Category: Newsletter

Rick McPherson February Newsletter, 2023

“This old age thing, man, it ain’t for sissies,” said my old age friend, before applying a generous portion of Ranch dressing to his Cobb salad. 

“Everything you need stops working and life gets tough,” he continued. 

The rest of our lunch conversation contained tidbits of various surgeries, ailments, aches, pains, memory loss, general confusion and occasional indigestion.

 And, did I mention memory loss?  Or, how about hearing loss? 

When you can’t hear, or someone you love can’t hear you, it changes your life.  After all, words and conversation set us apart from all of God’s creation.  More than once, my dear wife has asked the simple question, “Did you hear me?” 

My response to her is usually, “Of course, my darling, how may I serve you today?”, or some such tender and sensitive answer!

In light of these vicissitudes of life, I’m reminded of a tremendous truth.  There is One who hears us whenever we call and is able to help us with every circumstance we face.  Several Psalms record, “I called to the Lord and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.”  “In my trouble I called to the Lord and He answered me.”  (34:4, 120:1)  Could it be that when life gets tough and we call out for help, we’re talking to the wrong people?  What a provision to know that the Lord is always going to hear us and respond.  How do I know?  He promised. 

Speaking of hearing…let me thank you again for hearing about the work we do helping Native Americans, spiritually and physically.  Now in our 50^th year of ministry, we’re featuring photos in our newsletters, to reflect our history.  You have been a significant help with your prayer support and financial gifts.  Every time you pray, every time you give, you bless this ministry.  Thank you very much and God bless you.  Did you hear me?  I said, thanks and God bless you!

*****

 

Rick McPherson January Newsletter, 2023

In the coming months we’ll be talking about the ministry of Pacific NW Outreach, Inc., during the past fifty years.  Seems like a life-time, seems like yesterday.  Most of us can go back to 1973 and sort of remember what happened and where we lived and schools and jobs and ministries that affected us.  Then again, facts get fuzzy and details get lost.   However, here are some reminders if you’re yearning for the “good old days.” Think of gasoline at 40 cents a gallon.  How about 25 cents for a dozen eggs?  You could buy a new house for $32,500.00 or pay monthly rent of $175.00.  For dinner, a Morton’s frozen entrée was only 36 cents.  And, for the automotive aficionados, a Ford Galaxie 500 was $3,883.00, floor mats included. 

In the coming months we’re going to print a variety of photos that reflect this ministry that has helped thousands of Native Americans physically and told the story of God’s love, acceptance and forgiveness.  The spiritual impact of this work will never be known fully in this life.  But, Heaven records the name of every one who has, “called on the Name of the Lord and been saved.”  Romans 10:13

I really don’t know the number of miles that have been driven, the diesel fuel that’s been burned, the tires that have been used, the sermons that have been preached, the prayers that have been said, the coffee that’s been drunk or the pow wows that have been attended.  I do know that all of it has been motivated by a love for Native American people and a desire to, “go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation.”  Mark 16:15

Thank you for your part.  You have cared.  You have prayed.  You have given.   Together, we have made a difference in the lives of Native children and their families.  Now, who’s ready for another 50 years?

*****

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rick McPherson December Newsletter, 2022

I’m no stranger to winter driving.   Born and raised in Canada, I know that bad weather starts in mid-October and lasts until the end of May.  Mosquitoes and humidity round out the calendar.  But there are two words that strike fear in my heart … black ice.  This time of year, here at the west end of the Columbia River Gorge, the precipitation from the Pacific Ocean can mix with the cold east wind to coat everything with a deadly ice layer, particularly the roads.  Sodium chloride is a “no-no” because the run-off affects the salmon, therefore motorists who venture out slip and slide and eventually, according to the physics involved, reach an immovable object.  Wisdom prevails for some and the old Ford Pinto station wagon stays in the driveway.

Well, this year we dodged the ice bullet.  The storm arrived just days after our last Christmas trips to the Reservations.  We were able to deliver toys, gifts, groceries, bottled water, clothing, household supplies and even warm, hand-knit hats.  Celilo Indian Village at The Dalles, Oregon, part of the Yakama Reservation and Quinault Reservation at Lake Quinault, Washington were the two groups that received the truck loads.  You can see in the pictures, Fred and Karen Whitford and their nephew standing in front of some of the groceries.  And, the little children with their gifts never stopped smiling!  Merry Christmas, indeed!

