God is doing a work in the lives of many Native youth. (Ron Hutchcraft Ministries)
USA (MNN) ― On the first two reservations visited in its trek across the Pacific Northwest, On Eagles' Wings Team U.S. has already seen a massive response to the Gospel message.
At least 1,000 people have already heard the Gospel from the team of about 25 Native American youth traveling with Ron Hutchcraft Ministries. Many of them have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior.
"Red Rock" Reservation was the first stop for Team U.S. It is a place desperately in need of the Gospel: out of 58 students in one of its junior highs, 17 babies were born last year.
Another 10 junior high girls decided together to commit suicide. Three succeeded. The rest either changed their minds or were injured in the attempt.
About 100 people came to the team's first night of ministry in this dark place. The next evening, 400 came, and 65 gave their lives to Christ. The team was given a special opportunity to do a program with 12 kids in juvenile detention, and seven of them became Christians.
On the final night, the team gave an invitation to make a public commitment to Jesus Christ. Many of the reservation's biggest, hardest, most influential guys responded -- including a young rap star and a gang leader. In all, 120 people on this reservation committed their lives to Christ. A team of about 20 local ministry people remain behind to disciple them.
The Tribal Council of "Fort Marshall" Reservation, the team's second destination, took an unusual step when it sent the team an official invitation.
"We have had many youth that we have buried," the council wrote. "We truly believe that your message of hope will affect the lives of many."
Twelve violent gangs operate on this reservation. For twelve years, a weekly prayer meeting has been held in the chambers of this tribal council. Three council members, as well the council chairman, are Christians. For them, the visit of the OEW team was an answer to prayer.
However, the team's ministry on this reservation began slowly. Not many people came the first night. The next day, the team discovered a group of skateboarding enthusiasts who are marginalized in their community. The team set up an outreach at the skate park, and 12 of the 80 people who attended responded to the Gospel.
The second night of outreach was blessed with a stronger turnout. One out of four of those present committed their lives to Christ, including a brother of the council chairman! On the last night, almost all who were there walked out onto the basketball court to declare their commitment to Christ -- including the "big boys" and the influential basketball players.
"We have the feeling that these victories were won well before these three nights," Ron Hutchcraft said. "God heard his sons crying out to Him for their people for twelve years. And He decided to answer those prayers this summer on a reservation basketball court...through the walking miracles we call On Eagles' Wings."
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