Author: Rick McPherson

December Newsletter, 2018  Rick McPherson

Even though there’s been a push to reduce this wonderful season of the year by encouraging people to say, “Happy Holidays!” I have steadfastly resisted and deliberately said, “Merry Christmas!” to everyone, everywhere, every time.  It is the most wonderful time of the year!

On the other side of this page are the pictures of people who serve this ministry throughout the year.  Our Board members and staff are great people.  And all of us want to say, “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!”   May your Christmas celebration be filled with blessing and joy.

The Christmas season is all about giving and you have demonstrated that, not only now, but throughout the entire year.  Native Americans have been helped physically and spiritually, because of your special gifts.  Thank you and may God bless you for your generosity and love.  Be reminded that Heaven has recorded every gift.  If that’s not enough…you can receive a copy of your giving for 2018 by contacting Charlote, who will gladly issue a receipt.

charlote@pacificnwoutreach.org

503 492 0904

Because we are a 501 (c) (3) charitable, non-profit corporation, your giving is tax deductible.    For 2018 credit, year-end giving must be postmarked, no later than December 31. 

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November Newsletter, 2018  Rick McPherson

There are some newsletters that are favorites of mine.  You guessed it, this is one of them.  It doesn’t take much for me to get in the Thanksgiving mood, because I love this season of the year.  I love the weather, the time-change, warm sweaters and the food.  I especially love the food!  Just the thought of Thanksgiving dinner, makes my mouth water. Garlic mashed potatoes, green bean salad, jellied and fresh cooked cranberries, buttery yeast dinner rolls, roast turkey with stuffing and gravy are some of my favorites.  And, we haven’t even gotten to dessert! 

I made the mistake recently of suggesting that we might eliminate the work and preparation of the Thanksgiving dinner and just go to a nice restaurant instead.    No, was the booming one word answer that came down from my family!  No way!  I made a mental note to never again suggest such a thing.

Thanksgiving is about family and traditions and, well, thanksgiving!  It’s about giving thanks.  It’s the time of year when we focus on expressing our gratitude to God, family and one another.  You would think that we would do that all the time, but sometimes we forget.   Sometimes we’re like the child who has just received a gift and our parent says, “What do you say?” 

Therefore, here’s what I want to say…THANK YOU!  On behalf of our Board of Directors, staff and volunteers, I would like to give thanks to you for your ongoing support of this ministry helping Native Americans, spiritually and physically.  Throughout the year as truckloads of groceries, clothes, boots, household supplies, Bibles, toys and candy are delivered to reservations throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond, people like you have prayed and given financial gifts to enable us.  Many have heard the Good News message of God’s love, acceptance and forgiveness because you cared.    Simply put, this ministry could not do this vital work without your help.  So, thank you, dear friends!  Your prayers and gifts have made a big difference.  Although you may never see the Native American child or adult who has been the recipient of your gift, Heaven has recorded your kindness and generosity. 

“…I do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers…”

Ephesians 1:16

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October Newsletter, 2018  Rick McPherson

Recently I was introduced to Simon Sinek’s book, “Start With Why.”   He tells how leaders inspire others to take action, stating, “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.”  Companies like Harley-Davidson, Apple and Southwest Airlines have discovered this truth and they have followers who identify with them on a personal level and who are loyal through thick and thin.  It’s not so much about the what  or the how, it’s about the why.  Start with why.  The why must be clear and precise.  When you describe the how, you’re telling the values and principles of why you do what you do.  These are disciplines.  When people see and hear what you say and do they will discover the what of what you are doing. 

So, I thought about it. I realized I talk more about how and what than why.  Yet, why is the main thing.  Why are we doing this ministry? Why?

There are three answers.  The first is found in a directive that Jesus Himself gave to His disciples…”But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me… to the end of the earth.”  Acts 1:8 

The second is an experience  that the founder of this ministry had in a horse corral in British Columbia.  Overwhelmed by the dire need of Natives he cried out to God asking, “Why don’t You doing something?”  His answer was, “Why don’t you?”

