OTZI THE ICEMAN Part II

Rick McPherson

July Newsletter, 2026

     Well, a lot has happened in the last month since we talked about backpacks for the Native children at Lake Quinault and the Yakama Indian Village at Celilo.  Some are saying, “What?  It’s only July and you’re already talking about back-to-school plans?”  Yes, we are.  You see some schools return the last week of August and we need time to purchase, pack and deliver the backpacks to the Reservations.  We have learned from our contact people that there are 32 children from K-8th grade on the Quinault Reservation and 27 from K-12th grade on the Yakama at Celilo.  As a reminder, the Lake Quinault Reservation is on the Pacific Ocean coast about 75 miles north of Aberdeen, WA.  The Celilo Indian Village is 50 miles east of The Dalles, OR.  

     A local church group has volunteered workers to help us pack each backpack and have them ready for delivery in mid-August.  What a blessing!  All of the contents, including; notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers, markers, ear-buds, head-phones, calculators (for the HS students) and even an emergency (!) yummy, snack bar,  will be lovingly packed.  If the budget allows, we will include that ubiquitous water bottle that we mentioned previously.  Gotta stay hydrated, right?

     Now… for the reality to make this happen, we need help.   When you do the math you get a total of:  $2,301.00 (59 students X $39.00 each).  We have already received money towards this outreach ministry but we’re still short.  Can you help?  Will you help?  Let me tell you that these backpacks are a HUGE blessing to the children and families on the Reservations.  Aside from groceries and boots they are the most requested items that we give.  One volunteer was in tears when we told her our plan to help.  So, God bless you for caring, sharing, praying and giving!  

     We’ve included an image of OTZI THE ICEMAN for your enjoyment.  Scholars discovered this Copper Age mummy who was found carrying animal hides attached to a U-shaped hazel rod and wooden boards making it one of the earliest known carrying frames.  Today’s backpacks are a far-cry from OTZI but if you’ve ever carried a backpack (and who hasn’t?) you can join me and say, “Thanks, OTZI…great idea!”                 *****

     More housekeeping…

     In response to last month’s newsletter, let me answer your questions about giving to Pacific NW Outreach, Inc. and Rick McPherson RESTORATION.  Yes, we are a, 501 (c) (3) charitable, non-profit organization and you will receive a tax receipt for your giving.  We do accept PayPal, Venmo, credit and debit cards and checks.  Giving by cash is not encouraged.  If you have questions about any of this please call Charlote, (360)904-0823 or, charlote@pacificnwoutreach.org

     Your faithful giving enables us to do this ministry and we are very grateful for your financial help and your prayer support.  God bless you, abundantly!

     And…we have a few PRAYER STICKERS left!  If you would like one, just ask!  They’re a great reminder to say a prayer for us and they look good on your refrigerator, lap-top, truck bumper or tool box.  Thanks again for praying!

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OTZI THE ICEMAN

Rick McPherson

Today we’re talking about backpacks.  That’s right; this primitive tool has evolved from basic survival sacks into modern ergonomic storage.  This evolution was driven by innovations in framing and materials, transforming a rugged piece of outdoor equipment into an everyday, cross-cultural necessity.  Carrying things on one’s back is an instinct as old as humanity, with some of the earliest devices dating back thousands of years, which brings us to Otzi the Iceman, (3300 B.C.)  who was discovered in the Alps in 1991.  This Copper Age mummy was found carrying animal hides attached to a U-shaped hazel rod and wooden boards, making it one of the earliest known carrying frames.  

     Things have developed nicely since Otzi.  Today’s backpacks are comfortable, functional, and versatile and feature zippers, Velcro, hooks, straps and the ubiquitous water bottle.  It’s almost impossible today to find a student without a backpack, filled with text books,  markers, pens, erasers, notebooks, pencils, ear-buds, head-phones, calculator and maybe a  yummy snack bar, just in case.  

     Through the years we have found several strategic gifts that we can provide to Native American children.  Boots, blankets, jackets, gloves and Christmas toys are included along with backpacks.  And, it’s that time of year again when we start buying and filling them.  We purchase all the items in bulk and then fill each backpack with the age appropriate items from K-12 and then deliver them to the Reservations.  This year we will serve both Celilo Indian Village on the Yakama Reservation at The Dalles, Oregon and the Quinault Reservation at Lake Quinault, Washington.  

