Dear Friends and Family, 

I am excited to share with you the opportunity that God has given me. This summer, it has been placed on my heart to go on a mission trip to the Cheyenne Indian Reservation in South Dakota.  Our trip will take place July 12th -19th. We will be serving with Unusual Soldiers as well as Next Step Ministries on the reservation.  This reservation is full of rich stories, beautiful scenery, and diverse culture. But like many Native American reservations, its history is also marred by hardship and injustice — the effects of which can still be felt today. According to NBC News, this reservation was the poorest county in the USA a little over a decade ago.  Alcoholism, drugs, unemployment, abuse, and suicide all impact family dynamics and the larger community on a daily basis. 

The families and individuals on the reservation face many challenges, but there is hope. We know that Jesus deeply cares about this community and He is empowering individuals from Cheyenne River to rise up, advocate for their community, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and love the broken. God is there, and God is working.

Our goal is to be a light for Jesus and to meet the tangible, physical needs of people living on Cheyenne River by working on trailers and homes across the reservation. Even though our primary platform for partnership on Cheyenne River is construction-based, the heart of our ministry is relational. We will have the chance to spend meaningful time with community members and hopefully leave our trip with a better understanding of the Cheyenne River Sioux tribe.

This is my first mission trip so I would appreciate your prayers for our group, our safety, and for the Lakota people.  I’d love to have you consider joining my support team as well. The total cost of the trip is $1,200 which I need to raise by May 1st. If you feel led to send in a tax-deductible donation then please send it to Unusual Soldiers with the enclosed response form or give online by clicking my name in the drop menu at unusualsoldiers.com/trips Thank you for prayerfully considering being on my team! I look forward to sharing with you what the Lord does in the upcoming months.

Pressing Onward,