PRAY-er

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always,  pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

I’ve never considered myself as much of a prayer warrior but my role this fall on the Flandreau Indian School campus has been moving more towards that of being a PRAY-er. It is not a role that I’m taking lightly and one that God is pushing to be proactive about.

I get asked each year to open the school year with a blessing over the students at a school assembly.  I prayed at a school pep rally for the cross country, volleyball and football teams last week.  The basketball coach for the upcoming season recently asked if I would be willing to pray before each home game to set the tone for the event.  Kids will jump off of the bus on their way to a game to be prayed over. A few others that follow along don’t really knowing what’s going on but they pray too. They end up being the ones who are jumping off of the bus before the next game.

Students come to our school from all sorts of spiritual backgrounds so it’s an honor when kids approach me for prayer.  Kids stop me in the hall or in the cafeteria and ask me to pray for them or somebody they care for. I have gotten intentional about stopping what I’m doing right there and then to pray with students. We pray in hallways, the cafeteria or just stopped on the sidewalk.  The idea is to get kids in the mindset that prayer is accessible at any time or any place, not just in church or at a specific time or through me. I want them to know that God is all-access.

Some of the sweetest times of prayer I’ve had recently were being able to pray with a student prior to a court appearance (that worked out well for them), with a student preparing for a big athletic event who was an emotional wreck (so much pressure to perform) and with a student who has so much going on that he didn’t know how to pray. There is literally so much pain in his life that he found it difficult to form the words to know what to pray for. It is those times that I thank God for the honor and privilege to be able to go the Father for intercession.

I hope you’ll look for more opportunities to be the PRAY-er in your community wherever that may be and go to the Father with requests. 

FIS Chaplaincy serves the students and staff of Flandreau Indian School by providing opportunities to encounter the hope and love of Christ. This faith-based, inter-denominational nonprofit is financially independent from the school operation and is fully funded through donations from corporations, denominational entities, churches, civic groups and individuals. Please consider becoming a monthly donor to assist us in continuing our ministry. 

BACK TO SCHOOL

There is so much potential and anticipation at the beginning of a new school year.

I’ve been preparing for students to return. I’ve repainted my office and cleaned the carpets (we have a lot of hot cocoa during the year and my carpets suffer, from the spills and the foot traffic).  I resurfaced the chalkboard wall for the question of the day to be posted each afternoon. I’m starting fresh with a clean slate--literally.  The snacks are stocked for the next couple of weeks. We’re putting together our calendar and looking at exactly what it is that God wants me to share throughout the year.

With all of my preparations, though, I know that God has been preparing for this season for a long time, too. He knows exactly who will be coming to Flandreau Indian School to be our students this year; the challenges that they’re bringing with them and I know He’s been preparing the hearts of those that He wants to meet Him here, some for the first time. 

I look forward to the opportunities that He is placing before us and want to be responsive to appointments that He is making. It’s going to be a great year! 

‘In their hearts humans plan their course but the Lord establishes their steps.’  Proverbs 16:9

Winter has arrived quickly this year at the Flandreau Indian School in South Dakota and caught some of our students without warm clothing. PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING adult sized WINTER HATS, GLOVES and SCARVES. Call Bill Britton at (605) 864-8625 or mail directly to: FIS Chaplain, 1132 N Crescent St, Flandreau, SD 57028. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!

FREE CONCERT: BROKEN WALLS

PLAN TO JOIN US ON SEPTEMBER 5 @ 7pm

For More Information about Broken Walls: www.brokenwalls.com

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

FOR CAMP SPONSORSHIP, CLICK HERE TO DONATE

FIS Chaplaincy has teamed up with On Eagles' Wings to attend Warrior Leadership Summit (WLS), a summer camp experience for Native American and First Nations young people from all over North America.

