The Green Grass Experience

Today our group helped out with the little kids’ camp in the morning
and Joel, Seth, Adrienne, and I took the kids on a walk to the rodeo
grounds again. When we got there some kids saw that the some horses
were very close to the fence and wanted to go pet them. They were all
excited about it and even fed them some grass. Later on in the
evening, around four-thirty, we all packed up into cars and drove out
to Greengrass. Along the way we saw some buffalo with their calves.
They were really big, and scary-intimidating. I mean, this wasn’t your
average Grant farm trip, this was right there in front of you. It was
amazing, at least for a few seconds anyway. The church we went to in
Greengrass was small. VERY small. Not a lot of people came to eat with
us too. Randy came with us, and a few more people met us up there. One
was a woman, Shirley Fiddler, who talked all about their history and
even sang us some Lakota hymns. It was a very interesting night and I
loved hearing about the chiefs and what had happened back then.
Tomorrow is the Art and Heritage Festival and we are all very excited
about that. We thank God that we will be able to see and hear all
about their culture and learn more about them.

Encouragement

Today is day three of our trip and everything seems to be going great.
We had a camp for the younger children where they just played
volleyball, soccer or just ran around the gym. We had people put in
“jail” and jumped on and there were a LOT of piggy back rides. In the
morning we went outside and cleaned up the kid’s playground. We had
noticed that there was a lot of trash around the playground and in the
grass. After we picked everything up we mowed the grass. We even got a
fence put up around the windows of the Main in the playground. In the
afternoon, there was a basketball camp for the older kids where we had
a full court game with four of the teens there. We played for about an
hour or so nonstop. Many of us were VERY tired after that. Yesterday
we had the chance to talk to Randy, a Christian living on the
reservation, and he had given us hope to share with the teens. In
fact, some of us had the chance to talk to some youth about the bible.
We thank God that he gave us a chance like that and for keeping us
safe here and healthy.

Learning the Ropes

On our second day our team got together with some of the long term
volunteers to go over the rules and what is expected for us. We then
took a tour of both the Teen Center and the Main. After the tour we
each separated to go do our different jobs. The kids went off to help
with the younger children and took them on a walk to what the children
called the Powwow Grounds. Some adults went to go cook in the kitchen
and we had three adults going out and getting windows to replace the
ones broken. So far they have three of the eight that they bought. The
older kids got to play in the gym with the older kids later on in the
evening. We all found out how good they are real fast. Some kids even
played a little two on two with some of them. Joel and I had a great
oppurtunity. We were able to sit in with a meeting that they were
having at the Teen Center. They talked about the changes that they
wanted to happen in their community, what they were proud of in their
community, and what qualities their ideal leader would have.We thank
God that we are able to help out here and just hang with the kids.
It’s been really interesting learning about their situation here and
we pray that we will be able to help as much as we can.

Michele

Team 4 and time on the CR

Day 1- July 26

    I am a little late posting but here it is finally. So we arrived
close to the middle of the day and just got everything unpacked and
set up in the kitchens and where everyone will be sleeping. The kids
got the best room, the library. We had devotions and made dinner,
which was pretty much all we did that day. After dinner we went to the
only Diary Queen around and almost got locked out of the Teen Center.
The Teen Center was created by the youth on the reservation,
literally. The long time volunteers here sent out surveys about what
the teens wanted if they could have their own center and everything in
the building was what the teens requested.  There is a large, rather
nice, gym where the teens usually play tons and tons of basketball
(which is how they got so amazing at it) and an “Internet Café”.
Besides the Teen Center there are two other buildings. One, which is
right across from the Center, is where the Elders meet and the other,
which is right next to the Center, is a building called the Main, even
though it isn’t on Main Street anymore. The Main is where all the
younger children from grades sixth and under get to hang out and just
play around on the play ground outside. We arrived safely here and
didn’t have any troubles, except for almost losing a watermelon and a
box of apples. We thank God for giving us safe passage here and pray
that he will also help us with our mission to help the people that
live here.

Michele

Team 4 and so it goes on

Praise be to God how he works.  Team 4 is about to leave for South Dakota.  As the last team there are many exciting things God will have them do.  Following on the 20:26 Rock the REZ tour they will be doing follow up plus completing what remains of the projects started by other teams.  While they are the last they are few from the least in service.  This team will be assisting in a Youth Conference and in the Art and Heritage Festival while on CR.  Please pray for this team as they serve others to serve the Lord.