I realize that in many ways, I serve as your eyes, ears, hands, feet and heart as I drive the Peterbilt and deliver to remote Reservations.  If it wasn’t for you and the financial gifts that you send, this ministry could not continue.  So, consider yourself included on every trip, even though it’s a tad crowded in the cab!  You’re with me.  Remember too, at this Christmas Season, that giving is what our Heavenly Father is all about; “He so loved the world that He gave…”  John 3:16.  Your participation and generosity is so appreciated and reflects the Father’s heart.  Also remember, one of Mother Teresa’s favorite texts, which she often quoted to support her ministry to the poor; “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”  Matthew 25:40

From all of us here at Pacific NW Outreach, have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and may your NEW YEAR be filled with blessing, good health, music, friends, family and fun…oh yeah, and food!  Don’t forget the food!

*****

Joy to the world, the Lord is come

Let earth receive her King

Let every heart prepare Him room

And Heaven and nature sing

*****

November 2022 Rick McPherson

Someone had taken the time to make a wooden sign and placed it at the end of the driveway.  I drove by, smiled and said out loud, “how appropriate!”  It was a few days before Thanksgiving and the sign said,

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!”  Psalm 107:1

 With that sentiment in mind, let me introduce to you; E450!

For the past several months we’ve been shopping and saving for a replacement truck for the old Mule.  Now, the new E450 is part of the PNWO family!  Let me tell you about it… 2016 Ford E450, V10 (6.8L) Triton engine, 320 hp and 460 ft. lb. of torque  and TorqShift six-speed HD automatic.  The truck did need ball-joints, brakes and a couple of tires, but overall it’s in great condition.  We have of course washed, waxed, vacuumed, cleaned, polished and shampooed.  We also applied tire protectant! Can’t be showin’ up with dirty tires, right? 

Our donations for the new truck have totaled $3,500.00.  Another donor is sending $1,000.00 and the old mule sold for $850.00.  So, THANK YOU for the $5,350.00 for this purchase.  We paid $8,000.00 for the E450 and believe that there are other donors who would like to chip in and help us make up the difference.  Again, thank you for your generous giving.  Because we use trucks to do this ministry, we just keep rolling along!  Sorry, couldn’t resist! 

*****

October 2022 Rick McPherson

This week we got news that we will receive toys from TV12 and Les Schwab Tire Centers for our Christmas trips to Native American Reservations in the Pacific Northwest.  Although we’ve received toys from them before, we weren’t presuming that in today’s economy it would be automatic.   So, we’re very grateful!  Now, we’re planning our trips; after all Christmas is less than two months away.  And, we’re very excited!

For most of the children and parents, the only Christmas they know will come on the back of our Peterbilt truck.  Toys and gifts will be part of the load along with groceries, boots and household supplies.  There’s no doubt groceries are needed and welcomed, but a part of the joy comes from the unexpected that produces a smile on your face and a giggle of joy.  And, when you mix a smile with a giggle, do you get a “smiggle”?  If so, there will plenty of smiggles this year.  I mean what else can you do when you get a pair of socks with toes?  That’s right, you smiggle.

In a world that’s filled with violence, lawlessness and hatred, the Gospel message of God’s love, acceptance and forgiveness must be expressed.  Jesus’ manner was joy and inclusion.  He loved His Disciples.  He welcomed the children.  He healed the sick.  He consoled the bereaved.  He attended the receptions.  He forgave the thief.  He lived among us.  Shouldn’t we do the same? 

Following His example is what motivates us to collect toys, (Legos of course), box up groceries, (check for Cheerios); load the truck and head to the Reservation to touch the lives of Native kids and parents with the observable love and compassion of our Creator and Heavenly Father.  Agree?  You’re a part of it when you chip in with your donation to make this ministry happen.  Thank you and God bless you!  Oh, by the way, if you don’t have any socks with toes; get some, they’ll make you smiggle!                   