WLS attendees have the opportunity to:

• Be part of large group praise and teaching sessions called Warrior Circles;
• Attend seminars and workshops on specific issues related to Native American and First Nations people called Battle Councils;
• Network and build relationships in a Christian environment with other Native American and First Nations young people;
• Have fun through daily recreation times where various athletic tournaments are held including basketball, softball, volleyball, and floor hockey as well as late night activities;
• Speak with trained counselors who can help in dealing with various life issues; and
• Hear from respected Native American Christian elders and learn from their stories of hope and faith in Jesus Christ.

With your contribution, current and former Flandreau Indian School students (ages 16-30) have another opportunity to encounter the hope and love of Christ at this life-changing event and develop a deeper understanding of their culture and faith.

Here are the details...

Warrior Leadership Summit is held June 28-July 3, 2014 in Missouri. We have 23 individuals ready to attend camp, coming from nine states (Arizona, Arkansas, California, Idaho, Minnesota, Nebraska, North and South Dakota, and Wisconsin) representing 12 tribes.

Camp registration is $25.
Travel costs will vary with each individual depending on where they live and how we will be able to get them to camp. 

TOTAL COST is $225 per person. 

While the stated goal for this campaign covers the registration fees, 
our aim is $5,175 to cover the total cost for each camper.

YOUR PARTNERSHIP = CHANGED LIVES

The Impact

"Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Isaiah 30:30-31

• The poverty rate among Native Americans was 28.4% (2010 census). The disparity for American Indians living below poverty on the reservations is even greater, reaching 38% to 63% in South Dakota (2006, NCES), with living conditions "comparable to Third World" (2004, Gallup Independent).

• Alcoholism mortality rates are 514% higher that the general population (2012, CNAY).

• Native teens experience the highest rate of suicide - more than double that national average of any population group in the United States and is the 2nd leading cause of death for Native American youth in the 15-24 age group (2012, CNAY).

• American Indian youth are arrested at a rate of 3 times the national average; 79% of youth in the Federal Bureau of Prison's custody are American Indian/Alaskan Native (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2004).

Other Ways You Can Help

Pray. Pray for those who will be attending Warrior Leadership Summit this summer. Pray for restored hope. Pray for a change for eternity.

Spread the word. Share this link with your Facebook friends, Twitter, work colleagues, Bible study group, friends you meet for coffee, neighbors...
Wear a t-shirt to promote FIS Chaplaincy; get one here.

Become a Partner. Join with FIS Chaplaincy to provide opportunities for the students and staff of Flandreau Indian School to encounter the hope and love of Christ. Visit our website for more information, www.FISchaplaincy.com 

FIS Chaplaincy. The purpose of this non profit organization is to serve the students and staff of Flandreau Indian School by providing opportunities to encounter the hope and love of Christ through Biblically-based spiritual guidance, faith-based programing, community-building social activities, and meeting critical needs. FIS Chaplaincy is financially independent from the school operation and is fully funded through donations from corporations, denominational entities, churches, civic groups and individuals. Thanks to that support, FIS Chaplaincy has continued an ongoing partnership with the Flandreau Indian School for almost 50 years. 

NEW! FIS Chaplaincy T-Shirts

Flandreau Indian School Chaplaincy Program t-shirts are here! Share the mission of providing opportunities for the students and staff of Flandreau Indian School to encounter the hope and love of Christ - Real Hope for Real Life. 

Order Online :
http://teespring.com/FISchaplaincy

CULTURAL EXCHANGE

A Unique Opportunity

Students (including foreign exchange) from Arkansas Baptist High School had a terrific trip to Flandreau, South Dakota during their Missions Week! Working with the FIS Chaplaincy, the goal of the week was a cultural exchange between Native American students at Flandreau Indian School (FIS) and non-Native students. The hope in doing so was to build bridges where the Chaplain and mission team would have more opportunities to share the love and hope of Christ with the students of FIS; they in turn could take that hope back to their families on the reservation.

