Pacific Northwest Outreach

August 2022 Rick McPherson

Just last week I visited the phone store and got a new one.  It’s a smart phone.  The name alone is a little intimidating.    Seems that you have to be that to operate it and not get mad and throw it at the wall.  Or, if IQ is a real number, the phone wins.  Nevertheless, the lady laughed when she saw my old phone and said something very demeaning about its memory and battery strength.    After the transaction; I left with a protective case, new charger and cord, another protective cover so the face wouldn’t  get scratched, an insurance rider in case the phone is lost or stolen or falls in the lake or toilet and  the phone itself.   I began to fumble with it.  During my foray I found “photos”.   To my surprise and entertainment the phone showed pictures from a year ago, two years, four, six and even eight years back.  All were organized, named, filed and otherwise packaged to warm the heart of every obsessive, compulsive and meticulous person out there.   How cool is that?  Smart?  You bet!  What a trip down memory lane. 

You know that we are quickly approaching the New Year and our 50^th Anniversary for this ministry.  A lot has happened since 1973 when we started helping and serving Native Americans, physically and spiritually.  We live in a very different world now than we did then.  But, the message of God’s love, acceptance and forgiveness is the same.  He never changes, nor does His Word.  He is the same, yesterday, today and forever.

Wouldn’t it be fun to go back and see pictures of the past and remember the ministry to our Native brothers and sisters, families and children?  Not all of these pictures are on my phone, of course, but you’ll reminisce as we print these in our newsletters in the months to come.  Enjoy! 

Another “MULE” report…

Thank you for your extra giving to help us replace the OLD MULE, better known as our 1993 Ford E350 box truck.  To date, we have received $2,500.00 in designated giving, which helps us towards our goal.   As I told you last month the used truck/car market is rather crazy right now so we are going slow and waiting for the right vehicle at the right price.  Your designated gift is in a separate fund and not co-mingled with other mission funds.  You may still give towards this project and mark your gift accordingly. And, THANK YOU for your generous, faithful and regular giving to the ministry of Pacific NW Outreach, Inc.   God bless you!

*****

July 2022 Rick McPherson

There are some birthdays and anniversaries that get more attention than others.  Precious stones and jewels are often used to commemorate the events and given as cherished gifts.  We reflect on the dates and think of the historic significance and how they have affected us.  I happen to be a “calendar guy” and can trace back in my history to special days.  Maybe it’s quirky, but history and dates have always been of great interest to me.  That brings us to this newsletter and the fact that Pacific NW Outreach is on the verge of celebrating our Golden Anniversary!  That’s right; it was 1973 when this ministry officially began.  We’re just a few months away from that date.  Think of what’s happened in the last fifty years and what our world was like then.

*Richard Nixon was the President.

*George Foreman was the Heavyweight Boxing Champion.

*The Godfather won best picture at the 45^th Academy Awards.

*Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in the “Battle of the Sexes” in tennis.

*American Indian Movement activists ended their occupation of Pine Ridge Reservation at Wounded Knee, South Dakota.

*Oakland Athletics won the World Series.

*Miami Dolphins won Super Bowl VII.

*Gas was 55 cents a gallon.  Bread was 27 cents a loaf.  A dozen eggs cost 78 cents.

Well, things have changed in the last 50 years.  In spite of the changes, this ministry continues.  It’s impossible to tally the numbers of Native Americans who have been impacted by our efforts.  Only Heaven will reveal those souls who have been regenerated and have come to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, as Savior and Lord.  Our trucks have travelled tens of thousands of miles.  We’ve burned untold gallons of diesel fuel, carried tons of groceries, supplies, clothes, boots and household items to Reservations across the country.  We’ve preached scores of sermons, conducted Vacation Bible Camps, Bible Studies, Prayer Conferences and counselling sessions.  We’ve laughed, cried, prayed, bled and sacrificed with our Native brothers and sisters.  The anecdotes of real-life experiences are legendary and certainly entertaining.  It’s all true, too!  And, it’s not over, yet!

