On Eagles Wings - Ron Hutchcraft Ministries

It's unimaginable that there could be that much despair among any community of just 10,000 people. But according to the reservation hospital, that's the awful reality of life on the "Elk Valley" Reservation - On Eagles' Wings' (OEW) second reservation of this Summer of Hope. What's more unimaginable is that we've never heard about this recent suicide epidemic. Sadly, it shows how totally invisible Native Americans are in this country. The first Americans bleed – and die - out of sight and out of mind.

But they're not invisible to God. And He has sent to these people a team of Native young people who have lived this despair – and been rescued from it by Jesus. But no one thought it would be easy. Elk Valley is a fortress of one of the strongest traditional religions in all of Indian country. Plus, there is a violent gang culture. A proud people, once known as some of the greatest Indian warriors, are now killing themselves or killing each other.

The road to the "Branch River" reservation dead ends at the rez. Like so many of the young lives who call it home. It's an easy place to forget because you can live a few miles from there and never go there.

We saw white cross after white cross on that road - silent testimony to so much dying, often so young. The local guys told us that the crosses are there for people who died drunk, drugged, or by their own hand. Sadly, Branch River is a reservation without a church. At least until now.

The "face of Jesus" here is a handful of believers who weep for this place - a missionary, a young Native couple who grew up here, a non-Native couple who live an hour away. It is their prayer and their investment in these people that has brought us here.

"I am God's Warrior"

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. Hebrews 12:1 NLT

Today is the last and final day of Warrior Leadership Summit. God has done so much in so many hearts. This is the final chance to solidify commitments, and to identify how life back home will now be different with Jesus in charge.

In the morning session, Bobby Dean presented a challenge called, "Your Light for a Dark World." He talked about the importance of being in God's Word, every day. "What you do with the Bible will decide what you do with your life. It is the mirror that shows you what you need to change."

"Forgiveness, Freedom, Purity"

Clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you... Colossians 3:12-13

Warrior Leadership Summit (WLS) continues to propel forward. At this point in the conference, there is a tremendous sense of unity among the warriors. Relationships are deepening every day. It is hard to truly comprehend how it feels to be surrounded by such a positive "spirit," with so many Native brothers and sisters in Christ. There is such a peace and calm over this entire facility. Thank you for your continued prayers and investment. We trust that these reports have been encouraging to you, and others you have shared these with.

On this fourth day of WLS, the warriors were treated to a special challenge by Miguel, a Native Christian leader from a South American country. Miguel shares from his heart language of Spanish. Through an interpreter, Miguel presents a powerful message on forgiveness and real freedom. Miguel first presented his life-story at WLS last year – a story where his brother and others were martyred for Jesus Christ. Miguel shared, "Native people have been hurt a lot. It can make you hate a lot. But unforgiveness chains you to your past and to the person who hurt you. You must forgive!" Miguel's words were powerful, and life-changing for these warriors!