Indian Ministry Can Be Any Time. Any Where by Art Soldner

"We have a load of blankets down in Harlingen, TX and no way to get them here." Those were the words of Leroy Campbell, a member of the IMCA Board of Directors. As part of IMCA's outreach, we are always looking for places of extreme need. Comfort in the winter is always one of those areas. It gets very cold on the northern reservations.

Leroy had come across an "opportunity we could not refuse". He found a place to pick up a quantity of new blankets in Harlingen, TX, where his parents live. Problem: The blankets were in a town 1300 miles from Independence. Problem: There was not enough money available to have them sent. Solution: Send someone with a truck to pick them up. That someone was me.

While this was going on another opportunity was presenting itself. Herman Milner, the pastor of the Austin Restoration Branch and his daughter, Sandra Milner-Beaver had written to IMCA stating they enjoyed the IMCA newsletter and were using it as part of their Sunday School Class material. Since we were already going to Harlingen and would be going thru Austin, TX on Sunday, my family and I called the pastor to get directions to the branch. During our conversation, the question was asked, "Since you are going to be here, would you mind presenting the IMCA program to the branch?"

Upon arrival at the branch on June 18 we discovered we already were acquainted with some of the members. That always seems to be the case with those of the Restoration faith no matter where you go. It may be to Europe, England, the Far East or to Austin, TX. You will probably find someone in that branch who has been to or lived in Independence, has worshipped in or knows people who attend your branch. No matter what part of the country you live in that is one of the "Distinctives of the Restoration". No other denomination can claim that kind of closeness among its people.

Sunday afternoon we continued our journey to Harlingen after giving a day long seminar on Indian Ministry and IMCA in two and a half hours. My wife, Ruth, and daughter, Jennifer, told me that was the fastest I'd talked in years!

Upon arrival in Harlingen we contacted Roy & Lola Campbell, Leroy's parents, in whose beautiful home we stayed. While in Harlingen we met Ralph & Viola Morales, a couple working in that part of God's vineyard. Ralph, who is one half Apache, along with his wife, Viola, as his assistant are responsible for creating an exciting program called "End of the Road" ministry. It is one that provides assistance and counseling programs to people who are hooked on alcohol and/or drugs, helps find employment, offers hot meals and shelter to the homeless. During the time the people stay with the program or at the mission, they are told "God Loves You". No matter how you look at yourself, God loves you. God has truly worked wonders in the lives of Ralph & Viola as well as in the mission they have established. Space is not available to recount all of the blessings and miracles that have occurred since the mission began. Ralph and Viola and their assistants have put a new definition to the term "street ministry".

Ralph and Viola have also been recipients of God's blessings in another manner. Early in June we had received word that Ralph was suffering from a physical condition that could be life threatening. IMCA held a special prayer service in his behalf. Apparently even as we were petitioning the Lord, Ralph was receiving a blessing and the ailment was relieved.

On Wednesday, June 21, we loaded the pickup with 29 or 30 cases of new blankets and headed for Independence with the knowledge that we had made several worthwhile contacts for Indian Ministry. We hope to maintain these friendships for a long time.

Part of the blankets were already spoken for and that tribe's request has already been honored. The blankets also carry the IMCA logo sewn on one side. As yet we do not know where the rest of the blankets will go. Somewhere on a cold reservation night that blanket will keep someone warm and perhaps save a life. And that person will know that there are those far away who care and believe in sharing the message of Christ in such a simple thing as a blanket and thru this act express their love for their Native American brothers and sisters.

"Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."