So, enjoy the party!  After all, it is a Celebration of God’s goodness and blessing over these 50 years.  Every grocery box, pair of boots, warm coat or bottle of water that has been given, expressed God’s kindness and generosity.  Every Pow Wow we’ve attended, campsite we’ve visited, trip we’ve made, sermon we’ve preached, expressed God’s love and acceptance.  And, you’ve been right there with us.  You’ve been a vital part.    THANK YOU FOR BEING A PART…A BIG PART!  Your faithful giving and prayer support enable us to do this ministry. 

Now, it wouldn’t be a party without cake, right?  Think I’ll get a piece.

*****

Special “MULE” report!  Last month we told about the need to replace one of our small delivery trucks, a 1993 FORD E350.  Many of you responded with extra giving, which we really appreciate.  We’re looking at used trucks but it’s a strange market these days, so we’re not rushing ahead.  When we find the right truck at the right price, we’ll let you know.  If you would like to contribute to this need just mark your check accordingly or use the convenient PayPal option.  Thank you!

 

June 2022 Rick McPherson

To my knowledge he wasn’t a mule skinner, but he was a cowboy, a real one.  We had seen the ads for trail rides in the Animas River valley near Durango, Colorado.  Being a pretend cowboy my whole life, I’ve always been ready for a horseback ride.  This one featured a cookout with steaks and baked potatoes, iced lemonade and a cobbler of some sort to finish.  Before long I was talking to the old wrangler who asked if I would rather ride a mule  than a horse.

 “They ride a little different, smoother gait,” he explained.

  “And, they’re a lot smarter than a horse.  Truth is, a mule saved my life, right here in this valley.  And, I know this place like the back of my hand.  I was born and raised here,” he continued.

  “What happened?” I asked, eyes wide- open.

  “Snow storm.  Blizzard.  White out.  Couldn’t see my hand in front of my face.  Totally lost.  Freezing,” he explained, squinting and serious.

  “So, I laid the reins on the neck of that old mule and he walked us to the barn and saved my life.  Been partial to mules ever since.” 

The cowboy’s story piqued my interest in mules. First, I learned, they are the offspring of a male donkey and a female horse.  They combine characteristics of both horse and donkey parents to create a tougher, more resilient working animal.  They are hardier, eat less, live longer and have more stamina than horses. They are smart and cautious and aware of danger, making them safer to ride when crossing dangerous terrain. And, finally, the skin of a mule is less sensitive than that of horses and more resistant to sun and rain.  It’s no wonder that a good mule team costs  thousands of dollars.  Worth every penny, I imagine. 

Okay, that’s all well and good.   But what does any of this have to do with Pacific Northwest Outreach,  and helping Native Americans?  Good question.

We have a “mule” in our ministry.  And true to its name, it’s a hard worker. 

Our mule, is a 1993 Ford, E350.  The old girl has a 12’ stake box, V8 engine, automatic transmission, dual rear tires and a one ton chassis.  She’s lived a long life and is held together with bailing wire and bubble gum.  She doesn’t complain, but it’s obvious, the end is near.  She has been tremendous, helping with this ministry, travelling thousands of miles and carrying tons of groceries and supplies. Our local ministry depends on her constantly. 

Now, I know, things are crazy these days.  Inflation is soaring.  Gas and diesel prices are obscene.  Our economy is volatile.  Current events are worrisome.  Supply chain shortages are affecting everyone.  Is this the time to be asking for “extra” giving to replace an old, worn-out truck?  Well, yes!

None of us can do everything.  But, all of us can do something. Will you do something?  That’s all I’m asking.   If we all do something, together, we can replace the old mule and keep on, keeping on. 

This ministry exists and continues, because of the faithfulness and generosity of people like you.  People who love God.  People who love people.  People who love ministry.  People who love Native Americans!  So, if we all do something “extra” this month, we can reach our goal and purchase a new, used mule for this ministry.  Your gift will be very much appreciated.  Thank you!  God bless you!