Arkansas students shared testimonies during the Sunday worship service on campus and were able to connect with the FIS students during after school and evening activities, as well as during family dinners in the home of the school chaplain. During the day when the FIS students were in class, the mission team travelled to The Center for Western Studies at Augustana College and Pipestone National Monument to learn about Native American history and modern culture, which gave them all a new perspective and broke their hearts for the conditions of the Native Americans in our country. On campus they toured the Cultural Center and visited classes on Native American heritage. The team also prepared support postcards to mail, sorted and washed hundreds of clothing items donated to meet students’ physical needs, and set up for the after school and evening activities.

As the week came to a close many new friends had been made among the students from Arkansas and Flandreau. A team member said it well, “This was great! I’m coming back next year.”

WINDING DOWN

The school year is winding down here in Flandreau. We start a series of events honoring our seniors, many of whom who have overcome all kinds of obstacles in order to graduate. Some have been homeless or abandoned by families that just don’t care. Some are the ‘stable adult’ even at 13 or 14 years old. Some have been the parent to brothers and sisters. Many have lost significant people in their lives due to death or jail or a multitude of other reasons. When they are reaching the point of graduation, many have already lived a lifetime.

This past weekend was Senior Honoring Walk/Run and Pow Wow. It’s a time prior to graduation for the campus and community to come together and celebrate. It is a time of reflection of what has passed and a time to reconnect with Native traditions and ancestry. There is so much potential in this group of young people and hopefully enough has been built into them during their time at FIS for them to continue on and succeed in reaching their goals. 

PANCAKES & PRAYER

A Typical Wednesday at FIS

On a recent Wednesday we flipped stacks of pancakes for 90 minutes to over 110 students (about 58% of the total campus population). Lots of buttermilk-goodness was enjoyed, and I now know that peanut butter is the preferred pancake topping. Who would-a guessed?! The students come out in droves when we put food in front of them. Our midweek on-campus events are opportunities for us to interact with students in a safe, comfortable environment that promotes trust and friendship. Often this opens up times for deeper conversation.

Here’s a snapshot of our interaction with students: As a girl was waiting to get her pancakes, she just kind of casually asked, “So meditating is like praying, huh?” and then as we got talking about it, “It just seems like I’m talking to myself sometimes.” I'm sure more discussion will follow.

A-Tisket, A-Tasket, Delivering Easter Baskets

We have about 200 kids on campus. They will each get an Easter “basket” – okay, nest in a bowl – this weekend.

It’s a special gift to let them know someone cares and is thinking of them – just a small reminder of the sweet, free gift that Jesus gave us when He paid the penalty for our disobedience and died on the cross. The sweet part is knowing He didn’t stay in the tomb but came back to life on the third day, just as He said He would.

Each basket contains some candy, the verse below and an invitation to Real Talk, our on-campus worship service that includes Bible-based talks (sermons), praise music and prayer.

 “This is love: it is not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son as the sacrifice that deals with our sins.” - 1 John 4:10 

In My Lifetime...

There is a wall-sized chalkboard in my office that has a question for the kids to answer every day. Sometimes the questions are light-hearted or funny (“what’s your favorite band” or “if you could have a super power, what would it be?”).  Sometimes they’re a little deeper and more thought-provoking with questions like “what makes something beautiful” or “”who do you admire the most?” I don’t use questions that are just ‘yes’ or ‘no’ responses but that need to have an answer for a response. Not everyone takes the time but it has become a fun after school activity.

Recently I came across an open-ended sentence that got me thinking. It was one of those sentences that doesn’t have a right or wrong answer and could be taken in many different directions depending on what you read into it. It could be taken lightly or given a really challenging response. I was looking forward to using it with the students and was curious as to the answers I’d get.

The sentence was:

“In my lifetime, I’d like to…”

I got some silly responses as I usually do but there were a couple that stood out to me.  One was “to have my name known for good and respect.” I didn’t understand the next one at first that said “Bring change to the following lifetime.” In other words, they wanted to influence the generations that came after, something that keeps me going every day.

