Over the past five days, our missions team of 11 youth and 8 adults experienced a whirlwind of serving, giving, growing and learning as we spent time at the Rosebud Indian Reservation working in the town of Parmelee. While there, some of you may have seen my facebook status that said how proud I was our our youth, and here's why:

• Over five days of being in the dirt and mud and sharing just two showers between all of us, I never once heard anyone complain about being dirty or smelly (and believe me, we were!)
• The second our van rolled into town (literally) our high school youth were outside hanging out with and loving on the Indian children at the Boys and Girls Club where we would be working. They didn't take the time to care that these kids were dirty, unsupervised and unruly. They just loved them unconditionally from the start.
• Never once did I hear anyone in our group judge or criticize the local people for their lifestyle. Even after hearing devastating stories of alcoholism, abuse and neglect, I only heard words of compassion, hope and love.
• I saw our youth love on these kids every single day, all day long, with no real break from the constant tugs on the arm, requests for piggy back rides and insistent attention. They could have asked for some time for themselves, but instead they demonstrated a true servant's heart by spending as much time as possible of every waking moment with these kids.
• When put in situations that would have made most people throw in the towel and call it quits (and believe me there were several... you will have to get them to tell you the stories!), I watched our youth, without even thinking, put others first and demonstrate true compassion and love for people.

There are lots of things I could say, but I don't think they will do justice to the weekend we all just experienced. The Lakota people of Parmelee stole our hearts and we fell in love with this group of people that we know God truly loves and desires to give hope to. Make sure you are in church this Sunday to hear from our youth, and check this blog later in the week to hear more of their stories. I'll say it again, I am so proud of Horizons' youth. They rock! Parmelee was blessed to have them this weekend, and Horizons is blessed to have the opportunity to share in their passion and heart for sharing God's love with the Lakota people.

Lisa

The couple of days we have been here has been a once in a life time experience. We have built incredible relationships with unbelievable individuals who all have their unique experiences and life styles. Hunter is a 4 year old amazing little boy who's smile could light up anyones day. Essense's laughter is beautiful and happy. Maryland's energy is like being caught in a wild fire. Each and everyone of these kids we have met are all incredible human beings. Every single one of them have something worth living for. Even though they live in such poverty they dont have running water or they need to wear the same clothes everyday, they continue to live and be strong. And even though all they've ever known is coming home to drunken parents or never even being able to come home at night, these kids deserve so much more! Please pray for their hope and salvation.

Ali

Youth Missions Trip

When I learned that I was taking a missions trip to Parmalee I had no idea what to expect. While we were driving our 10-hour drive to South Dakota, many ideas and images popped in and out of my head, I frequently thought of what it would be like exactly. I soon learned that it was everything that I previously hadn't thought it would be like.

When we first arrived you could already see the broke out windows of cars, not well kept up lawns or houses, and just the overall poverty. It was horrible, and it especially broke my heart when the children started to arrive. Already Hunter, Beral, Jay, Autumn, and Montana latched onto our hearts. Many of them don't wear shoes, they have cuts on their arms and legs, and they haven't been bathed in quite some time. You can see the sadness in their eyes and most of all the loss of hope. The children here are hungry, thristy, and just want love.

I hope that during our stay here we can make the biggest impacts on the children and let them know that God will always be there for them. God does have a plan for all of us, whether rich or poor, pretty or ugly, believers or non believers. Everyone needs to know that they are loved in some sort of way, and I just hope that God will let us show His love to the people of Parmalee and give them as much hope as anyone has ever had.

I have only been here less than 24 hours and I am already exhaused with the thought of how these people have to live, it makes me cry to think about their lives. I know that I take a lot for granted, and that I have many things to learn from God's children here, in Parmalee.

Youthfront Camp West Pictures

A reflection of camp last week

The past week at Youthfront was life changing for many of the kids who went. Along with growing closer to the people in our cabins, we found ourselves all growing in our relationship with God. One of the best parts of the day was worship. It was a time spent alone with God and we were able to praise him for everything he has given us. Another cool thing about camp is being able to get away from all the distracions at home and to live an evnironment totally focused on God.

The biggest thing I took home from camp this year was that no matter what, God always forgives us. Our focus for the week was on the story of the prodigal son and how even though he kept running away, his father always welcomed him back with open arms and a forgiving heart. This story relates to our relationship with God and no matter how distant we make ourselves from him, he always wants us back.

--Jami

Dodgeball Pictures

21 Horizons kids and their friends had a blast at Timberlake Ranch Camp!

Last week, our elementary kids went to Timberlake Ranch Camp near Marquette, NE for four days of fun! During the week, they had the chance to go swimming, canoeing, horseback riding, paddle boating, do crafts, go on hikes and play games. But, most importantly, the kids went to chapel twice a day and learned how God and the Bible are the true way to have fun in life! Each kid memorized 1 Peter 3:10-12,

“For the scripture says, if you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace and work to maintain it. For the eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and His ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns His face on those who do evil.”

During the week, the kids learned about each part of this bible verse and how God can help us to have a fun and happy life. Small group discussions, prayer time, and journaling helped the kids apply what they learned, and fun skits made the learning even more enjoyable!