Author: Rick McPherson

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!

*****

August – September Newsletter, 2016  Rick McPherson

When I was a kid, I distinctly remember the, “back to school,” blues.  The long summer days, warm weather and freedom were coming to an end and the monotony of school was just ahead.  I knew I would miss packing my lunch, (usually a bologna sandwich, oatmeal raisin cookies and an orange), meeting my friends and riding our bikes to the swimming hole, which was actually a neighboring farmer’s stock tank; and spending the whole day perfecting our “cannon balls” off the make-shift diving board.  To interrupt this bliss, with a return to school, was totally uncalled for and cruel, in my opinion.   But, nonetheless, it was back to school, ready or not, like it or not. 

Now, as I fast forward through the years, and they say that time goes faster as you get older; I’m looking at the summer months and the calendar is showing that Labor Day is just around the corner.   I’m saying, “What?  Where did the summer go? Wasn’t yesterday the 4^th of July?”  It seems like it was yesterday, but back to school is now on everyone’s mind. 

With the change of seasons we are now focusing on the last part of the year.  Recently,  the  TV station and tire company that sponsors the local  toy drive , which we have participated in annually, contacted me  to coordinate our participation in this year’s event; read, “Christmas!”  We are very grateful for this provision and know that the toys which we will deliver at the Holiday Season will be a huge blessing to Native American children, again.  But, between now and then we have work to do.  Our work is helping on Reservations with physical and spiritual gifts.  The loads of groceries, boots, household supplies, blankets, winter coats and hats are delivered and given free-of-charge as an expression of God’s love.  These physical gifts enable us to build friendships and trust with Native Americans and prepare the way for us to tell them of God’s love, acceptance and forgiveness.  We have the privilege of telling the wonderful story of the gift of God’s Son, Jesus, as the Savior of the world. 

Let me ask you to be a part of this vital ministry.  You can do it in two important ways.  You can PRAY for this work.  My oldest grandson gave me a black rubber wristband recently.  It has the words, “PRAY FIRST,” printed on it.  Since I put it on, I have been reminded of that truth multiple times.  How significant is that? 

You can also GIVE to this mission.  Your financial gifts are greatly appreciated and needed.  Will you chip in?  Your gift of $100.00, $50.00, $25.00 or any amount will go a long way in helping us, as we help Native Americans.  The expenses of maintaining our big truck are real.  Recently we had to repair the front suspension and brakes, which cost nearly $2,000.00.  You can’t go down the Interstate with bad brakes and faulty steering! 

So, in the midst of your back to school plans, remember your friends at Pacific NW Outreach, Inc. and the many Native Americans that we serve.  Remember, you’re a vital part of this ministry as you pray for us and send a financial gift to help fund this work.  Thanks again for your help… and God bless you!

Until next time, I’m going to make myself a bologna sandwich, eat a couple of oatmeal raisin cookies and an orange. 

*****

June – July Newsletter, 2016  Rick McPherson

Yesterday we went to the beach.  The sun was shining, the water was blue, and the sky was crystal clear.  At the end of the day we built a small fire.  I’m told that the three most soothing sounds are wind, water and fire. If that’s the case, we had them all.   When you add family, fish and chips and Tillamook ice-cream, you have the makings of a perfect day.  

I’m not sure that you could compare the Pacific Coast to the Sea of Galilee, because of the Tillamook ice-cream, but there are other similarities.  Maybe that’s why Jesus spent most of the three years of His ministry along the shore of this freshwater lake.  Here He gave more than half of His parables and here He performed most of His miracles.  Here He preached the Sermon on the Mount, called Simon Peter and his brother, Andrew, to follow Him, fed 5,000 people and calmed the stormy sea.    There was something that drew Him.  Numerous times, he left the crowds and the city to head for the mountains, the wilderness and the beach.  I would like to think He built a few fires and ate some fresh fish along the way.  In the midst of all the demands, Jesus knew how to get away and restore His soul. 