The third is my personal encounter on the Nez Perce Reservation in Lapwai, Idaho.  After speaking to the Tribe in the city park I watched the distribution of grocery boxes from the back of an 18 wheeler.  I asked if I could help and while doing so sensed the Lord impress on my heart, “This is what I want you to do.”  The what and how became my why.  That why was 12 years ago and continues to this day.  Start with why. 

Many who read this newsletter every month are interested in our what and how.    But more important is the why.  The why causes prayer.  The why causes giving. The why causes loyalty.  The why explains that we are taking the message of God’s love, acceptance and forgiveness to a people group, a culture that is often forgotten and ignored, Native Americans.   They deserve to hear that Jesus is the Savior of the world …that He is God’s Son and whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.  How’s that for why?  Let’s start with why.

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Where there’s smoke, there’s fire!

When our driver, Brad, backed in to the loading dock, the brake pedal went to the floor.  Alarmed, he jumped out of the cab and saw smoke billowing from the rear dual tires.  After extinguishing the fire he called me.  He was safe and no one was injured but the rear brakes were another story!  After a 50 ton wrecker delivered it to the repair shop I got the brutal news that the repairs would be $2,300.00, which included the tow! 

On the positive side, all this happened in town and not last week coming home from Hermiston on I-84.   Nevertheless,  the estimate took my breath away.  The shop is willing to work with us and take three payments, but it’s still a shock.

In the past, certain people have asked to please let them know when we have a special and unexpected financial need.  Well, this is one of those times.  Thank you in advance if you’re able to help us with an extra financial gift this month.  And, God bless you!

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September Newsletter, 2018  Rick McPherson

After all these years, I still remember my first day, at Lambton-Kingsway Public School, Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada.  It was special to me because my parents allowed me to ride my bike.  Although a kindergarten student, their thinking was that my older sister (third grade) would protect me.  This assignment lasted until we turned the first corner and from then on, I was on my own. Granted, it was a different world in 1953 than now, but I shudder to think of any child aged five, riding their bike to school.  Busy streets?  No problem! 

Now, children are ready with new clothes, shoes, backpacks, haircuts and any number of electronic devices to face the school year.  It’s a rite of passage as vacation fades and assignments, homework and test schedules replace the dog days of summer.   And of course, every student must be prepared for recess and lunch. 

Although each mom reading this is praying a, “Oh thank you, God!”  that school has started again let me remind you that it doesn’t last long.  One day your children will be graduating and you’ll find yourself parked in your SUV near the school yard, drinking a small, drip coffee and watching strangers deposit their kids in the same spot you did.  And, it will happen in the blink of an eye.  So, enjoy the moment!

The Labor Day schedule always affects us here at Pacific NW Outreach.  The heat of summer is replaced by crisp morning air, diminished daylight hours and leaves in lovely shades of yellow, orange and red.  It really is a beautiful season of the year.  But for some in the Native culture, it is anything but beautiful.  The blessings that we count for our own children are not transferred to every school across the country. 

In a recent television interview I heard a well-known celebrity talk about Rose Bud and Pine Ridge as two of the poorest areas.  These are reservations in South Dakota that we have served for many years.    She has transferred her words into actions and contributed financial gifts to help.  Yet many children still do not have school supplies, clothes and food to succeed.  Unemployment is a staggering 80%.  To say the need is great is an understatement. 

We are committed to helping Native Americans and their children both physically and spiritually.  When we deliver a truck load it is always free.  Groceries, boots, household items and yes, school supplies and toys are provided because of people like you who help us financially and prayerfully.  It would be impossible to do this work without your help!  God bless you and thank you!

So, what motivates us to keep doing this ministry?  Well, there is a story about Jesus and His disciples.  He was talking to them about hunger, thirst, sickness, clothing and jail.  He said that when you help people who are suffering like this; you are in essence doing it to Him.  The disciples were shocked.

 “When did that happen?” they asked. 

Jesus said, “…inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.”   St. Matthew 25:31-40

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August Newsletter, 2018  Rick McPherson

I was on vacation and happened to check my phone.  The text was from Stan Lien.  “Long time, no see…” is how the message began. 

