Pacific NW Outreach Inc. with Rick McPherson RESTORATION

November Newsletter, 2017  Rick McPherson

I was thinking about this newsletter driving home from the Nez Perce Reservation in Idaho.  The truckload of groceries, insulated children’s boots and household supplies was excellent and almost filled the pantry for Pastor Antonio and the N.A.M.E. church in Lapwai.  As we finished, we formed a big circle on the sidewalk and street and prayed a prayer of “Thanksgiving!”  I couldn’t help but think how appropriate it was, particularly at this time of year.  Another thought was, “not ashamed…”  We are not ashamed of the Gospel, the Light of Jesus, the Truth of His mission and the ministry that we do, helping one another.  We’ll tell the story of God’s love, acceptance and forgiveness to anyone, anywhere, anytime. 

It really is a privilege of mine to write to you each month and say, “Thanks for giving!”  And, during the month of November, what could be more appropriate?

Because of your giving throughout the year we are able to do this ministry and make a difference in the lives of Native Americans both physically and spiritually.  Although I say it a lot, let me say it again, you’re the greatest and every financial gift you send is greatly appreciated! 

It’s true, you can give without loving, but you can’t love without giving!  When you love someone or something, you want to give.  It’s a verb, an action that expresses your feelings.  In fact, it’s a theological principle.  The Bible says, “For God so loved the world that He gave…”  John 3:16.  Aren’t you glad?  

As you gather with your family and friends during the holidays, be blessed and encouraged.  Eat well.  Sleep well.  Be well.  Know that you are loved and appreciated by all your friends and partners here at Pacific NW Outreach. 

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to the kitchen for another slice of pumpkin pie!

*****

September Newsletter, 2017  Rick McPherson

The pastor* preached a very good sermon on Sunday.  It was about loyalty.  In his opening he stated that it is a virtue that is uncommon in our world and seems to have lost its importance. In this generation it’s rare that loyalty is shown to anything or anyone.   To illustrate the contrary,    he included Hall of Famers, Cal Ripken, Jr., of the Baltimore Orioles, and George Brett, of the Kansas City Royals both of whom played their entire Major League Baseball careers for the same franchises.  They demonstrated loyalty to their teams, their owners and management and their cities.   Even as a lifetime Boston Red Sox fan, I have to tip my cap to them both, not only for their incredibly successful careers, but also for the important characteristic of loyalty that they displayed.    What an important lesson from Cal and George. 

But the message didn’t end without a challenge.  There were four areas of loyalty that the pastor challenged us to examine in our lives.  Are you loyal to God… loyal to your spouse… loyal in your relationships… and finally, are you loyal in your service to God?  It was powerful.  Carefully, slowly and prayerfully, I worked through the list.  My personal review and results are too private to discuss here, but the last item on the list is not. 

When I think about loyalty in my service to God, there are a lot of obstacles.  Apathy, fatigue, resentment, boredom and loneliness are just a few of the things that come to mind.  These are in fact devices, which the Enemy uses effectively to keep me from fulfilling what God is asking.    One time the Apostle Paul was urging Believers in Corinth to, “reaffirm their love to God,” (II Cor. 2:11) and he reminded them to not let Satan take advantage of them, “for we are not ignorant of his devices.”  What?  Devices?  Like, what?  Well, anything that works.  Be smart enough to know what they are. 

Your list of obstacles may be completely different.  But, trust me, we all have them.  The truth is that the Enemy will do anything and everything he can to stop us in our service to God.  He hates loyalty, especially when it comes in our service to God.  His intention has not changed …he will kill …he will steal …and he will destroy.   He doesn’t want to just defeat us…he wants to destroy us. 

But here’s the good news.  “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (I John 4:4)   In sports vernacular it goes like this; “WE’RE NUMBER ONE!”

So today, would you take a moment and rethink your loyalty to serve God?  As I write, I know that many of you have displayed incredible loyalty to the ministry of Pacific NW Outreach, Inc. and the work of helping Native Americans both physically and spiritually.  God bless you for your loyalty.  If there was a Hall of Fame for loyal supporters, you’d be in it!  For others, the obstacles have been overwhelming and maybe you’ve been affected by his devices.  Let me encourage you to stand up, brush yourself off and get back in the game.  Loyalty is not quitting.  Loyalty is the tattoo that says, “UNSWERVING ALLEGIANCE.”

Thanks Cal!  Thanks George!  Not only are you enshrined in Cooperstown for consecutive games played, total base hits, home runs, Gold Glove awards, Silver Slugger awards and  All-Star Game appearances, but you have also shown us an incredible example of loyalty.  Now, I think I’ll head over to the batting cage and see if I can catch up to a 99 mph, “heater!”

+++++

*Pastor Larry Rounsley, Liberty Bible Church, Vancouver, WA

July – August Newsletter, 2017  Rick McPherson

The guy at the back of the church had a whole basket full. 

“Take one,” he said.  “They’re free!”