In the meantime, think I’ll head down to the corral, saddle a mule and hit the trail.    

*****

April 2022 Rick McPherson

I drove a ’55 Chevy in High School.  Purchase price was $325.00   I had saved my money from my part-time job at Otis Bennett’s apple farm in Ancaster.

 For the gearheads among us, it was a 265 c.i., V8, “3 on the tree”, with a Stewart Warner tach on the dash and an oil, water temp and amps gauge panel under the dash.  It was a Bel Air, 2 door hardtop.   It was green and white.

I also had a girlfriend, bought my own clothes and went to the stock car races, every Saturday night.  I could put $2.00 worth of Sunoco gas in my Chevy and drive all week.  Gas was 15 cents a gallon.  I remember actual gas wars when gas stations would compete to see who could sell the cheapest gas.  Those were the days… 15 cents for gas….imagine!

This week I pulled into Costco to buy diesel fuel for the Peterbilt.  The big 12.9 liter Paccar engine gets 9.5 miles per gallon and has two 50 gallon fuel tanks.  The price was $4.57 for diesel…imagine!  I bit my tongue to keep from saying something I would regret later and pulled the lever.  When I reached $200.00, I vowed to run for President and return the world to the sanity I had known when Otis Bennett was in charge.  Sheesh!  A friend called later and told me he had just paid $10.00 a gallon on a recent trip to Death Valley.  Poetic justice, I thought. They had accurately named the place. 

Now as I ponder the supply chain woes, inflation, economics, unemployment, lawlessness, political unrest, wars and rumors of wars, hypocrisy, corruption and fuel costs, (again), my head hurts; not to mention my heart.  And, I think about our mission to help Native Americans.  I also think about you.  My thinking quickly turns to praying and my praying becomes very simple.  Usually one word sums it up, “help!”  Perhaps that one word is the most used in prayer language these days.  Can you think of a better one?

 “I will lift up my eyes to the hills

From whence comes my help?

My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.

He will not allow your foot to slip;

The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade,

The Lord will protect you from all evil;

He will keep your soul.

From this time and forever.”

Psalm 121:1-8

 Notice the four distinct principles that will keep us from harm.

God is…Our Helper, Our Keeper, Our Protector and Our Preserver.

I feel better now that I’ve prayed and been reminded that my help is not Costco, Texaco or Sunoco.  Rather it is this truth, “…greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.”  I John 4:4

I feel better now that I’ve prayed and been reminded that my help comes from the One who made heaven and earth.

I feel better now that  I’ve prayed and been reminded that my help is not dependent on the media, Big Tech, Wall Street, intellectual elites or politicians.

I feel better now.

*****

Special note…thank you very much for your ongoing financial help for this ministry serving Native American children, youth, parents and adults on Reservations.  Your gifts enable us to provide the truth of God’s love, acceptance and forgiveness.  God bless you abundantly for your gifts.

 

February Newsletter, 2022 Rick McPherson

Mom used to say, “Go play with your friends.  Come home when the street lights come on.”  Those were the days.  We actually played.  We played, Hide N Seek, Tag, Dodge Ball and Ollie, Ollie, Olson Free.  Kids!  Playing!  Games!  We didn’t have a care in the world and life was filled with fun & games.  My imagination was vivid, colorful and creative.  Sometimes we just made stuff up and entertained ourselves ‘til we fell on the ground laughing.  Life was good!

Life is still good, but it’s different.  We don’t dare send our kids out to play until it’s dark.  We vet the neighbors.  We doubt promises made and are leery of playgrounds and parks, and in most cases, rightly so.  However, there is still a remarkable thing that happens when kids play.  And, adults are not exempt. 

Do you remember when the disciples of Jesus denied children access to Him?  “He’s too busy.  No time for playing.  Leave Him alone.  Important stuff to do,” they probably said. 