MULE UPDATE:

Thanks to the many who have sent money for the purchase of our small truck.  To date, we’ve received about $3,500.00.  We have a potential buyer for the old mule for $1,000.00, and we’ve located a used 2016 Ford E450 with a 16’ box and ramp.  Price is $8,000.00.   We’re having our mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection and checking CARFAX, of course.  Stay tuned for more details.  If you would like to help us make up the difference between what we have and what we need, please mark your giving accordingly.  Thank you, again!

*****

September 2022 Rick McPherson

It was Fred Barnard; an advertising executive in the 1920’s who said, “A picture is worth a thousand words.”  He was describing the use of drawn and photographic images to illustrate advertising and that graphics can tell a story as effectively as a large amount of descriptive text.  He was right.

Do you think Fred Barnard influenced Fred Flintstone?  Can you imagine the antics of Fred and Barnie or Fred and Wilma, without the accompanying pictures?  How about Snoopy and Charlie Brown?  Consider your L.L. Bean catalog arriving with only words to describe your purchases for Christmas morning.  Think about family albums with no pictures of your grandchildren!

Well, we’re not going to do that to you.  We’re not going to tell our story with large amounts of descriptive text!  We’re going to let the pictures talk.  Through the fifty years of our ministry here at Pacific NW Outreach, Inc. we have touched the lives of thousands of Native Americans and helped them spiritually and physically.  Every mile we’ve driven, every sermon we’ve preached, every grocery box we’ve delivered, every pair of boots we’ve given have expressed God’s love, acceptance and forgiveness.  And all of it has been free!  People like you have donated generously to enable this ministry.  It would be impossible to do this work without you and your faithful giving.  So, thank you again and God bless you!

Now, take a look at these pictures.  They represent this ministry.  The children, adults, families and workers are real.  Their hearts are filled with love and joy.  Their stomachs are filled with nutritious food. They are warm and safe.  They embody this promise;

“I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord.  Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. “

Jeremiah 29:11

August 2022 Rick McPherson

Just last week I visited the phone store and got a new one.  It’s a smart phone.  The name alone is a little intimidating.    Seems that you have to be that to operate it and not get mad and throw it at the wall.  Or, if IQ is a real number, the phone wins.  Nevertheless, the lady laughed when she saw my old phone and said something very demeaning about its memory and battery strength.    After the transaction; I left with a protective case, new charger and cord, another protective cover so the face wouldn’t  get scratched, an insurance rider in case the phone is lost or stolen or falls in the lake or toilet and  the phone itself.   I began to fumble with it.  During my foray I found “photos”.   To my surprise and entertainment the phone showed pictures from a year ago, two years, four, six and even eight years back.  All were organized, named, filed and otherwise packaged to warm the heart of every obsessive, compulsive and meticulous person out there.   How cool is that?  Smart?  You bet!  What a trip down memory lane. 

You know that we are quickly approaching the New Year and our 50^th Anniversary for this ministry.  A lot has happened since 1973 when we started helping and serving Native Americans, physically and spiritually.  We live in a very different world now than we did then.  But, the message of God’s love, acceptance and forgiveness is the same.  He never changes, nor does His Word.  He is the same, yesterday, today and forever.

Wouldn’t it be fun to go back and see pictures of the past and remember the ministry to our Native brothers and sisters, families and children?  Not all of these pictures are on my phone, of course, but you’ll reminisce as we print these in our newsletters in the months to come.  Enjoy! 

Another “MULE” report…

Thank you for your extra giving to help us replace the OLD MULE, better known as our 1993 Ford E350 box truck.  To date, we have received $2,500.00 in designated giving, which helps us towards our goal.   As I told you last month the used truck/car market is rather crazy right now so we are going slow and waiting for the right vehicle at the right price.  Your designated gift is in a separate fund and not co-mingled with other mission funds.  You may still give towards this project and mark your gift accordingly. And, THANK YOU for your generous, faithful and regular giving to the ministry of Pacific NW Outreach, Inc.   God bless you!

*****

July 2022 Rick McPherson

There are some birthdays and anniversaries that get more attention than others.  Precious stones and jewels are often used to commemorate the events and given as cherished gifts.  We reflect on the dates and think of the historic significance and how they have affected us.  I happen to be a “calendar guy” and can trace back in my history to special days.  Maybe it’s quirky, but history and dates have always been of great interest to me.  That brings us to this newsletter and the fact that Pacific NW Outreach is on the verge of celebrating our Golden Anniversary!  That’s right; it was 1973 when this ministry officially began.  We’re just a few months away from that date.  Think of what’s happened in the last fifty years and what our world was like then.