He went on to write that he and Michelle had relocated to Hoquiam and wanted to minister again to the Quinault Nation in Taholah.  Would we be able to help?

Taholah is a small village on the Pacific Coast, in Grays Harbor County, Washington, north of Aberdeen.  It is so remote that Hwy. 190 literally ends there.  The sign says, “No improved road past this point.”  Named after a Chief in 1905, it is now the headquarters for the Quinault Indian Nation.  The population of 840 people is 93% Native American.  There are 240 households and 45% of them have children less than 18 years of age.  Sadly, the community has 35% who live below the poverty level. 

Not only are the social and economic realities severe, the spiritual and emotional challenges are daunting as well.  The message of God’s love, acceptance and forgiveness needs to be told.  Someone needs to tell it.  Someone needs to go. 

 “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed?  And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?  And how shall they hear without a preacher?  And how shall they preach unless they are sent?  As it is written: 

       ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!’”

Romans 14:14, 15;  Isaiah 52:7

Since Stan is a longtime friend, I know his heart and love for Native Americans.  I know he’s the “someone” who will “tell it.”  He’s the “someone” who will go.  And we’ll help him.  That’s what he asked for and that’s what we’ll do.  We’ll help.

Pacific NW Outreach has been helping for a long time.  People like you who read this Newsletter every month and help us with prayers and finances are the reason we are able to do, what we do.  You’re the team.  You’re the family.  You’re the people.  The Nez Perce would say, “Niimiipuu”…One Great Nation. 

On behalf of the Taholah Natives who will receive help….THANK YOU!  May God bless you for your prayers and your gifts.  Although you may never visit this small village, your gifts will make a difference and you’ll REMEMBER TAHOLAH!

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July Newsletter, 2018  Rick McPherson

“Powwow, celebrations of American Indian culture in which people from diverse indigenous nations gather for the purpose of dancing, singing and honoring the traditions of their ancestors.  The term powwow, which derives from a curing ritual, originated in one of the Algonquian nations of the Northeast Indians.  During the 1800s, travelling medicine shows selling cure-all tonics used “powwow” to describe their wares.  These vendors often employed local Indians to dance for the entertainment of potential customers, who soon applied the term to the exhibition dancing as well as to the patent medicines.  The name took hold and Indians themselves added to it their nomenclature to describe dancing for an audience in an exhibition.”  Britannica

We have an annual powwow that meets in our own backyard.  Every year Native Americans gather at Delta Park in Portland, OR, for a weekend of celebration.  We always sponsor a Prayer Tent and provide drinks, snacks and free Buckskin Bibles.  Lucy, our lead person faithfully talks and prays with everyone and anyone who comes by and asks for prayer or just a cup of cold water! Our goal is to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and God’s love, acceptance and forgiveness.    The Buckskin Bible is always a favorite and features a complete Bible study plan written by Gleason Ledyard.   Natives frequently refer to the Bible as “Heaven’s Book.”  When you think about it, that’s a good name!

Although the weekend featured Tribes from all over the Pacific Northwest, colorful regalia,  intricate dancing and lots of good food;  (read:  Indian Fry Bread)  the main event occurred on Sunday of the Father’s Day weekend with a tremendous rain and wind storm.  Unfortunately the Prayer Tent didn’t survive the elements.  But we did and we’re very thankful!

All of this is only possible because of people like you.  Your financial gifts and prayer support make this ministry viable.  It’s not easy because we are constantly invading the Enemy’s territory and He resists and wreaks havoc whenever possible.  However, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?”  Psalm 27:1

As your summer continues keep an eye open for Powwows in your area. Who knows, you may find one in your own backyard!

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June Newsletter, 2018  Rick McPherson

It was one of those picture-perfect days in the Pacific Northwest.  The sun was shining; there were big white clouds and a soft blue sky.  The temperature was right around seventy.  I was northbound on the I-205, nearing West Linn.  I’ve probably driven that road hundreds of times, but for some reason I noticed a “Viewpoint” sign and decided to stop. It was worth it.   The view was spectacular.  The Willamette River stretched out before me and the backdrop of trees and mountains combined to make the setting like a framed picture.  I turned the ignition off and the big Detroit diesel shuddered, vibrated and stopped.  All I could hear was the wind softly blowing through the evergreens and the highway traffic behind me.  Why hadn’t I done this before?

