Dear Soldiers of the Cross,
Psalm 118:24 “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Why is it that we cannot rejoice in the Lord? Is it because we are looking at our surroundings, instead of looking unto the Lord? I admit, if we look at our present-day leadership and the conditions of our country, it does look hopeless, but we are not people of this world. Our hope is not in this world, but in God. Let us not use up our valuable time in the cares of this life while there is a lost and dying world that needs you and me to be busy about the Father’s business. No greater time than this for every man to be on deck, man our position, hoist our sail, steady the course and endure the storm! For we know that when we cry out to Him He will hear our cry and speak, “Peace, be still.” Hallelujah! Ephesians 5:16 “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Colossians 4:5 “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.” No time to waste.
During the end of February through March 15th we had a wonderful opportunity to visit four reservations and ten missionaries in southern Arizona. My heart was thrilled as I witnessed the zeal and heartfelt love all these missionaries had for our Native people. The hazardous working conditions some of these missionaries labored in were very commendable. They endure summer time temperatures reaching well over 120° and ongoing encounters with illegal aliens, with some even showing aggressive behaviors. Yet these hostile environments did not alter their plans for reaching the lost for Christ. I thank God for families that are willing to make these kinds of sacrifices for the Lord. I was able to make a list of needs these missionaries have and I’m working to fill those needs. Please pray for all of our missionaries laboring among our Native people. We have 567 Native tribes and over 300 major reservations throughout the nation, with less than 20 percent having the Gospel of Jesus Christ preached to them. We need help!
Don’t forget we have a construction project coming up on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. The first work day is May 10th. Please pray that all those who have committed to help us with this project will remain faithful to their commitment and also that the reservation will be open to us. We are still working on putting together the last of our Bible Schools on the reservations. Please pray for these projects as well.
As We Labor for Christ,
Gerry and Sheril Locklear
Missionaries to The Native Americans