*Richard Nixon was the President.

*George Foreman was the Heavyweight Boxing Champion.

*The Godfather won best picture at the 45^th Academy Awards.

*Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in the “Battle of the Sexes” in tennis.

*American Indian Movement activists ended their occupation of Pine Ridge Reservation at Wounded Knee, South Dakota.

*Oakland Athletics won the World Series.

*Miami Dolphins won Super Bowl VII.

*Gas was 55 cents a gallon.  Bread was 27 cents a loaf.  A dozen eggs cost 78 cents.

Well, things have changed in the last 50 years.  In spite of the changes, this ministry continues.  It’s impossible to tally the numbers of Native Americans who have been impacted by our efforts.  Only Heaven will reveal those souls who have been regenerated and have come to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, as Savior and Lord.  Our trucks have travelled tens of thousands of miles.  We’ve burned untold gallons of diesel fuel, carried tons of groceries, supplies, clothes, boots and household items to Reservations across the country.  We’ve preached scores of sermons, conducted Vacation Bible Camps, Bible Studies, Prayer Conferences and counselling sessions.  We’ve laughed, cried, prayed, bled and sacrificed with our Native brothers and sisters.  The anecdotes of real-life experiences are legendary and certainly entertaining.  It’s all true, too!  And, it’s not over, yet!

So, enjoy the party!  After all, it is a Celebration of God’s goodness and blessing over these 50 years.  Every grocery box, pair of boots, warm coat or bottle of water that has been given, expressed God’s kindness and generosity.  Every Pow Wow we’ve attended, campsite we’ve visited, trip we’ve made, sermon we’ve preached, expressed God’s love and acceptance.  And, you’ve been right there with us.  You’ve been a vital part.    THANK YOU FOR BEING A PART…A BIG PART!  Your faithful giving and prayer support enable us to do this ministry. 

Now, it wouldn’t be a party without cake, right?  Think I’ll get a piece.

*****

Special “MULE” report!  Last month we told about the need to replace one of our small delivery trucks, a 1993 FORD E350.  Many of you responded with extra giving, which we really appreciate.  We’re looking at used trucks but it’s a strange market these days, so we’re not rushing ahead.  When we find the right truck at the right price, we’ll let you know.  If you would like to contribute to this need just mark your check accordingly or use the convenient PayPal option.  Thank you!

 

June 2022 Rick McPherson

To my knowledge he wasn’t a mule skinner, but he was a cowboy, a real one.  We had seen the ads for trail rides in the Animas River valley near Durango, Colorado.  Being a pretend cowboy my whole life, I’ve always been ready for a horseback ride.  This one featured a cookout with steaks and baked potatoes, iced lemonade and a cobbler of some sort to finish.  Before long I was talking to the old wrangler who asked if I would rather ride a mule  than a horse.

 “They ride a little different, smoother gait,” he explained.

  “And, they’re a lot smarter than a horse.  Truth is, a mule saved my life, right here in this valley.  And, I know this place like the back of my hand.  I was born and raised here,” he continued.

  “What happened?” I asked, eyes wide- open.

  “Snow storm.  Blizzard.  White out.  Couldn’t see my hand in front of my face.  Totally lost.  Freezing,” he explained, squinting and serious.

  “So, I laid the reins on the neck of that old mule and he walked us to the barn and saved my life.  Been partial to mules ever since.” 

The cowboy’s story piqued my interest in mules. First, I learned, they are the offspring of a male donkey and a female horse.  They combine characteristics of both horse and donkey parents to create a tougher, more resilient working animal.  They are hardier, eat less, live longer and have more stamina than horses. They are smart and cautious and aware of danger, making them safer to ride when crossing dangerous terrain. And, finally, the skin of a mule is less sensitive than that of horses and more resistant to sun and rain.  It’s no wonder that a good mule team costs  thousands of dollars.  Worth every penny, I imagine. 