Never wanting to pass up a free anything, I did.  When I looked closely, I saw the words, “PRAY FIRST” were inscribed.  Now, that’s a good reminder for all of us, I thought.  I pulled the black, rubber, wristband over my hand and the directive started to sink in.   

Later, when I looked at the pictures from one of our recent trips to the Reservation, I thought of the wristband and the practice we have of always praying before our trips.  When the truck is loaded we gather staff members and form a prayer circle and commit the trip and ministry to the Lord in prayer.  We PRAY FIRST.  And, boy do we need it!

Since our last letter to you we have served two Pow Wows (Delta Park, Portland, OR and Wiconi International, Turner, OR) and two Reservations, (Celilo Indian Village, Yakama Tribe, The Dalles, OR and the Quinault Tribe, Lake Quinault, WA).

Each of the loads have been excellent!  Not only have we served Native Americans with canned goods and food supplies but also insulated leather boots, household supplies with linens, pillows, blankets and foam mattresses.  When the doors open and they see that the pallets contain cereal, cookies, cakes, chips and soft drinks, it’s hard for the recipients to not grin from ear to ear.  It’s a good thing when you hear, “Hey, look at this!”   

I want to remind you that none of this would be possible if it was not for people like you who contribute financial gifts to make this happen.   Really!  We could not do this ministry without help.  And, you have helped us.  In this life we may not know all the results, but Heaven’s books are accurate and the ledger doesn’t lie. 

Let me also include our great need for your prayer support.  Often in these newsletters I solicit your prayers and my requests are always sincere.  I learned a long time ago that nothing of spiritual significance occurs without preceding prayers.  Interestingly, one of the first requests from the disciples was, “Lord, teach us to pray.”  Not, preach, sing, lead, organize or evangelize…teach us to pray!  I don’t think prayer is any less significant now.  It’s what enables every ministry.  (Luke 11:1)

It may not be a black, rubber, wrist band that you’re wearing today to remind you, but nonetheless the instruction is clear for every situation… Family…School…Job…Decisions…Relationships…Activities…Church…and ministry to Native Americans!

PRAY FIRST

May – June Newsletter, 2017  Rick McPherson

“Pow Wows are the Native American people’s way of meeting together, to join in dancing, singing, visiting, renewing old friendships and making new ones.  This is a time method to renew Native American culture and preserve the rich heritage of American Indians.”   Pow Wows.com

It’s that time again.  The weather has warmed.  School is out.  Vacations are planned.  It’s summer!  For many of us, it couldn’t (and wouldn’t), come soon enough.  But it has arrived and we’re thankful.  With the changes we’re able to be mobile and travel to various Pow Wows across the country. 

One of the biggest in North America is held at Crow Agency, Montana.  We have been to Crow Fair many times and taken truckloads of groceries and supplies to Pastor Ken Pretty-On-Top and the Crow Nation.  Followers of this ministry have seen pictures of hundreds of Native people lined up to receive boxes of food and boots, too!  Closer to home is the Nez Perce Pow Wow held at Lapwai, Idaho with Pastor Antonio Smith and the Native American Missionary Evangelical Church.   In our own backyard is the Delta Park Pow Wow in Portland, Oregon and the Wiconi International Pow Wow held each July in Turner, Oregon.   Each of these Pow Wows is an opportunity for Pacific NW Outreach to participate and provide much needed supplies to encourage and enable the resident Pastors and Tribal leaders that we support.  It’s what we do.  It’s our mission.  It’s our commission. 

Our marching orders have not changed.  The Lord Jesus has told us…

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…baptizing them…teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you…”  St. Matthew 28: 19-20

He also said…

“I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me…Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” 

St. Matthew 25:35-40

With financial help and prayerful support from people like you, we are able to do this ministry and help a nation of people that are essentially forgotten in our world.  However, they’re not forgotten by God, us or you.  For that, I’m very grateful! 

*****

FIND A POW WOW NEAR YOU!

April Newsletter, 2017  Rick McPherson

To say that, “this was the winter that would not end,” would be an understatement. The first week of December we received our first snow storm and it was a “doozy.”  My wife and I left the office early that day to get ahead of the traffic, but it didn’t work.  We got home at 10:00 PM after a seven hour commute!  For weeks and then months following, we had snow and ice storms that just wouldn’t stop.  Interstate and local highway closures were common and the kids wondered if they would ever go back to school.  So did the parents!  When the temperatures warmed slightly, the rain started.  February and March rain totals combined at Seattle-Tacoma airport broke a 120 year record.  We were right there with them in Portland.  Now the ice storms have turned to mud slides and flooding.  Whew, we’re ready for spring!  In fact, the daffodils have just now popped out from their hibernation.  Finally. 

With the break in the weather, we were able to take a fantastic load of groceries, household supplies, boots, coffee and medicine to the Nez Perce Tribe in Lapwai, Idaho.  Pastor Antonio Smith and his faithful team from the N.A.M.E. (Native American Missionary Evangelical) church were there to meet us.  To our pleasant surprise there was also a team of students from the Indian Bible College in Flagstaff, Arizona with their director, Dr. Jason Koppen, who were spending their spring break helping on the Reservation.  “Many hands make light work,” proved to be true as the truck was unloaded in record time.  You can see a picture of the whole team on the back of this page.  Dr. Koppen is doing a great work leading this Bible College and training young Native Americans for full-time ministry work. 

