Native American Ministry Answers to Prayer
Jul. 29, 2010
“Will revival every come to Native lands?”
Wesleyan Native Ministries Director Rich Avery reports signs that answer the question with a resounding “Yes.” Recently completing a tour of fifteen districts of The Wesleyan Church, Avery says he was glad to report that “God is answering prayer in amazing ways.” He says, “Through the ministry of one Native church alone, He Sapa New Life Wesleyan Church in Rapid City, South Dakota, 200 people have come to Christ in the last year.”
Rev. Larry Salway, pastor of He Sapa New Life, said he’s “never seen such a movement of God in all his 43 years of ministry.” Salway’s approach to ministry in the South Dakota District church is described as an “innovative outreach.”
Avery says he evidenced the ministry’s long influence in many ways, “I met a man who first heard about us as a child through the Wesleyan Kids for Missions program at his church. I met widows who have been praying for our ministry and giving what they can for 20 or 30 years. And I met people who have been coming to South Dakota for 20 years to serve on short-term ministry teams.”
Formerly called “Wesleyan Native American Ministries,” the new name, “Wesleyan Native Ministries,” reflects the expanding reach of the department across North America. What’s the difference? Avery says “We think God is honoring our renewed focus on equipping and empowering Native men and women as pastors and leaders who will reach their people for Christ in ways that are relevant to and respectful of their native culture.”