Okay, that’s all well and good.   But what does any of this have to do with Pacific Northwest Outreach,  and helping Native Americans?  Good question.

We have a “mule” in our ministry.  And true to its name, it’s a hard worker. 

Our mule, is a 1993 Ford, E350.  The old girl has a 12’ stake box, V8 engine, automatic transmission, dual rear tires and a one ton chassis.  She’s lived a long life and is held together with bailing wire and bubble gum.  She doesn’t complain, but it’s obvious, the end is near.  She has been tremendous, helping with this ministry, travelling thousands of miles and carrying tons of groceries and supplies. Our local ministry depends on her constantly. 

Now, I know, things are crazy these days.  Inflation is soaring.  Gas and diesel prices are obscene.  Our economy is volatile.  Current events are worrisome.  Supply chain shortages are affecting everyone.  Is this the time to be asking for “extra” giving to replace an old, worn-out truck?  Well, yes!

None of us can do everything.  But, all of us can do something. Will you do something?  That’s all I’m asking.   If we all do something, together, we can replace the old mule and keep on, keeping on. 

This ministry exists and continues, because of the faithfulness and generosity of people like you.  People who love God.  People who love people.  People who love ministry.  People who love Native Americans!  So, if we all do something “extra” this month, we can reach our goal and purchase a new, used mule for this ministry.  Your gift will be very much appreciated.  Thank you!  God bless you!

In the meantime, think I’ll head down to the corral, saddle a mule and hit the trail.    

*****

April 2022 Rick McPherson

I drove a ’55 Chevy in High School.  Purchase price was $325.00   I had saved my money from my part-time job at Otis Bennett’s apple farm in Ancaster.

 For the gearheads among us, it was a 265 c.i., V8, “3 on the tree”, with a Stewart Warner tach on the dash and an oil, water temp and amps gauge panel under the dash.  It was a Bel Air, 2 door hardtop.   It was green and white.

I also had a girlfriend, bought my own clothes and went to the stock car races, every Saturday night.  I could put $2.00 worth of Sunoco gas in my Chevy and drive all week.  Gas was 15 cents a gallon.  I remember actual gas wars when gas stations would compete to see who could sell the cheapest gas.  Those were the days… 15 cents for gas….imagine!

This week I pulled into Costco to buy diesel fuel for the Peterbilt.  The big 12.9 liter Paccar engine gets 9.5 miles per gallon and has two 50 gallon fuel tanks.  The price was $4.57 for diesel…imagine!  I bit my tongue to keep from saying something I would regret later and pulled the lever.  When I reached $200.00, I vowed to run for President and return the world to the sanity I had known when Otis Bennett was in charge.  Sheesh!  A friend called later and told me he had just paid $10.00 a gallon on a recent trip to Death Valley.  Poetic justice, I thought. They had accurately named the place. 

Now as I ponder the supply chain woes, inflation, economics, unemployment, lawlessness, political unrest, wars and rumors of wars, hypocrisy, corruption and fuel costs, (again), my head hurts; not to mention my heart.  And, I think about our mission to help Native Americans.  I also think about you.  My thinking quickly turns to praying and my praying becomes very simple.  Usually one word sums it up, “help!”  Perhaps that one word is the most used in prayer language these days.  Can you think of a better one?

 “I will lift up my eyes to the hills

From whence comes my help?

My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.

He will not allow your foot to slip;

The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade,

The Lord will protect you from all evil;

He will keep your soul.

From this time and forever.”

Psalm 121:1-8

 Notice the four distinct principles that will keep us from harm.

God is…Our Helper, Our Keeper, Our Protector and Our Preserver.

I feel better now that I’ve prayed and been reminded that my help is not Costco, Texaco or Sunoco.  Rather it is this truth, “…greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.”  I John 4:4

I feel better now that I’ve prayed and been reminded that my help comes from the One who made heaven and earth.

I feel better now that  I’ve prayed and been reminded that my help is not dependent on the media, Big Tech, Wall Street, intellectual elites or politicians.

I feel better now.

*****

Special note…thank you very much for your ongoing financial help for this ministry serving Native American children, youth, parents and adults on Reservations.  Your gifts enable us to provide the truth of God’s love, acceptance and forgiveness.  God bless you abundantly for your gifts.