     Some of you are saying, “That’s a great outreach.  How can I help?”

Well, I’m glad you asked, because we need your help.  Each backpack, which is a good quality, durable item is filled with school supplies and even includes a key-chain.  The cost is $39.00. Maybe we can throw in that yummy snack bar, too.    

Would you like to be involved in this outreach?  We could call it The Otzi Outreach!  (Sorry…!)  Whatever you call it, the Native children will be blessed!

Housekeeping…

     People are asking about monthly giving to the ministry.  We can accommodate you with credit, debit or gift cards.  We accept Venmo, PayPal and of course, old-fashioned checks.  Because we are a 501 (c) (3) charitable, non-profit you will receive a tax-deductible receipt for your giving.  If you have questions, please call or text Charlote, (360) 904-0823   or, charlote@pacificnwoutreach.org 

      Your faithful giving enables us to do this ministry and we are very grateful for your financial help and your prayer support.  God bless you, abundantly!

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     The Rick McPherson RESTORATION podcast is available on Spotify.  Whatever device you’re using, just go to Play store and download the Spotify app.  It’s easy!  It’s free!  Then type in Rick McPherson RESTORATION or Pacific NW Outreach and all the podcast will be available to you.  One friend said he listens to them on his way to Seattle and back.  Each podcast is approximately 25 minutes.  Enjoy!

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“HE RESTORES MY SOUL!”

Rick McPherson

May Newsletter, 2026

     Sitting alone on a lake-front in Northern Ontario I listened to a distant loon calling out in the late evening.  The wood fire crackled and a gentle breeze moved the water softly against the shore.  Hours passed and the world seemed to stand still.  All the tensions of my day drained away and I was reminded of a new perspective.  

     In reflection I recalled that the three most restful sounds known to man are the sound of wind, water and fire.  And, all of them had combined to soothe and restore my mind, will and emotions; the three elements of the human soul, as theologians describe it.  Being triune beings, the spirit and body are defined, but our soul is slightly more complex.  When King David wrote, “he restores my soul”

he said a mouthful.  Interestingly, he prefaced his statement with the fact that the Lord, “makes me lie down in green pastures,” and “leads me beside the still waters.” (Psalm 23:2-3)  Could it be that Nature itself is used by the Almighty to help, heal and restore us?  

     When I think of the restoration process and how God through His word repeats this thought, I’m reminded that it is His divine purpose.  He wants us restored.  Why else would He repeat this truth so often?    He wants to restore us…our minds, our wills, our emotions!   The restoration process is:  “the act or process of returning something to its original, former, or unimpaired condition.  It involves repairing, renewing, or re-establishing a subject to a previous state of good health, function or appearance.”  Is that why Paul wrote the church in Corinth and said, “If anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation…”? (II Corinthians 5:17)  This describes the complete spiritual transformation and restoration a person experiences when they place their faith in Christ Jesus.  

     The promise is that HE RESTORES MY SOUL.  I need that!  I need my mind restored.  I need my will restored.  I need my emotions restored.  How about you?  Here are just a few verses to help.

 

OUR MIND…

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”  Romans 12:2

“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”  Isaiah 26:3

OUR WILL…

“Nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done.”  Luke 22:42

“I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.”  Psalm 40:8

OUR EMOTIONS…

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing…so you may abound in hope…”  Romans 15:13

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted…  Psalm 34:18

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation…” Psalm 51:12

 

      Now, back to the lake, the loon, the fire… and the water lapping gently on the shore.

*****

 

One last thing!

The podcasts on Spotify are reaching a huge audience and we are so humbled and thankful.  If you haven’t checked it out, it’s easy and free.  Just download the Spotify app from your Play Store and then type:                                                           

Rick McPherson RESTORATION

Improving lives with the truth of God’s love, acceptance, and forgiveness

Thank you, sincerely, for your ongoing prayers and financial support for this ministry.

WHO DO YOU TRUST?

Rick McPherson

April Newsletter, 2026

Over the years I have used and worn-out several Bibles. I’ve kept them all and occasionally go back and check various verses that have been highlighted and noted with personal references in the margins. All of them, without exception, have Proverbs 3:5-6 marked. In fact, I’ve joked that if I ever get a tattoo, it will be these verses, but to date I have not gotten any ink! If I did, that would be on my skin. Life verses in my case number about a dozen and I find that they rotate in my brain and heart depending on my circumstances. And each time they come to the top of the rotation, like spokes on a wheel, they speak directly to my life.