My log book shows tens of thousands of miles driving to Reservations across the country, but I don’t remember stopping for “Viewpoints”.  Fuel, lodging, bathrooms and more cheese-burgers than I can count have been the reasons to stop, but not “Viewpoints”.  That’s going to change, however.  I learned something in that West Linn experience.  I think God gives us Viewpoint opportunities in life so that we can enjoy the trip.  In fact, Scripture is full of wording that encourages us to “pull over”.  The traffic of life continues to roar past but we are, “in green pastures…beside still waters…being restored.”  (Psalm23:2-3)

The other take-away from the Viewpoint was my reflection on this ministry.  It includes my appreciation for the many people who help us financially every month.  Additionally there are scores who regularly pray for us.  We could not do this ministry serving Native Americans without people who give and pray.   Our mission has not changed.  We’re still telling the Truth of God’s love, acceptance and forgiveness.  We’re still telling the story of Jesus, the Savior of the world. 

In other words, the Viewpoint gave me opportunity to “count my blessings, and name them one by one.”  If I was making a list, you’d be on it!  In fact, I would print your name in block capitals and underline it.    I appreciate you and all you’re doing to help us.

Here’s a suggestion for your trip.  Take a moment to pull over and get off the road.  Shut off your engine.  Roll down the windows.  Breathe.  Think.  Pray.    Look at these pictures and realize that your involvement in this ministry is helping us help them.  Enjoy the Viewpoint!

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May Newsletter, 2018  Rick McPherson

Recently we received a generous check from a friend of the Mission.  It came to us from his brother who explained that Elden had passed and in his Last Will & Testament he had named our ministry and wanted a portion of his estate to be given to God’s work.  What a surprise.  What a blessing. 

Elden was known to us and had been thoughtful and deliberate in his giving to our work through the years.  The first time I met him he was standing in his driveway and was directing our truck to back up and retrieve a refrigerator that he was donating.  Later, as his health failed, he moved to a care facility and gave us the furnishings of his home!  He was a friend of Pacific NW Outreach and Native Americans.   

Now as I reflect over his last and final gift, I realize that his commitment was to make sure that even in death his wishes would be carried out and the ministry that he loved would be the recipient of a portion of his worldly possessions.  It was so true of Elden to make sure that every detail was done and his Will was evidence of that fact. 

Let me encourage you to think similarly.  When you die with a Will & Testament document, it will be fulfilled according to the letter of the Law.  You can designate your estate however you want and it can include ministries that you have supported as well as your family and loved ones.  It only takes a little time to do it and the benefits are incredibly worthwhile and valuable.  Instead of putting it off, take time to prioritize it for the sake of your family and your wishes.   Dying without a Will & Testament will guarantee that not one penny of your estate will be given to God’s work. 

WE GOT HACKED!

One of the cruel realities of modern technology is the fact that information on computers can be “hacked” by the unscrupulous.  It happened to us!  The virus attacked our system affecting our QuickBooks files, our mailing list, our historical pictures and documents.   The information on our system was “scrambled and locked.”  We have been able to recreate most of our important information.  The experts have assured us that no personal and confidential information was accessed from our system.  That was a relief!  The “window of opportunity” to further harm our system was very small.  We have now taken steps to further protect our computers and the ministry. 

MAILING LIST

The “life line” of this ministry is the mailing list.  IF you know of a friend, relative, coworker, neighbor or church friend who once received this monthly communique and because of the “hacking” has been dropped….PLEASE LET US KNOW.  We are rebuilding to the best of our ability.  Any help you give is GREATLY appreciated!   Or, if you would like to receive this newsletter via email each month, we can do that for you. 

