Some 2,000 years ago, God sent his Son. He became man to shine His light into a dark and hurting world.

Today, Christ shines His light through individuals - people like you and me, people like the staff of Lutheran Indian Ministries. We have been given the opportunity to serve our Native brothers and sisters, to help them find the Light and the hope in the midst of darkness.

As Lutheran Indian Ministries moves into the new year, our mission and focus continue to be: Proclaim. Disciple. Heal. And as we do this, we feel a special urgency when it comes to healing trauma and addiction in order to help our Native brothers and sisters experience the joy of God’s peace, bodily health, and faithful, Christian friends and mentors.

Join us in prayers of Thanksgiving for our staff and the work they do in Native ministry!

The Bible tells us, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

And so, we give thanks!

When Jesus says, “Feed my sheep,” as Christians, we understand Jesus is telling Peter to continue His ministry, shepherding the believers, feeding them God’s Word. But there are many stories where Jesus literally fed his flock: the feeding of the 5,000, the Lord’s Supper, and right before he speaks to Peter in this story, he feeds him fish and bread.

At Lutheran Indian Ministries, we believe in the healing and restorative Word of God, and we understand that the physical and emotional care we can provide builds trust and opens the hearts of those who might otherwise close themselves off to knowing our loving and unchanging Heavenly Father.

We will continue to feed his sheep, spiritually and physically.

These instances remind us that, even while someone may be struggling and may even be at what they feel is their lowest point, God is still present, the gifts He’s given still available, and strengths still evident.

Most of us love to remain in our comfort zones and hate surprises, especially in the land of Lutherans. We go to the same service every Sunday and sit in our seats. We love the old pastor, the old hymnal, and we sure miss the old organist.

Change is can be upsetting. It disrupts our “normal” and forces us to try new ways of doing things.