days are coming when they will say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us.’ They will say to the hills, ‘Cover us.’

“If they do these things to a green tree, what will they do when it is dry?”

Then the Creator’s Son said “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

It was dark over all the land from mid-day until the afternoon. The sun did not shine. The ground shook.

Then the Creator’s Son cried with a loud voice, “Father, into Your hands I give my spirit.” When He said this, He died.

Many realized who He was

When the guards noticed that He was dead, one of them took his spear and pierced His side. Blood came flowing out.

At that moment, many of them realized who He was and why He came. The people standing around began to worship the Creator’s Son. Many thought that was the end of the story. But in many ways, it was only the beginning.

The Creator’s Son’s body was taken down from the tree and buried. But just three days later, the grave was empty. He had come alive again.

He appeared to many of His followers. There was much joy and excitement. Some time later, the Creator’s Son returned to the sky to be with His Father. Before He left the land, He told His followers that there would come a day when He would return and that they all would join Him. This made them all very happy.

The Creator’s Book, the Bible, tells us that He created all things to worship Him-including man and woman. It is His greatest desire that we have a personal relationship with Him. Even though man chose to go his own way and run from the Creator, the Creator desires that man walk with Him on the Path of Truth.

Through all time, people have tried to reach the Creator through other spirits, vision quests, living a moral life, religion, and through creation itself. The Creator’s book gives us His plan for how to get on the Creator’s Path to abundant living. Would you like to find that path?