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Monday, 16 January 2012 |
It's that time again! The holiday season is over. Now we're packing up, cleaning up and paying up. One of the realities is saying good-bye to the old year and reaching for the new one. You may have had an outstanding year, but there are others who are more than happy to say, "Asta'la'vista, baby!" to 2011.
Regardless of yesterday, let me remind you of a great truth that was said to an old prophet by the name of Jeremiah. God said to him, "I know the plans I have for you...they are plans to give you a future and a hope..." Jeremiah 29:11-13 (LB)
Plans? Future? Hope?
We often stumble because our plans are not the same as God's. We make our plans, then ask God to bless them. We would like to know the future but only God does. It would be better for us to ask, "God, what do you want me to do in 2012?" The wisest man who ever lived, Solomon, said, "We may make our plans but God has the last word." At the beginning of this New Year, let's take time to ask God about His plans for our lives and then adopt them.
As fascinated as we are about tomorrow, you can't live it until it arrives. You must live one day at a time. And, because most people spend time regretting the past and worrying about the future, they have no time to enjoy today. It was John Lennon who said, "Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans." Just remember what Jesus said, "Don't be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of tomorrow too. Live one day at a time." Matthew 6:34 (LB) Now, that's good advice.
With 2011 in our rear-view mirror, the New Year is shiny and clean. The goal of, "working hand-in-hand with Native Americans" is clear in our minds and hearts and the message of hope is as important as ever. The results of alcoholism, drug addiction, physical and sexual abuse, violence and poverty are seen everywhere on the Reservations in our country. And, aside from the message of God's love, acceptance and forgiveness the task would be hopeless! But, it's not. There is hope and hope's name is Jesus! Let us never forget the eternal truth that, "...whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved..." Joel 2:32, Acts 2:21, Romans 10:13 (NLV)
So, with confidence we approach the New Year. The same promise that God gave Jeremiah, He gives to us...He has plans for us...He has a future for us...and a hope. Aren't you glad?
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More Than Bears, Bikes, Balls And Banana Boxes |
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Friday, 23 December 2011 |
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The past couple of months have been a whirlwind of activities and logistical challenges. We have moved from our location on Marine Drive in Troutdale and are now comfortable in our new place at:
17936 SE Division Street, Portland, OR 97236-1066
I won't bore you with all the details, you'll just have to trust me when I say, it's been a big job!
But, that's behind us now and if you've moved recently, you know there's a great sense of relief when it's over and you can settle in and enjoy your new place, By the way, our website is still the same at:
www.frontiermissions.org
And, our phone and facsimile numbers are also the same:
503.492.0904 and 492.1244
Now, the end of the year is just a few weeks away and we have Christmas toys, gifts and food boxes to deliver to the Yakama Reservation. The trip is planned for the Christmas week so everything will be available for Christmas Day. As you enjoy your Christmas celebration with your family and friends, you can know that you have helped Frontier Missions provide joy and hope to Native Americans in White Swan, WA. It may be a stuffed teddy bear, Raggedy Ann doll, shiny red bike, a real soccer ball or a banana box full of canned vegetables, baked beans or sliced peaches; but the message is the same...someone loves them and someone cares!
And isn't that what Christmas is all about? It is indeed! Someone loves us and someone cares. He loved us so much that He gave His only Son to come to earth, born of a virgin, so that He could provide salvation through His death and resurrection. The Christmas story is so much more than mistletoe and eggnog. It's about love and giving. It's about Jesus and His birth and the Joy that He brings.
So, let's celebrate! May your Christmas be filled with love, peace and joy. May the New Year be filled with abundant love and amazing grace. May it be filled with good friends, good health...and God's richest blessings!
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Sunday, 11 September 2011 |
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Have you noticed, there’s a hint of Fall in the air. School is back in session. The days are getting shorter. The nights are getting colder. And, Summer is slipping away.
I must admit, I’m glad it’s over because this Summer has been very difficult for us financially. The weak economy that affects all of us, has certainly taken its toll on Frontier Missions. We have drastically reduced our expenses, cut salaries and laid off staff. Some charitable, non-profit organizations that I’m aware of are alerting their people that they are facing budget deficits in the millions of dollars! That’s not the case here, but we are facing a financial short-fall and we need help from people like you. A friend once told me that the best thing to do when you have a need is to tell God. Then, tell people. Tell them what you need. Tell them how they can help. Then, be quiet!
With that in mind, here are a few suggestions of how you can help Frontier Missions :
1. PRAY for our team, protection for our drivers, blessing on this ministry, food donations to take to the reservations.
2. THINK of people or businesses who have products, vehicles, groceries or items that could be donated to us…let us know by phone (503)492-0904 or e-mail (
This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
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3. RE-GIFT items that you, your family, friends & neighbors have and can be donated and sold in our stores.
4. GIVE a special financial gift at this time to help off-set the last few months.
5. GIVE a financial gift on a consistent monthly schedule.
6. NOW, I’ll be quiet! |
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Potatoes, Onions And Lots of Bread |
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Sunday, 14 August 2011 |
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Rick McPherson
July Newsletter, 2011
Over the past several months, we have made a concerted effort to reach out to our community and solicit donations. Every day we have people who call, email and fax our information to prospective businesses and individuals and ask them to help us. As a charitable, non-profit mission that helps Native Americans, both physically and spiritually, we depend on donations to enable us to do our work. The good news is that it’s working! There are still people out there, who care and are willing to share. The bad news is that in a very stressful and uncertain economy, this is a tough time for everyone!
However, there are good results and stories to tell about our day-to-day life here at Frontier Missions. As one of the drivers I have opportunity to be in the truck and retrieve some of the donations that are given. And, you never know, what you’re going to get or get into.
Recently one of the larger potato farmers in Sherwood, said, “Yes!” to our request for a donation. When I arrived they loaded three thirteen hundred pound pallets on the truck. Believe me the power-lift gate said, “Uncle!” when each of those pallets was lowered. And, I said, “Uncle!”too when it was my turn to put a pallet jack under each one and steer them into place. But, thirty-nine hundred pounds of red potatoes really helped us and we were very thankful for the donation.
Another day we had onions given to us in Silverton. Again, I arrived with the same truck and lift-gate and they provided, seventy-eight hundred pounds of red onions. It didn’t matter to me that the potatoes and the onions were the same color…when you’re in the ministry, you’re grateful for whatever comes your way! The onions were not as well-behaved as the potatoes and when I arrived back at our warehouse and opened the rear-door they were scattered all over the truck. Several hours later they were nicely organized and resting in their red, net bags ready for distribution.
And then there’s a bakery in Beaverton that has been donating bread to us. Now, I’m not talking about old stale stuff. I’m talking about fresh, soft, top-quality bread, pastries, bagels, muffins, donuts and tortillas. I’m talking, good stuff! And not only have they been a tremendous blessing to us, but they thank us for being on time, conscientious and having clean trucks! Cool, huh? Well as cool as that is, there’s more. We’re able to take that bread and bless others. We have shared it with the Native American Rehabilitation Agency, the Native American Youth and Family Association and several local churches who have food ministries to the homeless and street people of Portland and Vancouver.
So, we’ll keep doing what we’re doing. We believe it’s making a difference. And, as you read this, you can think about something (anything) that you may have to donate, or, you may know someone who does. It could be money, property, furniture, appliances, vehicles…the list is endless. It might not be potatoes, onions or bread, but whatever it is, it will be a blessing.
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