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April Newsletter, 2018  Rick McPherson

Don Cline the founder of Frontier Missions has passed from this life and entered his eternal reward.  He was 95 years of age.

Born in Scappoose Creek, Oregon, Don was ordained with the Wesleyan Methodist Church and pastored in the Pacific Northwest before assuming oversight responsibilities for the denomination in this area.  While moose hunting in British Columbia, Canada, he encountered a great spiritual need in the Native community.  Because of a personal conviction to not hunt on Sundays, he offered a Gospel service instead for the community.  Natives, hunters, loggers and cowboys gathered.  After the message several responded to commit their lives to Christ as their Savior.  One of them was a big Indian!  He pleaded, “Come and help us.  The nearest church is one hundred miles away and we only have horses.  Please, help us!” 

Later that night as Don prayed and walked the perimeter of a rustic horse corral, he called out to God, “Why don’t You do something?  Why don’t You help these people?”  The response Don heard from God that starry night in western Canada surprised him, “Why don’t you?” 

That simple question was the beginning of Frontier Missions.  The ministry formed with volunteers, pickup trucks, trailers and anything and everything that could be collected and taken to reservations across the country. Groceries, clothing, boots and household items were delivered and the Gospel of Jesus Christ was preached.   As years passed the old pickup trucks became shiny big rigs with names like International, Western Star, Peterbilt and Freightliner.  The trailers got bigger and better and bore names like Great Dane and Fruehauf. 

Native Americans on reservations as far away as Rose Bud and Pine Ridge, South  Dakota;  Crow Agency and Wolf Point,  Montana;  Warm Springs and Celilo, Oregon;  White Swan and Quinault, Washington;  have all been affected by the positive message of God’s love, acceptance and forgiveness. 

Now serving the Native American community, both urban and rural, under the name, Pacific NW Outreach, Inc., the ministry continues.  We have Native pastors, tribal leaders and community organizers who are on the ground in the reservations we serve helping every hour, every day, every week.  The ministry continues to grow and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

We are still responding to the plea of that big Indian in British Columbia who said, “Please, help us!” 

THANK YOU FOR HELPING US, HELP THEM.

 

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March Newsletter, 2018  Rick McPherson

I was privileged to be raised in a Christian home.  As a child I remember attending Sunday School and singing songs like, “Jesus Loves the Little Children.”  The lyrics accurately portray the very heart of God towards us and counter the divisive and vicious racism and bigotry that attacks our world today.                                                 

Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world,

Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight,

Jesus loves the little children of the world.

The music was written by George Root in 1864 as a Civil War marching tune.  Later, the lyrics by Clare Woolston were added and children have been singing it ever since.  It certainly is appropriate as we present this month’s newsletter and show this picture of a precious Hispanic boy receiving a box of food from one of our recent missions’ trips. 

Although the winter weather affected us we were still able to provide for three separate locations in the last thirty days.  Trucks and trailers were loaded with groceries and household supplies and delivered to help families and children…red and yellow, black and white.

I’m reminded of how important children are to Jesus.  One passage in St. Matthew’s Gospel says it this way, “Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them.  But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.’  And He laid His hands on them…”  (19:13-15)

In another passage the disciples were arguing about status and prestige, asking Jesus, “Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”  The Biblical narrative says that Jesus called a little child and set him in their midst and said,

“Unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.” (St. Matthew 18:1-5)

While children come to Jesus readily, there is more hesitancy for adults to respond.  Grown-ups seem to lose the innocent faith and trusting nature that children possess.  Yet in this passage Jesus invites us to come to Him “like little children” and says “whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”                                                         

WHAT DO YOU THINK?  We have all sinned and deserve God’s judgment.  God the Father sent His only Son to satisfy that judgment.   Jesus, the eternal Son of God, who lived a sinless life, loves us so much that He died for our sins, taking the punishment that we deserve, was buried and rose from the dead.   If you truly believe and trust in your heart, receiving Jesus as your Savior, you will be saved from judgment and spend eternity with God in heaven.

1. Yes, today I am deciding to follow Jesus.
2. Yes, I am already a follower of Jesus.
3. I still have questions.