August Newsletter, 2024 

Just after the Louisiana Purchase, President Thomas Jefferson sent the Lewis and Clark expedition to cross the newly acquired western portion of the country. The Corps of Discovery was a select group of U.S. Army and civilian volunteers who went up the Missouri River across the Continental Divide eventually coming to the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean in 1805. Six months later they returned home after enduring one of the wettest winters ever at Fort Clatsop, Oregon. During their expedition they traded their horses to the Nez Perce Indians for burned out logs (canoes) which they used to reach the Pacific. Without the dams on the Columbia River the trip included treacherous waterfalls that required the Corps to portage the heavy canoes around what would have been certain death. One of the waterfalls was in Central Oregon at a village called, Celilo, on the Yakama Reservation. The Natives fished for Salmon in the Columbia River and were curious and friendly when they encountered the Corps. Thinking they would try to float over the falls the Natives lined up on the shores of the river to watch, “the crazy white men”, killed in the turbulent water. Miraculously none of the Corps were killed and the portage was successful.

When I drive the Peterbilt truck through the Gorge headed to Celilo I’m reminded of the history and the struggle that the Native Americans represent. For many years we have helped them with groceries, household supplies, boots and clothing. At Christmas we arrive with gifts and toys for the children. When it’s time for school we load up back-packs, calculators and groceries. And, it’s that time, again! Really?

Many of us are thinking yesterday was the 4th of July and now…back to school? Tomorrow will be Thanksgiving and Christmas and the New Year will arrive. I know it makes your head spin. “Time flies, when you’re having fun!” Speaking of which, let me invite you to join us, having fun, and blessing the children at Celilo Indian Village. We have purchased 35 backpacks, filled with school supplies, including Texas calculators for the 7 High School students. Pencils, pens, notebooks, paper, highlighters, rulers, folders and crayons fill each backpack for the elementary children. The backpacks come in various colors, including, black, red, navy and olive green. They are high quality and durable. If I was going back to school, I’d want one, for sure!
I know there are many of you who would like to participate in this great ministry and blessing. The schedule is set and this week I’ll be delivering, not only groceries, but the backpacks and supplies to the Native children. We’ve got that part covered, including the diesel fuel for the truck.

Here’s where we need your help. Please pray! Please give!

Each backpack costs $30.00 (X35=$1,050)
Each calculator costs $20.00 (X7=$140)

So, the total costs for the trip (not including diesel fuel) are $1,190
I know these are tough economic times, for everyone. But anything that you can do will make a big difference for us. Your generous giving enables us to do this ministry. THANK YOU FOR HELPING THESE KIDS GO BACK TO SCHOOL!

Now, I’m going to find my copy of UNDAUNTED COURAGE by Stephen Ambrose and read some more history about Lewis & Clark.

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