We were dead in our trespasses and sins, a people spiritually blind and without hope.  But Christ came out of the brightness of His heavenly Kingdom into our dark world of sadness and tragedy.

He offered forgiveness of sins, comfort in times of sorrow, and assurance that He will never leave us no matter what our circumstances.

"For many Native kids, the best place to get a listening ear is in a sweaty dressing room after a grueling game of hockey."

Rick Martin, LIM missionary in Manitoba, tried staying away from hockey. With all the counseling needs he and his wife, Linda, address in their ministry, other things seemed more serious. More important.

But, "Somehow, God seems to keep bringing opportunities back to ministry through hockey, and when I follow them He blesses."

"It was an amazing experience," Rick recalled. "They set the stage up on the ice of the frozen shore of Pikangikum Lake, candles formed a glowing heart in front of us, and thousands of sets of eyes looked at us, waiting for the comfort our music could provide them."

Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that you help us in a new way to begin to understand this promise and to speak it to others.  You know best what we need, whether it is healing or growth, help us.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Dear Jesus, thank you so much that you rose from the dead.  Thank you that you have made a way for us to have victory in life because you are alive.  Help us to understand this in a new way today.  Help us begin to live this out in a new way.  In your name, Amen.

Dear Lord, thank you for going to the cross for us.  Help me, Lord, to understand how much you truly love me and that you went down that very dark and lonely path so I could truly know your love.  Thank you, Lord, for inspiring me again this season to serve and love you more deeply than ever before. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Dear Lord, thank you for the power of your love, more powerful than the mightiest river on earth.  Thank you, Jesus, that we can take all our hurts, sorrow, and pain to you, and you will cleanse us and lead us to the true path of healing and life itself!  In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

This is the future of Lutheran Indian Ministries: Proclaim. Heal. Disciple. It is through men like Joseph, counseled and discipled Christ-followers, and people like you with a passion for Native Ministry that we will continue to make an impact in God's Kingdom.

 Dear Father in Heaven, regardless of our ethnic backgrounds or culture, may we joyfully draw our hearts to the One who came to save us this Christmas Eve. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

  Dear Lord, Thank you so much for revealing Your love for us, and Your plan for us, in a way that we can understand no matter what tribe and people group we are from. Your ways are so amazing, as is the Christmas story every time we hear it, especially in our own language, Amen.