It has now been three days since leaving the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation of the Lakota Indians. The last evening I would have to say held the most meaning to me. We were given the opportunity for reflection by Howard. I really enjoyed listening to him speak about his experiences and why he decided to … [Read more…]
Let me start with the easy stuff. Tuesday we have a few hours to go to the house that several of us have been working on. It is not enough time to finish but we will make another dent and a big one I hope. I understand we will get another day as well. We … [Read more…]
Our group had attended a wake for an elderly Lakota woman. I have to tell you, to have twenty non Indians (Us) just show up at the wake, seemed very strange. I was uneasy about “barging” in on a grieving communities’ wake. Sure enough, when we got there, I know I felt everyone’s staring at … [Read more…]
As I get to talk to people out here, the more and more I like their overall quiet ways. A lot can be said without words. Communication without words takes some effort at first but slowly can become natural. We all have the opportunity to communicate the gospel to others, never saying a word. When … [Read more…]
I had the opportunity and pleasure during my CPE experience to meet numerous people, both in good and troubling situations. I had one person that will always stand out for me. I first got to know him in the Emergency Department. I will call this person “David”. I was asked to take David to the washroom. David was very … [Read more…]
James 2:14 (The Voice) Brothers and sisters, it doesn’t make any sense to say you have faith and act in a way that denies that faith. Mere talk never gets you very far, and a commitment to Jesus only in words will not save you. As I began to write this particular post, my daily … [Read more…]
Recently, in fact this week, I started my CPE program. CPE is an acronym for Clinical Pastoral Education. At the same time, my pastor is on vacation, I am being the supply pastor for the weekend, a friend of mine is in the hospital and is depressed about a surgery they are having and I … [Read more…]
I am starting to get restless a little at school. We have less than thirty days until school is out. Although I am excited, I am going to miss everyone that will be leaving. We have a strange setup here, kinda, at seminary. The only people I can more or less be guaranteed to see more than a single … [Read more…]
At noon on December 27th, I saw evidence of the Spirit at work. Unpacking of our moving truck began. Students of Wartburg, members of my congregation, and family all tackled the daunting task. Very quickly the truck and trailer were cleared and all things in the house. Then onto the community of Wartburg beyond the … [Read more…]