Osage Ministry by Forrest Liggett

Ministry outreach to the Osage in the Pawhuska, Oklahoma area continues on a twice a month basis. There have been many trials and tribulations in this area this summer involving various illnesses and a severe windstorm.

In early summer we received an emergency call. A strong windstorm (possible tornado) had damaged several homes and carpenters were needed for repairs. Leonard Crowl and I loaded our tools in the pick-up and headed for Pawhuska. On arrival we found Ken & Mary Avery's home was completely demolished, Paula's was seriously damaged and Katherine Wilson's had broken windows with part of a tree through the roof. There was much work to be done.

The annual ceremonial dances in late June were a wonder to behold. There were many members of IMCA on hand to help wherever needed. We may have seen Cecil Abbott dance for the last time at the ceremonial dances. Something about the 100 degree heat, the humidity, the non-stop dancing, all while wearing full dress dance regalia might have gotten the better of him this time. The Osage view these dances very seriously, they are not the same as Pow-wow dances. You are not allowed to sit out a dance or quit early if you get tired. You are required to dance every dance and there is barely enough time in between songs to get back to your seat before the next song starts. You are basically expected to dance during the entire session which lasts 4 to 5 hours. Cecil indicated that the highlight of his visit was being able to meet and dance with an Osage man by the name of Larry Sellers who many of you would recognize as Cloud Dancing on the "Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman" TV show. Cecil stated that he was amazed at how humble and friendly Larry is. He (Larry Sellers) plays himself because the kind and loving man you see on TV is the real Larry.

On the week -end of September 6-7, Leonard Crowl, Gerald" Danu" MeltingTallow and I drove down to Sunny Cunningham's for a special service. This special service, which was held on Sunday morning, was asking God for a special healing for Marion Cass and Georgie Rector. We had a good turnout, as many of the Osage were there and we felt God's spirit present.

On September 25-28, representatives from the Osage tribe were in Kansas City for a cultural event where they erected a model Osage village complete with dance arbor, wigwams and a working kitchen. Many of our friends from our Sunday morning services came including Assistant Chief Ed Red Eagle.

Please keep our friends of the Osage in your prayers for the many difficulties they are experiencing.