But Jesus was not too busy.  He actually rebuked His followers and said, “Let them come to me.  They are the Kingdom of God.” 

What?

He didn’t say that about scribes, lawyers, teachers, rabbis, Pharisees and etc.  He said it about kids.

Scene two shows Jesus playing Dodge Ball with the kids, (probably a playground rubber ball left over from Nazareth Elementary).  His eyes are dancing with joy and love, His voice is friendly and vibrant, His smile is winsome and inviting. They are laughing.  They are safe.  They are care-free.   He is Jesus.  They are children.  The light has come.  This is the Kingdom of God. 

Now, fast forward to today.  Delivering toys to the children at Native American Reservations is just as Biblical as when Jesus said, “Tag, you’re it!”  You see, that stuffed animal, shiny bike, football or puzzle represents the love and acceptance that our Heavenly Father has for every one of His kids.  He loves us so much that He cuts through the barriers that the world throws at us saying, “Let them come to Me.  They’re My kids.”

Our most recent Christmas loads of toys, games, groceries and yes, boots, to Pacific Northwest Reservations is only possible because of people like you, who get it.  The Kingdom of God is light.  It is joy.  It is laughter.  It is smiling eyes.  It is playing outside till the street lights come on.  Thank you for helping us, help children and their parents, enjoy the fun & games.

*****

January 2022 Rick McPherson

It seems that old Texas cowboys say important stuff.  “Some friends are for a reason, some for a season and some, for a lifetime!”  When you think about it, you’ll probably agree.  Maybe you’re making a list right now and putting people in their place. 

Just last week, I lost a lifetime friend.  Carl Maier was promoted to Heaven.  He lived this life for 98 years and it was a privilege to call him friend for over fifty.  What a wonderful man he was!  All of us who knew him will miss him dearly.  His wife Lois, who was married to him for over 75 years, his daughters, Shari and Carol, their husbands and children will grieve his passing but rejoice knowing that he is in Heaven with Jesus, his Lord and Savior.  The Scripture says it so succinctly, “We sorrow, but not as those who have no hope.”  Our hope is in the Truth that we will be reunited with our loved ones who have preceded us in death, on that, “great Resurrection morning.”

I met Carl in the spring of 1971, when I was a student from Central Bible College, Springfield, Missouri.  I was invited to Portland, Oregon, as a candidate for the Minister of Youth position at First Assembly of God.  The pastor, Rev. Jim Swanson, picked me up at the airport in a yellow MGB GT (which sealed the deal immediately for me) and drove me to the hotel.  “But first we need to stop and visit a couple in the church who are celebrating their 25^th wedding anniversary,” he explained.    When we arrived at the Lake Oswego home, the front door was opened and a smiling gentleman said, “Welcome, my name is Carl!”  Friendship, day one!

His business career included real estate.  He was the one who helped my wife and I purchase our first home.   He said at the Title Company when we signed the papers, “Rick, never miss a mortgage payment!  No matter what, never miss a payment!”  The monthly amount was $254.00!  I remember leaving the office and wondering what did I just do?   Heeding Carl’s advice, no mortgage payments have been missed. 

Integrity is the salient word that comes to mind when I think of Carl.  He epitomized it.  He served as a Board Member, Secretary-Treasurer and Administrator in several different churches and most recently as the Chairman of the Board for Pacific NW Outreach, Inc.  He was committed to serving people and particularly Native Americans in the mission that helps them physically and spiritually.  His faithfulness, commitment, humor, tenderness and disposition set high standards for us to follow. 

Now, this life’s work is over and Carl has entered his final rest.  I know that he was welcomed into Heaven with this greeting, “Welcome, Carl!  Well done, good and faithful servant!”  I imagine that he has already rounded up his hunting buddies and is having coffee and visiting around the campfire. 

So, from this lifetime friend of Carl Maier, “Good bye for now…I’ll see you in the morning!”