Let Us Be United In The Work by Elder Art Soldner

Down thru the ages, when tribes made the decision to invite those who did not live within their territorial boundaries to come and talk about a situation or for some other good purpose, either belts were exchanged or runners were sent to issue the invitation. Today, we use the Postal Service, telephone or fax machine. However, I am still amazed at the efficiency of the "Moccasin Telegraph" and its ability to spread information!

In past issues of the newsletter the subjects of land purchase and usage have been part of the message we have put forth to those interested in Indian Ministry. Scriptural references and personal testimony that back up and bear witness of the necessity for buying the property have also been given.

Recently, several members of IMCA met to discuss another side of the land purchase. We knew the property should be dedicated, but by whom? In our deliberations, we also considered the "Story of the Stones," that history which speaks of the time when tribal representatives came annually to the Independence area to bring a stone which was added to a pile signifying their tribe would hunt in this area and keep the peace.

We knew that the land surrounding the Independence area had been used by many tribes for hunting purposes. But who were these people? We could only venture a guess. Only one fact was certain, the area where Zion was to be established and the region roundabout, was at one time Osage territory. It was then obvious that the people who should dedicate the land must be the Osage, and the decision was made to issue an invitation to that effect. But what should be done concerning the other tribes? Many of them had in their histories knowledge of the "Stones Story," as well as traditional linkage to Book of Mormon peoples

The decision was made to extend an invitation, by letter, to all tribes on record and see how many might be interested in attending such an historic event. Ideas for letter content were discussed and notes were taken by Richard Hensley, who agreed to draft the letter which was approved at a later meeting. The letter contained the following:

1. The Story of the Stones.
2. The use of the land.
3. The idea that one day, all tribes could come and discuss their traditions and religious thoughts and find they have a common denomination of belief in the same Creator.

In January, the letters were printed and sent out to the four directions. Before they were mailed however, they were prayed over at a special meeting held by the IMCA Board of Trustees. The prayers centered on the fact that this was God's work; and that first we were but instruments in His hands to accomplish this task, and that second, we were not sure if the timetable to do such a thing was correct in God's thinking. But if it was, He would prepare the way for the letters to arrive at their proper place, and in the hands of the appropriate person. Also that we would not "run before the Lord," but rather walk with and be guided by Him.

To date, response to these letters has been slow. But then, that is the Indian way. We did not expect an overwhelming outpouring of gushing enthusiasm immediately. Rather, we expect slow deliberation on the part of the tribes. Some of them will no doubt dismiss the letter as just another piece of paper from some strange group of people trying to play Indian. Others, hopefully, will take it seriously, deliberate on it, and respond in a positive manner.

Perhaps the outcome of these letters doesn't really matter, maybe personal contact will have to be made. There is one fact that is obvious to those of us who are deeply committed to Indian Ministry. It matters not that we belong to the 0 & M Support Group, Honduran Mission, Navajo Support Group, RLDS Indian Ministry, IMCA or some other organization that is dedicated to taking the message of Jesus Christ and the restored gospel to the Native Americans. The fact is that God is opening doorways to ministry in areas today as never before. Opportunities to take the gospel to places we had not thought possible just last year are now being given to us. As our Grandmother Little Pigeon once said "when the Lord begins to open the doors to Indian Ministry, you had better put your track shoes on and get ready to run."

How will we respond to God's invitations? Let us respond in a manner pleasing to God, realizing that no matter what group is doing what activity, if it is in harmony with the principles and message of the restored gospel, we should be supporting that ministry.

God has told us in Section 38:6 "Be one, and if ye are not one, ye are not mine." He has also told us in Section 122:17b "Let nothing separate you from each other and the work whereunto you have been called; and I will be with you by my Spirit and presence of power unto the end."

Let us then go forward, united in the common goal of taking the message of Christ, that we might glorify our heavenly Father in this mighty work we have chosen to do, and of which He has allowed us to become a part.