“Trust” is perhaps our most valuable possession. Amy Rees Anderson said, “Trust takes years to build, seconds to break, and forever to repair.” The word, “trust”, is used almost two hundred times in Scripture, including trusted and trusting, frequently highlighting reliance on God over human strength. Yet we stumble and fret over life’s situations wondering who we should trust? King David wrote, “Some trust in chariots, some in horses…but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.” Psalm 20:7. Guilty as charged, as I remember the times when, “chariots” and “horses” have won me over. It is so tempting to rely on our senses and put our trust in the wrong thing or person. Remember what King Solomon said? “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6.

Will you line up with me and say, “But I want to lean on my OWN understanding!” And, that’s the rub we all experience, isn’t it… my way or God’s way?

That “rub” is illustrated perfectly when Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane and wrestled with His Father about His future and concluded by saying, “Nevertheless not my will but thine be done.” Luke 22:42. His profound statement of submission and trust signifies prioritizing divine purpose over human desires especially in times of suffering or uncertainty. Corrie Ten Boom said, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God!” And never be afraid to go back to your old Bible life verses and review the most valuable possession you have…trust. Join me and commit to the Lord that you will trust HIM and not succumb to the temptation of relying on your own understanding, inclinations, preferences, tendencies…or ways. And thank HIM now that HE will direct your paths. You can trust HIM! As they say on the street, “You can take that to the bank!”

*****

Your prayer and financial support for this ministry is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your faithfulness and God bless you abundantly!

“Improving lives with the truth of God’s love, acceptance & forgiveness.”

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GOOD STUFF…RIGHT?

Rick McPherson

March Newsletter, 2026 

      It was Dr. Robert Schuller who said, “Tough times never last, but tough people do!” When I heard that as a young man, I tucked it away in my memory bank and thought it was good stuff.  However, my life was relatively free of “tough times” at that point.  Then things changed.  Tough times arrived and with them the inevitable question, “Why?”  Why me?  Why us?  Why now?  Then I questioned whether I was eligible for “tough people” status.  Would I make it through?  Could I make it through?

     C.S. Lewis said, “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.”  The reality is that no one is void of difficulty in this life.  Everyone experiences tough times.  And I discovered in the midst of my struggles that I was asking the wrong question.  I should have been asking, “What?” not “Why?”  The truth is God uses the circumstances in our lives to do a work that can only be accomplished during difficult times.  Helen Keller said, “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet.  Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened.”  When I was praying for God to change my circumstances, He was actually using my circumstances to change me.  

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory…For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”  II Corinthians 4:17-18

     Ultimately God has a purpose, process and perspective for our lives that is His will.  We can participate in it, willingly, or we can resist it and fight Him.  The choice is ours, the choice is always ours.  Our Heavenly Father will never force us.  But His Word is filled with promises like this one:  

He works all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.”  Romans 8:28

     We stumble over the, “all things”, but God uses both good and bad circumstances to accomplish His ultimate purpose rather than promising immediate comfort or prosperity.  When the difficult times visit let’s ask the, “what?” question and allow God to fulfill His purpose in us of knowing Him, glorifying Him and enjoying an eternal relationship with Him.  We can rely on the truth that His process is evident in our circumstances, as difficult as they might be.  Finally, be assured that God does not view your problems as meaningless suffering, but as an opportunity for spiritual growth and character development.  His perspective includes greater intimacy, reliance on His strength and being conformed to the image of Jesus. Do you remember the slogan, “What Would Jesus Do?”  It’s more than a bumper sticker.  It’s a way of life.  And, that’s good stuff.

WARMS COLD HEARTS

Rick McPherson

February Newsletter, 2026

“Thank you.” These words are said millions of times every day by countless people for countless reasons. We thank each other for gifts, kind deeds, and simply for being there, and we thank everybody from our best friends to the co-workers we’ve spoken to once. One writer said, “A simple thank you has magic, it changes moods, opens doors & warms cold hearts.” Another, Alfred Agache, said, “Saying thank you is more than good manners, it is good spirituality.” Maya Angelou, wrote, “Thank you, always say thank you, it’s the greatest gift you can give someone.”

