Ministry prepares for Cowichan 2008 North American Indigenous Games (logo pictures)
USA (MNN) ― A ministry to Native American youth is getting ready to carve a moment in history.
Craig Smith is with Ron Hutchcraft Ministries' sister ministry, 'On Eagles' Wings.' OEW is a dynamic ministry for Native American young people that seeks to reach them for Jesus Christ, encourage and equip them in their walk with Him.
Each summer, teams of Native young people travel across North America to where Native people live. Through sports, music, food, and one-on-one conversations, many Native young people have begun life's most important relationship -- knowing Jesus Christ.
He says as they form this years' evangelism teams, they're also preparing to be a part of an exciting event this summer. It's a perfect fit with the ministry vision of On Eagles' Wings. "In early August, the 2008 North American Indigenous Games, which is like an Olympics, is going to be held in western Canada."
The Games were created to promote indigenous cultures and support their youth through sport. It has become a way to protect the culture, as well.
By encouraging the young people to participate in athletic competition, these Games have become a vehicle for promoting healthier lifestyles and strengthened relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples of North America.
According to the NAIG committee, Cowichan 2008 NAIG will welcome more than 9,000 Aboriginal athletes and cultural participants from across North America. The Games will run from Aug. 3 through 10.
Smith says they're a part of that vision now, too. "They're estimating over 6,000 Indian athletes will be gathered together for these Indigenous Games. God has already given us some supernatural, divine match-ups of some of the ministry leaders and Games leaders that are wanting to help bring in 'On Eagle's Wings.' It's going to be a great opportunity to share the Gospel there."
