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.
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.
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.
This is an inspiring story. I have done outreach programs but I have not experienced yet repairing leaky roofs. Doing the latter needs knowledge, skill and experience and for that, I salute all of you.