The N.A.M.E. church is continuing to shine brightly and helping many Natives to know the love, acceptance and forgiveness of our Heavenly Father and Great Creator. 

Another update…

In our last newsletter we gave you the update and financial report on the rebuilt transmission for one of our trucks.  At that time we were  just a little short of our goal, but you responded generously and we were able to not only pay for the transmission work in full, but also replaced  the exhaust manifolds, alternator, heater blower motor and switch and did a much needed tune-up with oil  & filter, spark plugs, wires, rotor and distributor cap!  Thank you very much!

As a side note, one of my wife’s college friends, from Zion Bible Institute, East Providence, Rhode Island, who receives this monthly newsletter, called and made a very generous gift to help us.  We couldn’t do this work without dear friends who partner with us, “in the fellowship of the Gospel.”  Thank you again and God bless you abundantly. 

Dr. Jason Koppen and students from Indian Bible College, Flagstaff AZ.

*****

February – March Newsletter, 2017  Rick McPherson

When your feet are cold and wet, you’re miserable.  When you live in a part of the world that gets 140 inches of rain every year and you have no boots to keep you warm and dry, you’re really miserable.  So, when we deliver insulated, waterproof boots to the Quinault Reservation on the Olympic Peninsula, it’s a big deal.  For the recipients it’s all they can talk about.  Boots!  Free boots, no less.

To those who come from miles around to receive their boots, it’s more than Christmas morning.  It’s incredible and for many they just can’t believe it.  One lady told Pastor Gary, “This is the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me!”  In her opinion the boots were better than groceries! 

Whenever we go to the Reservations to help Native Americans, we always have a prayer circle and ask God to bless the people with the truck load of supplies.  We ask that the physical gifts would represent in a spiritual way God’s love, acceptance and forgiveness.  It is a Biblical pattern that is seen so clearly in the life of Christ as he served people physically and spiritually.  His feeding the hungry, caring for wedding guests, washing disciples’ feet and eating fish with his followers on the lakeshore are all illustrations of his compassionate and caring nature.  He was a master communicator who taught eternal truth using the temporary and immediate. 

Gary went on to tell me that this lady was new to their fellowship and was very interested in finding spiritual truth.   I’d like to think that every time she looks at those boots, they would represent the love of God and His people.   Her feet would be warm and dry.  Her heart would be full.   Her quest would be over.

*****

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Just weeks ago, many of you received our request to help repair the blown transmission in our 1993 Ford E350, delivery truck.  The cost was, $2,800.00 for parts and labor and a 24 month, 24,000 mile warranty.  Our budget could not afford the expense, so we asked for your financial help.  And, you helped us.

To date, we have received $1,908.00 towards the transmission rebuild.  Please insert a “smiley” face, here!  Thank you for your response and generosity.

The nature of our ministry requires trucks, trailers, fork-lifts and heavy equipment.  The maintenance, insurance, fuel and repairs are expensive.  But, in order to make the trips across the country and to remote areas to serve Native Americans, they are necessary.  Thank you and God bless you for your financial gifts to sustain this work! 

*****

January Newsletter, 2017  Rick McPherson

You’ve probably seen historic pictures of Native Americans perched precariously on pieces of wood on a scaffold-like structure over foaming waters of wild and treacherous rapids.  They’re poised with spears, ready to stab Salmon as they migrate upstream to spawn.  Usually the images are grainy and muted but accurately convey the balance and skill that these fishermen possessed, not to mention the danger! 

What you’ve seen are the Yakama Tribe on the shores of the Columbia River.  For centuries they have lived on this land and survived catching fish, first with spears and now with nets and boats.   They live in a small village, east of The Dalles, Oregon, separated from the River by the Interstate. 

We have been helping at Celilo Indian Village for years and this Christmas was no exception.  Don Barnett and I arrived on a bitter, cold December day to deliver food, gifts and toys, household supplies, fresh potatoes and onions and everyone’s favorite, two pallets of coffee!  Pictured above are the helpers who quickly unloaded the truck and stored everything away for distribution at the Long House.  We even presented Karen Whitford with a stuffed bear that was almost as big as she was!  There were smiles, joy and … peace on earth!

I asked Karen to say a prayer before we climbed back in the truck for the trip home.  I will never forget what she said…

“Thank you, Lord, that this year, there won’t be no tears, cuz there’s no food on the table.”

Because of compassionate people like you who help us do this ministry, the love of God is expressed.  You see, love is an action, not an abstraction. 

So the next time you see an old grainy picture of Native Americans, whether they’re fishing or not, just remember Karen’s words  and be thankful ,

“…that this year, there won’t be no tears!”

*****

December Newsletter, 2016  Rick McPherson