Summer Youth Short Term Mission Trip - 2010 - Wind River Reservation - near Thermopolis Wyoming

Dates - May 28th-June 8th 2010

Project Overview:
The Wind River Reservation is home to the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes, traditional enemies before their forced placement together in 1878. A thinly disguised dislike for each other is still evident. Old feuds are not allowed to die; the hurt from old injuries and slights is not allowed to heal. The nurturing of bitterness and unforgiveness typifies one of the largest hurdles to a peaceful life for Natives anywhere.

American Indians have lived hundreds of years with a traditional belief system. When Jesus was finally introduced, His message was clouded by harshness and demands to conform to societal standards. The God of Christianity was misrepresented as a harsh taskmaster. Traditional beliefs and practices were discouraged, leaving Native peoples without a spiritual foundation. That spirit of aimlessness has only increased since.

Adrift without a moral compass, kids are easy prey for an enemy who eagerly tempts and leads them to destruction and death. Suicide becomes an option to young people who believe the enemy’s lies and embrace the hopelessness he sells them. Although the Shoshone and Arapaho people have a rich cultural heritage, they struggle to live as a healthy community. They deal with alcoholism and drug abuse, diabetes, broken families, and limited economic opportunities. Local Christians are convinced that the Gospel message provides answers and offers life-giving hope.