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!
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