Reflecting back on our trip to Sisseton, South Dakota, I have found that the gifts that we receive of fellowship and a deep understanding of the Lords love go beyond what we had ever conceived while we were planning the trip to Sisseton, South Dakota. Understanding how the way of life that I am comfortable with is challenged by a smaller town, and the Dakota people in Sisseton, South Dakota.
As I arrive, I am well aware of how much talking I am doing and noticing that many of the elder women of the church spend much of their time listening and observing. On the front of the church in the sanctuary, the words, "Be Still and know that I am God" Psalm 46:10. Trusting that the Lord will unite us together as brothers and sisters in the Lord even though history and miles have separated us in the past is difficult, but we persevere. I know that we were a blessing as I heard one young boy who spent some time with us at the campfire and sampled Dunkl donuts state "wow, I love this place" as he entered into the church to receive his school supplies. I am troubled by the many children who are affected through their parent's use of alcohol, or drugs and the high rate of suicides and how their families are affected by their absence.
My son Timothy who is 15, enjoyed helping children all week, but a really special time I was especially proud of him accomplishing was when he spent an entire Saturday helping a little boy who just arrived in foster care because his father, who was 24, just passed away. Many of the children in his foster care home have stories where both parents and relatives are unable to care for them. My heart cannot comprehend what it would be like to be 2 years old and not have family to receive hugs and love from.
I heard wonderful reports of some of our team going to see Nicollet tower. I included a picture here thinking about the Lord being our Strong Tower in times of trouble and concern and our "First Response" in times of trials.
Nicollet Tower
Sisseton South Dakota
Sunday, August 6th arrived too quickly and included packing up and checking out of the Super 8 hotel early in the morning so that we would be able to return to Rochester.
Most of our team attended services at Sisseton Alliance Church and Dakota Alliance Church.
Pastor Paul from Sisseton Alliance shared with us "A Portrait of a Christian Heart"
A Christian Heart is Completely Thankful.
A Christian Heart is Always Persistent.
A Christian Heart is Always Purposeful.
A Christian Heart is Always Utterly Obligated-unquestionably committed.
Pastor Richard at Dakota Alliance shared and encouraged us to spend time in loving and praying to the Lord and confirmed that becoming a Christian may mean trials and suffering.
After the services we were treated to a pot-luck lunch and enjoyed fellowship at the Dakota Alliance church and celebrated Del's 5th birthday.
Pastor Paul and Pastor Richard
Celebrating Del's 5th birthday.
Met new friends on Sunday, Victoria
Kid City donated funding to add three extra swings for children to enjoy.
Teens who also enjoyed VBS this week.
Many children in Sisseton are affected by the loss of loved ones through suicide and or alcoholism/ drug use. I tried to find some statistics regarding this in Sisseton. I found a few resources in the community that are available.
"In August, the Roberts County There’s Hope community coalition was awarded a federal Drug Free Communities Support grant. This grant is designed to help mobilize the community in preventing youth alcohol, tobacco, illicit drug and inhalant abuse. This year, the coalition is working on doing the initial assessments for the community. As part of the assessment, the schools in Roberts County were offered the chance to participate in a national survey to measure the number of youth using alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. More than 850 Roberts County students were surveyed in grades 6 through 12 to determine the extent and nature of drug use in this community.
Although few drugs are consumed during school hours, the survey detected both drug and alcohol use outside of school. Alcohol remained the "drug of choice" of youth surveyed in Roberts County.
In Roberts County, 59.8% if the senior high students (grades 9-12) drank beer in the past year; 56.7% reported liquor use and 50.9% drank wine coolers. In junior high (grades 6-8), 28% drank beer; 22.5% drank liquor; and 50.9% drank wine coolers.
Marijuana use during the past year was reported by 31.6% of the students in senior high, and 34.3% in junior high. Over the counter medicine abuse was reported by 9.2% of the students in senior high, and 5.3% of the junior high students" (There's Hope Coalition).
There’s Hope Coalition
Address 610 2nd Ave E
Sisseton, SD 57262
Phone # 605-486-4166
Email: saram@humanserviceagency.org
Very well said, Christine!!
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