Rock the REZ completed

Sometimes things happen that we can't understand and often question.  The last day on CR brought that feeling, excitement for the concert and the message to come yet a doubt that any walls will be breached.  A meet and greet lunch with fun and wonder from the young kids and youth added to all the energy.  Speaking with Randy and David gave hope to the music, art and message about to happen.  Would those listening know there is a Savior Jesus who cares?  I could only hope that part is clear.
As the concert begins, my trust in the music and message getting through to those in the audience lessened.  As I see some leave I am heart sick.  Is this their last time to hear about a Savior who loves them so much he died for them?  It was hard to focus on the ones still in the gym listening when others had gone.  During Taylor's Song I saw the tears of a young teen, later that would flow more as the message of what do you see in the mirror was conveyed  and What does Jesus see and how does he care?  That part clear.  I saw a Pentecost moment when Lakota youth talked about the message being personal as those meant for just them alone.  God spoke and they listened, it was an amazing moment.  
While still hurting for those who left, I can rejoice in the ones who stayed and were fed the gospel message.
I am reminded that I am to trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my understand but to acknowledge Him and he will make my path straight.  I have no way of knowing what impart the 20:26 Rock the REZ will have on those listening but I know I have a God who cares for all including the Lakota on CR.

TGIF

Well it's Friday and we are all tired.  Letting many relax and just get some rest before the midnight basketball tonight.  It's been an intersting week and a productive one as well.  The fence is finish and so are many other jobs which is nice.  God has done some amazing things this week with the team and will continue, some times it's hard to trust him but I know he is always with us keeping us in his care. Well for now this is it until next time.

Rocking the REZ

We I know I haven't posted much, been a very busy couple of days.  God has done some wonderful thing through all of us.  The tour started in Fort Dodge which seems like a lifetime ago, then on the Sioux Falls which as an arrival in the rain.  At least we have the interesting drive through stop at Wendy's in Sioux City with 3 vehicles going through the drive through trying to place order with a guy who's English wasn't good.  Sunday we had 3 service them headed to Mithcell.  It was at that concert we had a Lakota family come listen to the message and watch Eric play.  The little girl kepts saying what is it? what is it? to finally say it's Jesus.  What a moment.  I was so glad God gave me the courage to walk over and talk with them.  Now on CR we have rebuilt a fence work with the kids and bonded with the long terms.   Tonight we were in Green Grass. Eric and Aaron did a great job at sharing the Gospel with the Laota.  Aaron was concerned about his message and Ira really encouraged him.  Ira also taught us the round dance for which I have discovered few in team 3 have much dance skill that work with Lakota dance.  It was a great evening and a time to share our faith with others.  Had good news about Rosemary and she is doing better.  Well I am so tired so good night and talk with you all soon

Rock the REZ tour

I lift my eyes up until the mountains where does my help come from, my help comes? My help come from the Lord, Maker of heaven and earth.  I know this is a strange start to begin the tour team but Psalms 121 reminds me that I don't have to look far the find the Lord, he is always with me and I know he is with this team.  WE are about to leave, heading North to Iowa then South Dakota.  Lord let the music art and message be to your praise and glory and all working and hearing be united in you. 

What a great team

So I am late updating, I could make excuses but I won't.  God did some amazing things throughout the week team 2 was on CR.  Wednesday was our hump day and brought with it some conflicts that God's word and prayer refocused the team and unity was restored.  Our time at Green Grass was different then expected as few Lakota came to the dinner and worship but the wonderful thing was we got to serve a very tired group from Ill who worked and lived at the church in Green Grass.  It was great to lift up other brothers and sisters in Christ.  Friday came with the midnight basketball and a time to star gaze before heading home.  It was bittersweet for me to see it end.  I know no 2 teams are alike and different people will make up next years teams, I just trust God that He knows what is best for each team.  What a blessing to have worked with such wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ.  A special thank you also to the staff and long term volunteers at CRYP for their support and encouragement.  To Natalie I am so proud of you for being our first long term volunteer, I know God will do great and mighty things through you. 
Thank you all for your prayers!

God sightings

Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men Ephesians 6:7
Today was busy for the team as some worked in the warehouse and others with the children.  Many challenges faces some teammates as the kids in the Main we having a wilder then normal day.  Flexibility was the order of the day and by the grace of God everyone managed to getting done assigned jobs and keep tempers in check.  Our day began with breakfast and a devotion lead by Barbara.  Prep work for canning began as strawberries we cleaned from the garden group (Brooke, Mary with Romey) who picked 14 pounds of strawberries.  Luke and Oliver worked in the walk in freezer and the 2 chest freezer getting outdated food thrown out.  Brooke too others to work in the warehouse while Natalie lead others in organizing the Main library.  All were busy in the morning hours.  Come noon all were ready for a break and lunch.  The afternoon was working with the kids with a few others taking care of needed chores.  Brooke lead the evening Bible Study on the subject of noise.  The God sighting we talked about we varied from God providing a need person at the right moment to protecting a team member from a confrontation.  It was awesome to hear everyone relay their personal God sightings.  How great is He who protects His children and we sure feeling His protecting hands around us.  