The best, simplest and most profound for me probably was the answer that simply said: “Live.”

Such an easy response but how many truly live during their lifetimes, getting caught up in the complexity and stress of life instead.

So how about you: “In my lifetime, I’d like to…” 

Improving Our Serve

We've been looking for opportunities to get our students out in the community to serve, improving the image of the school by allowing the students to serve as positive role models. 

These Flandreau Indian School students took time out of their busy school day to assist at the Moody County food pantry, the Bread Basket in Flandreau, SD, managed by Judy Jones. Working through the school's chaplaincy program, they helped by stocking shelves on Wednesday, January 15. The students are Nyree Leighton, Sese Twocrow and Darren Cook, shown here with Jones.

Making New Friends

The Flandreau Indian School Chaplaincy exists through the efforts of many.  We deliberately and intentionally take the time to develop relationships with denominations, congregations and individuals in order to raise awareness of the Program and Native American culture.

We had the honor and privilege to make some new friends and share the Program on Sunday in George, Iowa at Ebenezer Presbyterian Church. They were putting on their annual “Mission Sunday” event which raises awareness of mission opportunities to their congregation. We were given time to share during their worship service and enjoyed a catered meal with them afterwards. 

Special thanks to Bernie Weier for setting up this event for us and to Pastor Paul Soderquist for being such a gracious and welcoming host. We look forward to the partnership being established with Ebenezer Presbyterian in representing Christ to the students and staff at Flandreau Indian School. 

Gently Used Running Shoes?

We have a need that I hope some of you can help out with. We have kids here at our school coming from the Indian reservations across the country who are just amazing cross country runners yet lack the proper equipment to really excel at their sport. We have many kids who arrive in the fall with basketball shoes to run in instead of running shoes. It makes all the difference in attitude and ability to have proper shoes to run a race. 

If you have last season's running shoes that you could pass on to them to or running shoes that are gently used sitting in the back of the closet, we could use them! Generally, I'm usually most in need of boys running shoes in the 10, 10-1/2, 11 or 12 range but we'll gladly accept anything you might have, boys or girls sizes. Shoes can shipped to Flandreau Indian School Chaplain, 802 W Pipestone, Flandreau SD 57028.

Thanks for considering...

FREE COMMUNITY CONCERT

About Broken Walls...

Based on Native American/First Nations Heritage of North America, Broken Walls is a band that travels extensively around the world communicating a message of restoration, dignity, self respect, and Creator's Love to all cultures. 

This message is communicated uniquely through music, songs, dance and storytelling. 

Often starting with the Mohawk water drum, Broken Walls will perform on a variety of Indigenous instruments such as the Mohawk windflute, or the large buffalo hide pow wow drum, eventually graduating to a full-on contemporary band. Even while performing as a full band, you hear the ancient vocals, beats and sounds of their native heritage.

Please join the FIS Chaplaincy Program 

in a celebration of community.

For more about Broken Walls: www.BrokenWalls.com   

For I Know the Plans

We are a little different than most high schools in that we hold mid-year graduations at the end of the first semester which falls around this time in mid-January. There are students who just have a few credits to make up at the beginning of the year and it doesn't make sense for them to have to endure the whole year of school if they've completed all of the requirements.

It’s usually a very emotional time for everyone involved, students and staff alike. As we’re a boarding school for Native American teenagers, many of the students come to live with us during their freshman year and remain throughout their four years. We become a community of folks who laugh, cry, love and discover life together. For many of the kids, the staff and other students at the school are the closest thing they've ever known to being a part of a functional family. A lot of their backgrounds include legacies of drug and alcohol abuse. Often kids are raised by aunts and uncles or grandparents because parents are not able to. The American Indian community in general experiences a great deal of loss due to suicide, substance abuse and accidental deaths.  

