An Auction of Love

"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." 

                                                                                                John 15:13 (NIV)

The Haskell Military Color Guard have been having an Auction on the 2nd Wednesday in May for several years.  This year, they wanted to hold it close to the Haskell Indian Nations University campus.   Some of these Veterans asked Bob Prue (Rosebud Sioux, Haskell LIGHT Ministry Leader) if they could use the Haskell LIGHT building.  Always looking for ways to connect with the Haskell and Lawrence community, Bob enthusiastically granted their request.  

We worked with the Vets to promote the event and rearranged our large multi-purpose room for the Auction.  About 25 people came for dinner and the event.  The Haskell LIGHT staff also prepared Indian Tacos with handmade fry bread.  This was to raise money for our September mission trip to the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota. 

On May 9th, the Vets brought in the professional Auctioneer they have been using for years.  This man humored the bidders and was able to sell everything!  These include several Native American items.  The last 3 pieces to sell were cedar boxes handmade by one of the Veterans.  The themes of boxes were the Kansas City Royals, the Cherokee Nation and the famous Haskell Fighting Indians football teams of the 1920's.  The purpose of the Veterans' Auction was to raise funds to help with their annual expenses.  However,  these kind gentlemen also made a significant financial donation to the Haskell LIGHT ministry.

This event offered us the opportunity to honor some of our brave men and women who have served our country in times of war and peace.  That is an important part of the Haskell story dating back to World War 1.   The Auction also allowed us to tell others about the important work we do at Haskell LIGHT to help students, staff and the local community.    We invited everyone to join us every Sunday night for Bible study and free dinner.  Finally, we thanked them for their generous donation which will also allow us to help the Cheyenne River community.  Romans 12:13 tells us to "Share with the Lord’s people who are in need.  Practice hospitality." (NIV)  We thank God for providing us with another way to share His love and Good News with our neighbors!

The Haskell LIGHT staff in Lawrence, Kansas