With those thoughts in mind, let me say thank you! Your ongoing prayers and financial support enable us to do this ministry. We never want to take you for granted or to be remiss in expressing how deeply thankful we are for your help. Outreach trips, preaching, teaching, podcasts, newsletters, videos, retreats, food distribution, counseling and mentoring are made possible because of people like you.

Each month through personal checks, bank drafts, Venmo, PayPal, debit and credit cards, and even cash (which we do not recommend), friends of the ministry send contributions. We respond with a receipt (as a 501 (c)(3) charitable, non-profit corporation) that you may use for tax purposes. The funds are controlled by our Board of Directors and an annual IRS 990 is filed. Please know that we receive your giving with prudence and accountability. Most importantly we consider your giving the means to help us tell the Good News of God’s love, acceptance and forgiveness. That’s the main thing.

We are well aware that the greatest thing you can do for our ministry is pray!
So, thank you for your prayers! And, we have seen God answer prayers on so many occasions. (BTW the new prayer sticker is in the final stages of production and will be available soon…!) Do you think God smiles when He sees a RMR/PNWO prayer sticker on a water-bottle, lap-top or rear window of a classic, Chevy pickup truck? Whatever it takes to get people praying; is all I’m saying!

However, it also takes margin to provide ministry. So thank you for your financial gifts to support this ministry. Receive our heart-felt, “thank you!” It has changed moods, opened doors, warmed cold hearts … and been good spirituality!

*****

NOTE:
Last month we told you of the needed repairs for THE MULE, our 2016 Ford E450 delivery van. “The wood floor has been badly water-damaged and needs to be replaced…restored, renewed, and rebuilt”.
Thank you for those who responded with a special gift. We have received $400.00 for the repairs, to date. If you would like to help, please mark your check accordingly. Thank you!

***

And save the date…September 25-26, 2026, Battle Ground Baptist, Men’s Retreat, Royal Ridges Camps, You’re invited!
Rick McPherson RESTORATION

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BE IT RESOLVED

Rick McPherson

January Newsletter, 2026

“My new year’s resolution was to quit all my bad habits, but then it occurred to me…nobody likes a quitter.”

“My new year’s resolutions:
1. Stop procrastinating so much.
2. I’ll post the rest tomorrow or whenever.”

“What exactly is a new year’s resolution?
It’s a ‘to do’ list for the first week of January.”

We have fun with resolutions. We make them. We break them. We laugh about how long the “new” lasted and then settle back into our old habits. Granted, some habits are good and others, not so much. Someone said, “It takes twenty-one days to break a habit and twenty-one days to start one.” Maybe you’ll agree that those three weeks can be challenging, to say the least.

With that in mind, my new year began with thoughts of renewal, rebuilding, restoration and yes resolutions. Sorry for the heavy alliteration. But did you know that the word, “restore” or “restoration” is found over 136 times in Scripture? When you mix in renew, resolve and rebuild, you capture the very heart of what God wants to do in our lives. Here are just a couple of examples:

…and be renewed in the spirit of your mind…and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness…” Ephesians 4:23-24

…but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” Romans 12:2

There’s no doubt this is God’s heart for us. He wants us back. He wants us restored. He wants us renewed. He’s done His part. We can do something, too. In fact, the very meaning of resolution is a firm determination to do something.
So, with 2026 in our windshield, will you resolve to do something? I love the verse that simply says,
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” James 4:8

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Rick McPherson RESTORATION Podcast is on Spotify. It’s free!
Just load the Spotify app on your phone or computer and type in Rick McPherson RESTORATION or Pacific NW Outreach. Inc.

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THE “MULE” NEEDS A NEW FLOOR! Our 2016 Ford E450 delivery van, affectionately nick-named THE MULE, is in need of repairs. This vehicle is vitally important to our work and is used to deliver product to Reservations throughout the year. The wood floor has been badly water-damaged and needs to be replaced…restored, renewed, and rebuilt? We have friends of the Mission who have said they would help, but we need financial help for materials and parts. Will you help us with a special gift at this time? Thank you and God bless you for your on-going and faithful giving to this ministry.