As I think and pray about our ministry and mission helping Native Americans, physically and spiritually, I see similarities to the life of Christ.  Much of our work is done in remote and rural settings.  Many times we’re in the mountains or at the shore.  The people we serve are needy.  They are hungry.  They are sick.  They are addicted.  They are demeaned.  They are imprisoned.  But, they are not forgotten! 

Every box of groceries, every pair of boots, every blanket, every winter coat or pair of jeans that we deliver is fulfilling Jesus’ Great commission, “Go, therefore and make disciples of all nations…”  Matthew 28:19.  The physical aspect of this ministry enables us to build relationships, trust and confidence so that we can tell the greatest story of God’s love, acceptance and forgiveness! 

And, you’re a part of it.  None of us is all of it.  But all of us can be a part.  By joining with others to pray for this ministry, you support and sustain us during the rigors of the battle.  We do get tired and your prayers do make a difference. 

Finally, your financial gifts enable us to continue.  It costs money to buy diesel fuel, tires, truck parts and supplies for these trips.  We simply couldn’t do this without people like you.  Will you prayerfully ask the Lord what you can do at this time and then do it?  Thank you for your partnership in this ministry and for your faithfulness. 

I’m hoping that the softness of summer will soothe your emotions and refresh you in every way.    Enjoy your vacation.  Eat well.  Sleep well.  Be well.  Maybe you’ll enjoy several bowls of your favorite ice-cream, too!

*******

April Newsletter, 2016  Rick McPherson

Last week our family visited Disneyland for Spring Break.  It was incredible!  I kept thinking this place is beyond description.  The lights, the sounds, the characters, the costuming, facilities, rides, stores, restaurants, parades and ambience are spectacular.  Not only were Mickey and Minnie available for photos but Goofy took time to pose with us, too.  I thought that was impressive until Chip and Dale came by our table at breakfast.  Then we bumped into Chewbacca and the Bounty Hunter and of course, had our pictures taken.  It’s not every day that a 7’ 3” Star Wars character puts his arm around your shoulder! 

When we entered the park, I noticed the words of Walt Disney on the sign,

“Here you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy.”

You can’t help but be impressed by the creative genius of this man and the entertainment empire that he has built.  It’s no wonder they’ve titled it, “The Happiest Place on Earth!”

But the words of that sign keep rolling through my head…leave today…enter the world of yesterday…tomorrow…and fantasy.  Wouldn’t it be nice if that was reality?  Imagine, leave today!  Live in the past!  Jump into tomorrow!  Fulfill your fantasy!  Wee! 

Now that we’re back home and our feet and legs have healed and the equilibrium is somewhat normal, life goes on.  Our “today” is filled with the work of this ministry as we help Native Americans both physically and spiritually.  You see for most Natives, today is filled with the challenges of alcoholism, health concerns, violence, suicide and drug addiction.  They do not have the option of “leaving.”

But let me be quick to add that your help is making a difference in the lives of Native Americans.  When you pray for this ministry and help financially, we are able to encourage and bless them with truckloads of groceries, clothes, boots, and household items that express the love of God in a very tangible way.  Most importantly we are able to deliver the good news of the Gospel message and tell the story of Jesus as our Savior.  And, that’s no fairy tale.

We are now approaching the nice weather months when we can travel and visit the Reservations for Pow Wows and Camp Meetings.  Will you help?   Please take a minute to write a check or go the Pay Pal link on our website: www.pacificnwoutreach.org and make a contribution to help Native Americans with their, “today.”  Your gift, whether large or small, will make a difference. 

On behalf of Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and all the gang here at Pacific NW Outreach…thank you!

*****

February Newsletter, 2016  Rick McPherson

The nature of our work involves heavy equipment.  Big trucks, trailers, fork-lifts and heavy pay-loads are all a part of what we do.  Taking donated groceries, household supplies, boots, winter coats, hats and gloves and pallets of Bibles and books to distant Native American reservations across the country requires transportation.  We burn lots of diesel fuel, wear the tread off tires and travel thousands of miles to accomplish our mission.  We depend on the physical part of our work to open the door for the spiritual.  Once the door opens we can deliver the truth of God’s love, acceptance and forgiveness.  It is not only a Biblical plan, it is a successful one. 

