The following is only one of the many amazing stories which we took away from our August Family Mission trip to the Blackfeet Indians near Glacier National Park in Montana. God was present in so many ways. We pray that seeds were planted and God's Spirit will provide the harvest.

       I sat down on two different occasions with Glen Horn, a middle aged Blackfeet man; artist and bead worker. He talked about his work as a creator of murals and other art work, his drum making, and the bead jewelry. I met his daughter and two grandchildren, beautiful Native American girls. Glen expressed his desire to pass on to his granddaughters the native language, crafts, and culture. I spoke at great length to Glen about his faith walk which he viewed as a relationship with the Creator, the creation, which includes the creatures of his world. I was able to share with Glen the story of Jesus and the open pathway to salvation through God’s grace. I believe seeds were planted in Glen’s heart as he seemed receptive to the “Jesus story” which certainly includes the Great Creator whom Glen seemed to love so much.

       I am reminded from this story, not only of God’s unlimited grace and love, and the power of his pursuit of us, but also of his omnipresence. Our team did not take God to the Blackfeet in our luggage; he was already at work there. We just joined him in his work. God never sleeps, his eyes and spirit are constantly roaming the earth, and his work never ends. What a privilege it was to join with others for a wonderful week working in a vastly different way, yet still in God’s kingdom! 

       I saw God in the faces of the little children as they painted the river rocks beside the UM teepee. I felt God’s presence as the homeless man received his sandwich and drink, bowing his head in prayer. I sensed God at work as we painted, mowed, and repaired the roof of the lady who had just lost her father. And God showed up as we gathered the last night to share our thoughts about each other, and the personal qualities we had seen during the week.

       And when we arrived back here in our homes, God’s presence was already here. He had never left.