One of the enjoyable projects of my ministry has been J.R. Lilly. He is Dine from Arizona, and went to work as Administrative Assistant to Dr. Richard Twiss 7 months before Richard crossed over. J.R. has still a wonderful prospective future in the contextual movement. He took time out to host me in Vancouver, Washington and Portland, Oregon in March. I was privileged to stay in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Gary Eastty, who serve with Wiconi also. During my stay there, J.R. took me to tour the Native American Youth Association (NAYA) and Native American Rehabilitation of the Southwest (NARA). These two organizations serve the various social and health needs of the some 58 tribes of the urban indians of Portland, Oregon. Here I was able to dialogue with a number of leaders concerning the needs of Native people who suffer from fetal alcohol syndrome. I am learning more as I travel as to what is being done concerning this widespread situation. J.R. also introduced me to the cultural director and tribal relations person at Youth Villages, Inc. in Portland. This was an important relationship to begin as I envision health care centers that are culturally appropriate for Native people.
Soon we went to Seattle, where we joined the annual meeting of the Society For Pentecostal Studies. There my book was reviewed by Dr. Rick Waldrop (far left) and J.R. presented a response to Dr. Randy Woodley's (far right) new book. It was a great meeting that gave me opportunity to fulfill my objectives of my ministry through the empowerment of Native leaders and giving voice to their concerns. To God be the glory! Thanks to all for support.
