In June, HEART Ministries embarked on a life-changing trip to the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, where we had the honor of serving a community in deep need.
Our trip began on Friday with laying flooring in a church called “The Carpenter Shop”. The pastor of this church died suddenly earlier this year from a heart attack, leaving his wife and young son with the church. Laying this flooring was the project he was working on with Fred, from Open Arms, when he passed. His wife was beside herself with gratitude for what HEART had done for her church. We were presented with a star quilt, which is a Native American tradition to express their gratitude, as well as hand made gifts for each of us.
On Friday morning while we began laying the flooring, Eldon (one of the HEART Volunteers) met the semi in Parmalee, where the Saturday giveaway would take place to unload all the goods. He then joined us to help lay the flooring.
On Friday evening we drove 20 minutes from Mission to Parmalee for worship. This lasted over 2 hours and attracted many people as it was followed by a drawing for gifts which Fred acquired through the HEART Warehouse. When Fred invited people to come forward for prayer, he said he had never had a response to an alter call like that night. He introduced the HEART volunteers during the service and spoke highly of HEART and all they provide for the reservation.
On Saturday we returned to Parmalee after finishing up some painting and flooring at The Carpenter Shop in Mission. This is where we set up and prepared food for the big giveaway event. We served food to 400-500 people and quickly distributed all the goods brought in the day before on the semi truck.
We returned to The Carpenter Shop Saturday evening for another worship service that lasted well over 3 hours, another alter call and more gifts given away. This was followed by a meal therapy prepared for everyone there.
I was humbled by the gratitude expressed by everyone. It wasn’t a simple thank you, but a heartfelt “thank you for coming here.” One of our volunteers, Michelle, shared, "The warmth and gratitude from the community were unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. It wasn’t just about the goods we brought; it was about the love and hope we shared."
*This story is told through the lens of one of the volunteers that prepped for and attended this trip. If you have any interest in making a lasting difference and helping us transform communities, please consider getting involved. Learn more >>
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