Having been with the mission for over ten years, I have logged thousands of miles behind the wheel and visited Reservations from the Dakotas to the Pacific Ocean.  Looking back through my log book I can recall some near-death experiences.  One time I fell asleep at the wheel at 3:00 AM driving westbound on I-84 at mile marker 95 adjacent to the Columbia River.  Another time I was southbound on Hwy. 95 in Idaho descending the White Bird Pass.  Both times I was thankful for the guardian angels that did their work and saved my life. 

We have always made it a practice to pray before every truck trip.  If you think this is perfunctory, you’ve never jockeyed a big rig down the Interstate.  So, when Doc and Don and I finished the load we closed the big doors, held hands and prayed.  Little did I know what lay ahead.  

As is normal in wintertime weather, it was raining hard when I left.  After my stop for coffee in Chehalis I made the turn to Hwy 12, westbound through Rochester to Oakville and on to Aberdeen.  The highway is just two lanes and has old-fashioned steel bridges with arches on both sides.  The guard-rails at the entrance and exit of the bridges end at the bottom of the arches.  The distance between the arches is for normal traffic.  But what was to happen in a matter of seconds was not normal.  My wipers were set on intermittent and as the glass cleared I saw a pilot pickup truck with a “Wide Load” banner across the front bumper. 

Immediately I saw a semi pulling a flat-bed trailer with the treads of a large excavator protruding past the sides of the truck… and, the bridge.  There simply was not room for the two of us to pass each other.  My first thought was, “this is it … I’m going to die!” 

I’m now convinced that those same guardian angels were on duty that day and they have the ability to shrink and expand steel.  Whatever they did, they did it right.  My life was saved. 

You’ve often heard me say that the best thing you can do for me and for this ministry is to pray.  So, thank you to the many people who have been faithful in asking the Lord to protect us.  I know I felt the effects of your prayers on that rainy day on Hwy 12, westbound for Aberdeen. 

***

*bought the farm…buy the farm…idioms that were used in military context for soldiers who lost their lives in battle and the proceeds from life insurance policies were used to pay the mortgages on family farms.

January Newsletter, 2016  Rick McPherson

When you live in the Pacific Northwest, you get used to the rain.  You drive in it.  You work in it.  You live in it.  One local TV station spoofs the rain by making commercials of people doing all sorts of activities in the drenching, soaking rain.  They’re actually quite funny, if you have a weird sense of humor.  

But, last month was no laughing matter.  We had more rain in December than any month since Noah was around.    Over 15” is what they said.  That’s a lot of water. 

And in the middle of all that water we were taking trips to the Reservations and delivering Christmas loads with groceries, children’s toys, gifts, household supplies (blankets, pillows, sheets, and appliances), fresh produce, bread, Bibles and warm jackets, hats and gloves.  All of the loads were delivered as an expression of God’s love, acceptance and forgiveness.  

Back in November we had made our plans to serve three Reservations and God helped us fulfill our plans.  We were blessed to be chosen as one of the non-profits to receive a portion of the toys donated to the Les Schwab Toy Drive.  These toys, along with many others that were donated at our store, Low Prices, and given by customers and friends of the Mission, helped us make Christmas a wonderful experience for many Native American children.  Because of the weather and the late schedule for truck deliveries, we actually sent five large boxes of toys by UPS to a distant Reservation address.  Not quite like the Pony Express, but you get the idea!

You’ll see some great pictures of these outreaches on the back:

1.  QUINAULT RESERVATION, Lake Quinault, Washington
2. NEZ PERCE RESERVATION, Lapwai, Idaho
3. CELILO INDIAN VILLAGE,  The Dalles, Oregon