Pastor’s Corner July 2013

The following was published in our monthly newsletter, the Redeemer Report.

The Omaha Nation Reservation in Northeast Nebraska was the place for life-changing experiences for, my wife, our two oldest sons, Connor Lutz, Katie Thomas, and Zach Vesper and me. Thanks to the RPC family, we were able to serve alongside thirteen other dear folks ministering to the people of the Omaha tribe.

This was RPC’s first year joining a standing PCA effort to bring the gospel to two specific towns on the Reservation – Walthill and Macy. Both towns are almost 100% Native and are very physically and spiritually needy. Unemployment on the reservation is 75%. We were told that half the adults have diabetes, and the rate of alcoholism among men is over 50%. Reservations can be very dark places with very few evangelical churches ever taking root. Just months ago, two Native missionaries founded the All Nations Church in Macy. Our main effort was to minister to elderly folks somehow related to the church who need house repairs, as well as provide a VBS ministry in the park each afternoon for children.

Additionally, Shari and Katie were able to minister to folks in a retirement home by way of piano and violin music. Our days were filled with ministry, learning, and fellowship. The team will give a full report to the church very soon.

To summarize our experience, I’ll restate a simple sentence taken from my public journal on day three of the trip-

Another great day on the Omaha Rez. Met some resilient people trusting God while dealing with very, very difficult circumstances. Met others trapped and in need of deliverance. Praying God will use our team to encourage and provide some help of various sorts. All of us are learning more about reality, life, and the absolute need for the grace of God.

We very much look forward to sharing the details of our trip on Sunday night, August 11th. Please pray about Redeemer’s future involvement with this ongoing ministry to the Omaha people. Thanks for sending us as representatives of RPC.

In the Lamb,

Pastor Tony Felich