Pacific Northwest Outreach

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

November Newsletter, 2016  Rick McPherson

Karen Whitford, granddaughter of the Yakama Chief, looked into my eyes and said, “I am so happy with this load that you brought us.  This will bless my people.”

Brad Waller, our new driver and I had travelled to the Celilo Indian Village, just past The Dalles, Oregon, in the Columbia River Gorge on I-84.  We had a great load of groceries, household supplies, fresh bread and two pallets of Snow Leopard Melons, as a special treat.  We had a good group who were excited to help us unload the truck.  We started with the melons and realized that the pallets were too tall and heavy to use the pallet jack and the power lift gate.  Instead we decided to unpack by hand and lift the melon trays to the waiting helping hands on the ground.  As we worked in the bright sunlight and the shadows of the truck and lift gate, I took a step and missed the tail gate which was five feet above the ground.  Somehow, I twisted my body in the air as I fell and got the tray of melons between me and the concrete driveway.  Needless to say the melons didn’t make it.  But I did.  Aside from a skinned elbow, sore back and wounded pride I was okay.  Brad said, “I can’t believe you popped right back up.  I would still be on the ground.”

One of the Tribal Elders said, “I thought you broke your back!”

In other newsletters I have mentioned Guardian Angels.  They were on the job again, watching over us and keeping us from serious harm.  Thanks again to all the GA’s who seem to always be at the right place at the right time. 

You will see in one of the pictures the Celilo group with Karen and Fred and their family.   What a meaningful experience to help serve the Yakama Tribe and to hear her thanks and to know the impact of this ministry. 

The other picture is our International truck and our workers, Scott Kemery, Jenny Frey and me just before the trip to the Nez Perce Reservation in Lapwai, Idaho.  This trip marked my ten year anniversary with this mission and ministry to the Nez Perce.  I will never forget in 2006 preaching under a tent in the town park when the temperature was 107*.  It was toasty!  Since then we have delivered dozens of truck loads to help Pastor Antonio Smith, the Native American Missionary Evangelical church and the Nez Perce Tribe.

I will always keep Karen Whitford’s words in my heart…”I am so happy…this will bless my people.”  And, I’ll be a little more careful around the lift gate of the big truck.  Ouch!

*****

October Newsletter, 2016  Rick McPherson

In last month’s newsletter I reminded you that, “Christmas is only a few months away!”  I know there’s frost on the pumpkins, the days are getting shorter, school is in full-swing and before you know it, the shopping days will be upon us.  It’s not too early to look at our Christmas outreach schedule to Native Americans on specific reservations in the Pacific Northwest.  This year we have selected the Quinault Reservation, about 75 miles north of Aberdeen, WA, on the Pacific Coast and The Celilo Indian Village, Yakama Reservation on the Columbia River east of The Dalles, OR.  Both Reservations are in great need. 

A number of years ago, I began asking Natives and Tribal Leaders on various reservations the simple question, “What’s the greatest need you have?”  The answer was always the same “Bring us food!”  Through the years our drivers have driven thousands of miles and delivered thousands of boxes of food.  Thousands of people have been fed because people like you cared enough to donate a dollar to help us do this ministry.  It is in my thinking a fulfillment of St. Matthew’s Gospel (25:35), when Jesus said, “I was hungry and you gave me food.”  The narrative goes on to say that the righteous questioned Him regarding the time and place that it happened.  His reply was distinct.  “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.”

With this directive we will load the big red Peterbilt and head for the reservations.  Each load will include pallets of groceries and boots, which interestingly, are the second item asked for the most.  I know you can’t eat them, but when you deliver several pallets of water-proof, insulated boots your stock goes way up with Native Americans!  They’re so popular that I’ve had phone calls from around the country requesting them! 

Now, I have a question for you.  “What will Christmas look like for you?”

It will be different for those on reservations.  We can make a difference and help in a big way by working together.  No one can do everything but everyone can do something. 

Let me remind you that your heart of compassion and care for Native Americans and the delivery of food and boots, establishes a relationship that expresses God’s love, acceptance and forgiveness.  I learned a long time ago that you can’t talk to a person about their heart if their stomach is empty and their kids are sick.  When we talk about helping Natives both physically and spiritually, we mean it.  Both are necessary. 

Here’s how you can help:

1. The old-fashioned way.  Write a check, put it in the reply envelope and mail it. 
2. The modern way.  Use the secure  PayPal link on our website:

  www.pacificnwoutreach.org

3. The other modern way.  Call the PNWO Office:  503 492 0904 and Charlote or Scott will run your credit or debit card.  (Both Charlote and Scott are also secure!)
4. The new way.  Designate Pacific Northwest Outreach, Inc.  as your  “Charity of Choice”  when using Amazon for ANY shopping:  amazon.com
5. The best way: PRAY!

So, there you have it.  Our Christmas ministry plans are in place and I hope you can be a part of them.   Maybe you’re humming along with Johnny Mathis and the tune is “hooked” in your head…perhaps as a reminder!  After all, it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

*****