The Good News of Luke tells shows us the life of Jesus.
And, while at the Lakota Tribe's Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota,
I saw Luke in a new light.
Each summer, the Valley Church High School Ministry takes a short trek out to Parmelee, South Dakota to serve on a Native American reservation. Over 70% of Parmelee residents live in poverty, and while there, our students are opened to some of the disgusting stuggles in our time. The oppression and injustices placed upon our ancestors and history are unbelievable. Together, in Parmelee, we spend our time loving the town through its beautiful children.
I may be a tad bias, but I can not help but see Jesus in the face of every child in Parmelee.
What is it about a child's face that makes me feel so loved?
Luke challenges us to spend time with people. For me, it is a book of slowing down and remembering how Jesus treated his neighbors.God didn't indend for individualistic, "American" work.
Travel in pairs, Jesus tells us.
Be in community, his close disciples echo.
Support and encourage one another, the first Christians say.
Luke 10:4 struck me this week. Luke tells us to make small talk with people. Interact with others. The Kingdom is meant for people, for hearts, for souls...take time to form, maintain and invest in relationships. Prioritize people. Prioritize the people in my path.
Stop. Slow down....in order, not to loiter or be lazy, but in order to love people.
Wednesday night, as we were leaving the church to play a softball game, I felt a heavy feeling on my heart. I felt as if we had not prioritized Pastor George and his wife Violet. George oversees the church and its ministry throughout the year, and we come to help for a few days at his church. George is a humble man and a hard-worker. His thoughts on faith and his people's history are wonderfully honest.
So, I went back with another lady (Lori) to the George's home to talk with him. George, Violet, Lori and I sat outside their house talking for at least an hour. I have so much to learn from a couple like George and Violet.
George and Violet welcomed us, and would have let us stay for hours and hours just talking with them. We talked about George and Violet's history, the church's growth, stuggles in Parmelee, Native American challenges, and the pure hope that George and Violet carry daily.
Luke is the poor man's gospel. It is the Good News for the most lowly and materially poor people.
The poor know the importance of relationships, people, and making time to love on neighbors better than suburbanites.
While in Parmelee, I was reminded of my love for community development. I was also reminded of my love for encouraging others. I love seeing strengths in other people and helping them see how wonderful God wired them. I love watching others shine and see how God works in them.
For that, I was Barnabus. I related well with Barnabus this past week. Not getting credit as the leader, nor as the follower. I tried to pour into different people, encouraging them to continue with their serving hearts.
Parmelee, you continue in my heart. I pray that I never come to a day where I forget the struggles of the Native American people.
Lyrics I'm Humming:
Five Iron Frenzy's The Day We Killed
