August Newsletter, 2018 Rick McPherson
I was on vacation and happened to check my phone. The text was from Stan Lien. “Long time, no see…” is how the message began.
He went on to write that he and Michelle had relocated to Hoquiam and wanted to minister again to the Quinault Nation in Taholah. Would we be able to help?
Taholah is a small village on the Pacific Coast, in Grays Harbor County, Washington, north of Aberdeen. It is so remote that Hwy. 190 literally ends there. The sign says, “No improved road past this point.” Named after a Chief in 1905, it is now the headquarters for the Quinault Indian Nation. The population of 840 people is 93% Native American. There are 240 households and 45% of them have children less than 18 years of age. Sadly, the community has 35% who live below the poverty level.
Not only are the social and economic realities severe, the spiritual and emotional challenges are daunting as well. The message of God’s love, acceptance and forgiveness needs to be told. Someone needs to tell it. Someone needs to go.
“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written:
‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!’”
Romans 14:14, 15; Isaiah 52:7
Since Stan is a longtime friend, I know his heart and love for Native Americans. I know he’s the “someone” who will “tell it.” He’s the “someone” who will go. And we’ll help him. That’s what he asked for and that’s what we’ll do. We’ll help.
Pacific NW Outreach has been helping for a long time. People like you who read this Newsletter every month and help us with prayers and finances are the reason we are able to do, what we do. You’re the team. You’re the family. You’re the people. The Nez Perce would say, “Niimiipuu”…One Great Nation.
On behalf of the Taholah Natives who will receive help….THANK YOU! May God bless you for your prayers and your gifts. Although you may never visit this small village, your gifts will make a difference and you’ll REMEMBER TAHOLAH!
*****