My plans aren't alway God's Plan

In Proverbs 3:5-6 it states, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding in all thy ways acknowledge Him and he will make your path straight."  Yesterday was a lesson of trust as only 2 planned task were implemented, the freeze cleaned out and the warehouse inventoried and organized.  Our day started with the orientation which lasted all morning then lunch and work with the kids.  Oliver and Luke started work in the freezer, Matt and Al mowed in the garden, with Rena, Mary, Kathy, Tricia and Alexis with the smaller children working in the garden with 2 long terms Arieanna and Cara.  Hannah, Natalie and Nikki helped in the Teen Center with in the locker rooms getting the cleaned up for the basketball camp taking place in the gym later in the day.  Brooke and Hans headed to Green Grass to find out about the VBS.  The team didn't feel strained with them gone for over 2 hours.  To jump ahead, when they returned we all discovered there were 2 groups out at Green Grass doing a VBS at the Baptist Church and the UCC Church.  Brooke while disappointed made a leadership decision to cancel the VBS and keep the dinner and worship service on Thursday.  Brooke and Hans talking with the groups out there found out they we a green team and very discouraged by how few kids came to the VBS.  The 2 reminded how God's word isn't about numbers but people and a few need the message of salvation just like the many do.  It was arranged to serve the groups and the community of Green Grass dinner and do a prayer service.  As we don't have a Pastor I'm not sure what we will do yet but I have no doubt God already has that worked out.  Later in the evening we got a surprise visit from Derek, he talked at length to the team about his art and his beliefs also challenging me as a Christian to how the spirit works and how do I feel the presents of the spirits...a simple response of the unity of common faith in the circle we were sitting in make me feel the presence of the Holy Spirit for i know in unity I am strong even when I am weak.  Derek asked if that was apart of my good deeds.  As I have not good deeds of my own to please God with it is through his grace alone that I am worthy.  After Derek left it was Kathy who commented that he used the word I a lot as though he were trying to prove he had worth.  It was a great ending to the day and a reminder of how God is working in our lives and those around us on Cheyenne River.

On CR

Well we are now on CR with team 2.   God was so good to us yesterday, we got away from Zion around 5:30am.  Normally we arrive in Mitchell about 6:30 but this year it was 4:45PM.  that doesn't sound like a big deal but a severe storm went through Sioux Falls less then an hour after we passed through.  They had baseball size hail and had to close many streets.  Only God could explain why we arrived early with all the road construction we encounter.  It turned out to be a relaxing evening for the team and a chance to get to know each other a little better.  While at Zion Mitchell we learn about a woman we was the church organist for over 50 year, she is 99.  Pastor Troester had a wonderful sermon about unity, it was really a great start for the team.  When we arrived on CR the first person to greet us was Alex, it was great chatting with her and hearing what her plans are regarding Law School.  There is so much to tell but I'm tired and need sleep.  I just know God has formed and bond and unity within this team that is amazing.  Well to all reading this good night and I will update tomorrow.

Time to go

Habakkuk 3:17 &18 - "Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall no herd be in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation." (KJV) 
I know this sounds like a strange verse to start a mission trip but it's a reminder that no matter what happens in life we are to rejoice and find joy in God and all he does.  Today Team 2 leaves and I pray each of us focuses on the Son for our salvation, the Father for his mercy and love and the Holy Spirit for guidance.  Each our focus, each our guide as we work and build relationships with the people on Cheyenne River.

Team 1 is on the road again for South Dakota

This morning Team 1 left for South Dakota.  Last minute packing and loading of cars to be sent off with a devotion by Pastor Schlie on love and how we are to reflection God's love to each other.  As they travel keep them all in your prayers.

Team 1 getting ready

Tonight SWAMP-IN team 1 worked  to get ready to leave early tomorrow morning.  It seems strange not going with them but at the same time the mission will never grow if I am there for every team.  God has done amazing things through a lot of people and my prayers and thoughts are with all the members of team 1 as the head to the mission field on Cheyenne River.  Safe travel to all!

We will be having the teams commission this June and it is exciting to see the interest in Cheyenne River.  To date we have 86 people going.  So much is happening and we haven't even left yet.  June 6th is the commissioning, June 12 the 1st team leaves for the reservation, June 13 is Gather at Zion which will kick off the 20:26 Rock The REZ Tour and Father's day is the Pancake Breakfast to help pay for needed supplies on the CR.  Great things are happening and I pray we all can keep the Son in our focus.
Have a great Holiday Weekend

Debbie

Mission in motion

Welcome all,
SWAMP-IN is a family oriented mission that works on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation in South Dakota. We work through the Cheyenne River Youth Project. Each year we send teams to volunteer and build relationships with the people on Cheyenne River, when opportunities arise we share our faith in Jesus.
This year 4 teams are heading to the reservation, each working in different ways. Follow the blog to discover what each team is up too and comment back as it is nice to know others are following what is happening.