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Our first direct contact with Indians came near Choctaw, Oklahoma while we were preaching a revival for Pastor Paul & Jane Nix. Pastor Nix accompanied me to visit the Kickapoo tribal offices, but since no one except for a secretary was available, we were instructed to talk with a Wycliffe Bible translator who was working with their language. He told us how hard it was to be accepted with the Kickapoo. He had been with them, both in Oklahoma and Mexico, for 13 years, and was only now beginning to see signs of acceptance. It was obvious that God’s favor must open the hearts. At the service that night, fervent prayer was made that God would indeed grant favor and open doors. The next day, we drove down the road marked “No Trespassing” into the area where the Kickapoo homes were on the banks of the South Canadian River. We stopped where several women, a man, and some children were in the yard between two houses. The short, square-shouldered, 70 year old man came forward, and asked tersely, “What do you want?” Pastor Nix replied, “Do you remember a man who brought firewood to you last year? He attends my church.” The man replied, “Yes, I remember. That was a great help to us.” I saw right there how that good works prepare the way for the Gospel. I introduced myself to the man, Johnny Chakenatho, and asked his forgiveness for the way that the white man had mistreated the Indians. Large tears welled up in Johnny’s eyes as he accepted the humble apology. He began to reminisce about many incidents of racial prejudice that were so hurtful to him. I discovered that the two women also outside were significant leaders in working with the children of the tribe. When they were asked in what ways they needed help, they requested children’s clothes and carseats. I assured them that I would do all I could to help them. Within about 30 minutes, Johnny invited me and Pastor Nix into his home, where he displayed his art work and arrowhead collection. Thus began a continuing friendship with Johnny and the Kickapoo people. Since then Hope for the Home Ministries has delivered many boxes of clothes, toys, and gifts to the Kickapoo people in Oklahoma and Eagle Pass, Texas.
Up to this time, we have ministered to tribes in Alaska, Oregon, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, New York, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota. We have many more stories that we could tell, but time and space do not permit. However, if you are interested in more testimonies of what God has done in our lives and ministry to Native Americans, click here to sign up for our e-newsletter.