*****

 

What I Learned in Kindergarten

Rick McPherson

November Newsletter, 2025

In 1986 Robert Fulghum wrote a collection of short essays entitled, “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.” He used simple, kindergarten-level lessons to explore profound truths about life, love and human behavior. The book, which became a #1 New York Times bestseller, argues that fundamental principles like sharing, playing fair and cleaning up your own mess are the keys to a balanced and meaningful life. He also includes; don’t hit people, don’t take things that aren’t yours, say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody; and one of my favorites, warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.

In many respects, I agree whole heartedly with Mr. Fulghum. We need more of what he’s serving. But I would like to add another truth that my Irish mother drilled into my young brain as I collected my lunch bag and jacket and headed out the door for school. I can still see her brown eyes flashing whenever I wanted something or received something as she asked, “What do you say, Richard?”
“Please” or “Thank you” was the answer she was looking for. She would not have her son, ill-mannered. I was taught to say, please and thank-you.

Now, it’s never too early to teach your kids to say please and thank-you and learn good manners. As soon as they start talking you can start teaching. Encourage your child to thank people who help them. Share what you are grateful for with your children. Donate to others and get involved in charitable organizations. Be consistent. Like all skills gratitude and saying “thanks” is not learned in one lesson. Don’t make the mistake of waiting until your kids are older to teach them to be thankful.

Personally, I’m taking time to be thankful on a daily basis. My relationship with the Lord Jesus; my wife, Charlote and my daughter, Dayna and her husband, Durward and my grandsons, Grant and Will are my greatest blessings. I cherish them. I thank God for them. I have friends. I have health. I have strength. I have humor. I have entertainment. I have weather. I have provision. I have protection. I have intelligence. I have mobility. I have hobbies. I have peace. I have joy. I have contentment. I have purpose. I have value. I have identity.

“I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual.”
Henry David Thoreau

And let me close by saying “Thank You!” You are a part of this ministry and because of your faithful prayers and financial support we are able to improve lives with the truth of God’s love, acceptance and forgiveness.

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NOW, THAT’S A BIG BEAR!

Rick McPherson

October Newsletter, 2025

 

  As a child I remember the Sunday School Christmas pageants.  The children would wear bath-robes with towels on their heads and pretend they were shepherds.  Three lucky kids would be wise men and the baby Jesus would be a plastic doll with Mary and Joseph hunkered down on bales of hay.  The angel choir would be others who forgot their pajama costumes or were absent for the rehearsals.  The evening would end with all of us receiving a gift bag with an orange, a couple of walnuts and an assortment of hard candy doled out by one of the teachers with waxed paper covering her hands. 

  Today’s programs rival Disney with audio-video presentations that are exciting, exhilarating and excellent in production and presentation.  Some feature professional directors and executives with head-sets and scripts just to make sure that everything is authentic!  Oh my, how things have changed.

Perhaps you’re smiling too as you recall memories from Christmas past.  We all have them, good, bad and funny.  I remember vividly a descending angel in one production that went terribly wrong when the guy-wires tangled themselves and the poor kid in the body harness, whose name escapes me, was left twisting in the wind.  The circular unending motion finally took its toll and his lunch had nowhere to go but up and out!  Now, that’s a memorable angel sighting!

  But fast forward to today and the Christmas plans we have to deliver toys, gifts and groceries to Native American Reservations.  Pictured here is an example of one gift that was given in a previous holiday.  The stuffed animal was, as the kids say, “ginormous!”  I say, “Now, that’s a big bear!”   Granted not all the gifts are this big but they’re all given with generosity and love.  As Dale Evans once said, “Christmas, my child, is love in action!”

  So let’s talk about that for a bit.  Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ is the result of God, our Heavenly Father, who loved the world , gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him, will not perish but have eternal life.  Love was not a word, nor an emotion, it was an action.  And, the world has never again been the same. 

  Our action plan is to collect toys, gifts and groceries again at Christmas and deliver them to Celilo Indian Village (Yakama Reservation) and Lake Quinault (Quinault Reservation).  I am not exaggerating when I say for some children on the reservations; these gifts and toys are the only Christmas they will have, period.  You can help us with your financial gifts at this time.   I will make two trips before Christmas to deliver everything, (gifts, toys, groceries) but we need help with fuel and transportation costs and maybe a little extra for some groceries.  Thank you for caring, sharing and giving!  God bless you and Merry Christmas!

  Now, how am I going to pack another ginormous bear?

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