The Need For A Native American Worship Center By Cecil Abbott

October 3rd, 1993, Jim Wood and I were on our way back from a missionary trip to the Pine Ridge Sioux reservation. During the 13 hour drive we were discussing the present need that we had, that of having four members of the Sioux tribe wanting baptism. We were discussing the need to bring them back to the Center Place area for some sort of cottage meeting experience in order for them to be properly informed so they would know exactly what they were doing and what would be expected of them. As part of our discussion the question came up, just where would we bring these four Native Americans for this kind of training? There seemed to be no answer to this question. I'm not sure I can explain why to most of the Saints, because the Saints haven't seen the kind of living conditions most of these people live in.

When we invite Native American families to stay a few days in our homes, they end up thinking we are millionaires because even those of us that live in very modest homes have so much more than they do. If we took them to anyone of our church buildings, in their own minds their assumptions would be confirmed. Because they live in abject poverty, our way of life would seem not only plush, but extravagant. This could cause them to be envious or resentful.

We also discussed the need to train other priesthood for work among Native Americans. You see it is not enough to be scripturally sound. You also need to know and understand the culture to which you intend to take ministry. Thus we need some sort of a training center.

Approximately three years ago, when we first started talking about the need for an organization such as IMCA (Indian Ministry Council of the Americas), we had been fielding questions from the Saints, such as: Is there any work going on among the Native Americans? Doesn't anyone care about ministry to Native American people any more? What ever happened to all of the Indian Ministry workers? Have they all lost interest in doing the Lord's work?

At that time there were only a hand full left who were still involved in the Indian Ministry work. Just a few years prior there had been so many involved in the work we couldn't keep track of them all.

IMCA was originally founded as an information sharing organization. As we became more involved in this endeavor, we became very aware that we needed to be involved in helping to prepare priesthood for missionary service as well as help co-ordinate efforts among Native American people.

We have recognized for many years the need for a Native American worship center and camp grounds. A place where Native American people could come for spiritual training, to prepare for baptisms and a place to help train indigenous priesthood for ministry among their own people.

For many years the Native Americans in our area have asked for and prayed for a worship center they could call their own, but the church did not respond. You see, most Native Americans feel uncomfortable in the white man's church, because of their pews that set in rows and the regimented structure of their services. The Native American is accustomed to worshiping in a circle. Their Service would consist of prayer and testimony or a sharing time as they would call it. Services would last sometimes several hours or until all had their opportunity to share. They would not cut the service off leaving out someone that had a desire to share. Also there are many aspects of our culture that are offensive to the Native American.  For instance it is good in our culture to be assertive and aggressive.  But, in most Native American tribes this is seen as being pushy and overbearing. Because of this one little difference most of the Native American priesthood have had a problem taking charge in congregational settings.

A few days after Jim and I returned home we started praying about our dilemma. We even involved others that periodically meet together with us for prayer and testimony in the home. On Monday, October 18th, at such a meeting we put the matter before the Lord as a group. The next day being Tuesday, one of our number was approached with an offer that seemed too good to be true. The offer this man gave to us was this: if we would purchase 12 acres at $24,000.00, he would donate 28 acres to go with it. That makes a total of 40 acres at $600.00 per acre. Secondly, this property is in Jackson County Missouri on the south side of Grain Valley adjacent to an 855 acre park called Monkey Mountain. This piece of property has all of the utilities available including a large sewer line running right through the middle. There is one draw back, this property is in an area referred to as a 100 year flood plane. One of our number, who is a housing developer, assures us that this is a problem easily solved by digging a lake on the back side of the area where we want to build our buildings and simply raise a few acres above flood level. This exact procedure has been done just across the roadway from the property.

October 25th, 1993, Indian Ministry Council of the Americas (IMCA) became incorporated as a Not-For-Profit Corporation in the State of Missouri with the following purpose statement:

Said Corporation is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, religious and scientific purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, to wit:
(1) Develop and maintain a Native American worship center and reunion grounds.
(2) Develop, encourage and train indigenous leadership for reservation ministry.
(3) Develop a training center for missionary minded Priesthood, to improve their skills in taking the gospel to Native Americans.
(4) Co-ordinate missionary efforts among the Restoration Branches of the Church of Jesus Christ in taking the gospel to Native American people.
(5) Develop and maintain a newsletter for the purpose of. sharing on-going missionary work among Native American people with the Restoration Branches of the Church of Jesus Christ.

The IMCA Board of Directors are made up of Walter Weldon, Art Soldner, Richard Hensley, Cecil Abbott, Jim Wood and LeRoy Campbell.

A non written purpose would be to allow the campgrounds to be used by the Restoration Branches when it is not in use for Native American purposes. It would need to be understood that first priority would have to be given to Native American ministry usage.

With the purchase of this land base, our goal is to build a hogan styled structure with separate bath and shower facilities for use as a Native American training center and campground. Later we would build a kitchen facility and a number of individual cabins to complete the campground complex. At this point we need to acquire funds in order to purchase the land base.  Once the land is secured we can continue the building project as funds become available.

We have since made contact with several local Restoration Branches and individuals who have been very supportive, but we need further financial assistance from the Saints if we are to fulfill our Goals and Objectives. We would ask the Saints to pray to the Lord, asking for confirmation of this work and this project. We believe we have received direction from the Lord to proceed with this project.

We have been commanded to take the Gospel, that sacred record as found in The Book of Mormon, to the Native American. (Sect 2:6, Sect 3:10- 12, Sect 27:3a-b, Helaman 5:102-104, Mormon 2:36-39, II Nephi 7:27-31, II Nephi 12:79-80, III Nephi 10: 1-2, Ether 6:4-8)

Before the great day of the Lord shall come, Jacob shall flourish in the wilderness; and the Lamanite shall blossom as the rose. (Section 49:5a) We are to carry on the extensive work which was started by the Case brothers during the early] 9OO's. Just as we need the financial assistance of the Saints, the Saints need to be involved in this, the Lord's work, if ever the condemnation spoken of in Section 83:8d is to be lifted from us.

May the Lord bless you as you contribute to His cause, by helping us continue the work we have been commanded to do.