Category: Newsletter

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!

*****

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!

*****

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!

*****

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. 

*****

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.

 

*****

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.

February Newsletter, 2018  Rick McPherson

I admit it.  I’m addicted.  For as long as I can remember, I’ve liked cars.  As a kid, I remember riding in my Dad’s Studebaker calling out the make, model and year of the cars around us.  Every September the automobile dealers would drape their showroom windows so no one could see the designs for the model year.  It was a big deal when you got to see one of the new cars!  Now, unfortunately, people refer to their vehicle by color.  “It’s the blue one over there!”

The addiction has not gotten better as I have gotten older.  I have accepted the fact that I have a condition without a cure.  Cars, trucks, motorcycles…anything with wheels and an engine that burns fossil fuel will interest me; particularly if the engine goes, “vroom!” 

Now don’t get me wrong.  I’m not complaining.  My malady has introduced me to some wonderful people and experiences.  There are mechanics, painters, fabricators, upholsterers, racers, promoters, hobbyists, pin-stripers, caterers and characters who are in my life and who have brought me great joy because of my disease.   I really should write a book and tell some of the hilarious stories.  So many of the memories have started with a simple suggestion to build or restore something.  “That’s a great idea,” was usually my response. 

Actually, restoration is a good word.  In a world where most folks just throw things away, “car guys” plan a project, they plan a restoration.    If you define the word, you learn:  the action of returning something to a former owner, place or condition.  Restoration is a process.  Restoration is a passion.  Restoration is a pleasure.  

Now let me tell you, there is a tremendous similarity between automotive restoration and what we do in ministry.  The fact is there are lots of people who are broken, worn out, used up and good-for-nothing.  The world says, “Throw ‘em away!”  The Native American culture that we serve is filled with people that are overlooked and forgotten.  They’ve been thrown away.    They are banged up, dented and the wheels have come off.  They are in need of a complete restoration.  They need to be overhauled.   That’s where we come in.

Our Chilton’s Repair Manual gives these directions…

“…if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new.”  II Corinthians 5:17

“…I make all things new …write, for these words are true and faithful.”   Revelation 21:5

“He raises the poor out of the dust, and lifts the needy out of the ash heap…”  Psalm 113:7

The Good News is that the Master Restorer is still working.  His shop is open.  It’s always open…24/7/365.  No job is too big or too small.  He can handle any project.    Why not bring Him what you’ve got and ask about a complete restoration?   Remember, it’s a good word!

*****

January Newsletter, 2018  Rick McPherson

I wish I had thought of it.  And, if I could remember where I saw it first and who said it, I would give credit.  But I can’t.  So I’ll just use it.   It’s the New Year and when I saw, “greateen,” it took me a minute to figure it out.  Oh, yeah, eighteen.  I get it.  Making it great is even better. 

Like me, you may have resolved to not resolve anything for the coming twelve months.  Just, let-er-fly and see what happens.  “Que sera sera,” right?  After all if it was good enough for Doris Day, it’s good enough for me.  The paradigm of “whatever will be, will be,” has captured many.  And today it’s been condensed to the sarcasm of, “whatever!”  Really?

After a good night’s sleep and the tedium of the Rose Parade, I’ve decided to start my year with a commitment to make it great, or at least as great as I can.  To do so, I have to constantly remind myself of the difference between what I can control and what I cannot.  Big difference!  Most of my heart-burn occurs when I confuse the two.  So I’m choosing to focus on the former and let the rest go.  My wife humorously condenses this thought by saying, “Not my circus…not my monkeys!” 

Here are a few thoughts about things that I can control and by focusing on them my new year should be great.  At least that’s the plan. 

 I can control my speech…

No one puts words in my mouth and makes me say them.  All the words that I say happen because I choose to say them.  Because of that,  I want to say words that will help, encourage, inspire, heal, comfort and bless.  I want my words to bring life and not death.  I want to do a great job of what I say.

I can control my time…

Well, most of the time, I can.  Life does upset our schedules on many occasions, and there’s nothing you can do about it.  But I have leisure time and recreation time and family time and I can control how I invest it.  My most precious commodity is time because I can only invest it once.  I want to do a great job of investing my time. 

 I can control my food…

My Mom used to say, “Your eyes are bigger than your stomach.”  Mom hasn’t seen my stomach, lately.  She used to also say, “You are what you eat.”  Mom was pretty smart!  But Mom’s not here anymore and I have to control what I put in my mouth.  It’s not someone else’s job, it’s mine.  I want to do a great job of what I eat.

 I can control my thoughts…

Jesse Penn Lewis wrote, “Your mind is not a playground, it’s a battleground.”   My thoughts are mine alone; no one is forcing me to think a certain way.  I have the ability to choose my thoughts and think thoughts that are;  positive or negative, helpful or hurtful, loving or cruel, spiritual or carnal, eternal or temporal.  I want to do a great job of controlling my thoughts. 

Well, that’s it for now.   All of us at Pacific NW Outreach wish you every blessing in the coming months.  Be blessed.  Be encouraged.  Be well.   

MAY TWENTY GREATEEN BE YOUR FRIEND!

*****

December Newsletter, 2017  Rick McPherson

On the other side of this page are the people that represent the ministry of Pacific NW Outreach, Inc.  It’s a wonderful group!  These are board members and staff that make the ministry happen every day and throughout the year.  Whether it’s blistering hot  or freezing cold with biting east winds, these folks are working hard to fulfill our mission.  All of us want to say a heart-felt “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!” to each of you.  And, a big thank you for your generous giving and prayer support throughout the past twelve months.  Without you…this ministry could not survive!  But with you…we are able to continue and tell not only the wonderful story of Jesus’ birth, but also the love, acceptance and forgiveness that is the Gospel message. 

THANK YOU!  GOD BLESS YOU!  Only Heaven knows the results that have been achieved in the lives of Native Americans, because you cared!

*****

For those of you who would like a receipt for your giving this year, please contact Charlote :  503 492 0904 or charlote@pacificnwoutreach.org

Because we are a 501 (c) (3) corporation, your giving is tax deductible.

November Newsletter, 2017  Rick McPherson

I was thinking about this newsletter driving home from the Nez Perce Reservation in Idaho.  The truckload of groceries, insulated children’s boots and household supplies was excellent and almost filled the pantry for Pastor Antonio and the N.A.M.E. church in Lapwai.  As we finished, we formed a big circle on the sidewalk and street and prayed a prayer of “Thanksgiving!”  I couldn’t help but think how appropriate it was, particularly at this time of year.  Another thought was, “not ashamed…”  We are not ashamed of the Gospel, the Light of Jesus, the Truth of His mission and the ministry that we do, helping one another.  We’ll tell the story of God’s love, acceptance and forgiveness to anyone, anywhere, anytime. 

It really is a privilege of mine to write to you each month and say, “Thanks for giving!”  And, during the month of November, what could be more appropriate?

Because of your giving throughout the year we are able to do this ministry and make a difference in the lives of Native Americans both physically and spiritually.  Although I say it a lot, let me say it again, you’re the greatest and every financial gift you send is greatly appreciated! 

It’s true, you can give without loving, but you can’t love without giving!  When you love someone or something, you want to give.  It’s a verb, an action that expresses your feelings.  In fact, it’s a theological principle.  The Bible says, “For God so loved the world that He gave…”  John 3:16.  Aren’t you glad?  

As you gather with your family and friends during the holidays, be blessed and encouraged.  Eat well.  Sleep well.  Be well.  Know that you are loved and appreciated by all your friends and partners here at Pacific NW Outreach. 

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to the kitchen for another slice of pumpkin pie!

*****