March Newsletter, 2015 Rick McPherson
As I looked through the windshield of the Freightliner I was overwhelmed with the beauty of the scenery and the weather. The Columbia River Gorge on a good day is about as spectacular as any place you can name. And when you combine the view with bright sunshine and perfect blue skies, it is very impressive.
The big Detroit diesel was pulling at 1,400 RPM and I had a good load on the 48’ trailer for the Nez Perce Reservation in Lapwai, Idaho. I would be there late in the afternoon and unload first thing in the morning. It was one of those “ten” days when everything was right. Even the farmers in Eastern Washington were taking advantage of the beautiful spring weather and were working their fields in Dayton, Pomeroy and Walla Walla with massive tractors and equipment.
One of our donors had given us water. Lots of water! Twenty-two pallets of bottled water, to be exact. Think of a wooden pallet, four feet by four feet loaded five feet high with water and then multiply that by twenty-two. Even though it’s overwhelming, it’s also a real blessing. Especially on the Reservation.
We loaded a large portion of the water on the trailer and then added groceries, boots, clothes, household supplies and even some fresh bread and vegetables and called the N.A.M.E. (Native American Missionary Evangelistic) Church and said we were on our way.
As I drove I did not miss the symbolism of the water. Practically, it was a gift that would bless Native Americans during the Pow Wows and camp meetings to come, but more importantly it represented the life that Jesus gives. I remembered the story when Jesus met a woman at a water well in Samaria and asked for a drink. Her response was confused and wrapped in history, politics and culture. His was pointed when He said,
“Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” John 4:13
That’s what this ministry is all about, everlasting life. Telling the story. Delivering the message. Giving the goods. Loving the people. Doing the work.
And without people like you, we could not do this work. Your financial gifts help make this ministry successful. Will you take a moment and use the enclosed envelope to send your gift at this time? Or, you can use our secure Pay Pal link on our website: pacificnwoutreach.org. Any amount, large or small will make a difference. And, it will help give the water that brings everlasting life.