It’s with mixed emotions then that we see these kids head out to their future. We know they need to go find their way in the world as adults and to go on to discover life and their purpose. I need to cling to the verse in Jeremiah 29:11 that says, “For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” As much as I love these students as I do my own children, I have trust that God cares for them even more and He has amazing plans for each of their lives. I must trust that He will continue to make Himself known to each one of them. And I need to trust that in following God, their lives will be protected and not end in disaster which is so often the case for this segment of society.

It’s been as much a test of my own faith as it has been for the students I serve. 

Taste and See That the Lord is Good

We began our third year on campus at the Flandreau Indian School with a bang. With many returning students knowing the Chaplain and the program, more parents than ever (almost half of the 250 students!) have given written permission to the school for their kids to attend worship services in town. Trust with students and parents has increased dramatically this year.

Numbers in attendance have been up all over. With weekly outreach programs aimed at reaching all students, Sunday afternoon chapel on campus, Bible studies and local worship services, there are lots of opportunities for students to “taste and see that the Lord is good.” (Psalm 34:8) Many are experiencing church for the first time and realizing that church is really not a scary place. 

The exciting part of this year has been seeing lives in the process of transformation… encouraging Facebook statuses, positive music choices, students caring for students and challenging each other to live a more positive lifestyle, being able to pray with students before bedtime and as their day begins, inviting each other to go to church, and so much more. We have started small group Bible studies on campus midweek to explore the weekend messages a little deeper and apply the truths revealed in Scripture. Students have begun to take ownership of their faith. How exciting to see God at work!

FIRST TIMERS

I had the opportunity last week to help some students exercise their right to vote for the very first time.

One of the milestones of reaching adulthood and turning eighteen in the United States is being able to vote at election time. Our students are on campus nine months of the year so Flandreau Indian School is considered their permanent residence thus qualifying them to vote in our County.

We needed to research how to go about getting all registered who qualified. Registrations were made available in the Dorms for those who were over 18. Phone calls went back and forth between my office and the County Registrar’s office as they confirmed and verified information with the kids ahead of the October 22 deadline for signing up.

There was a great feeling of anticipation with these newly qualified voters as Election Day approached. Transportation was arranged and the voters were herded off to the polls. They took their responsibility very seriously, as they should, with many taking quite an extended period of time to complete their ballots.

You can see the expression on the faces in the photos of how excited and thrilled they all were to have been able to take part in this important election process for our country’s next President. 

QUIET TIMES

Trying to get back to blogging; it's been awhile.

This has been a busy fall so far. The Chaplaincy Program has been enjoying all kinds of influence on campus with record numbers of students attending events. The numbers of students going to church in town and attending church on campus has been up dramatically. We have been holding on for dear life as God has been revealing Himself to students in ways we've never seen before.

I think my favorite times though have been the times when fewer students have come out to events. It is a little less harried and frantic than when 175 students show for Root Beer Floats or 125 come out for Nacho Night and we need to hustle to keep up with demand.

I usually run events at night but last week on Halloween we did an after school Pumpkin Painting event so we wouldn't interfere with the Student Council Haunted House later in the evening. It was a much slower paced affair with students tending to stick around longer. I had lots of pumpkins so kids took their time and some even painted a couple of different ones.

The reason these quieter events are my favorite is because inevitably a smaller group of students will stay later and just hang out. I find out a lot during these times; I find out about places kids live or have lived, about relationships they’re in and all the trials that go along with that, about family members, and a lot of cultural information.  I find out who likes what kind of special treat like sunflower seeds or a certain kind of candy or that somebody is out of shampoo. I can usually meet a need pretty easily when I find out about it.

It just can be a time of sharing and discovering new things about students. The larger events serve a purpose of getting kids into contact with the Chaplain, sometimes for the first time, but the smaller group setting opens up a time for dialogue. It doesn't always lead to spiritual discussions but a lot of times it does. I’m grateful for the opportunities that come along during these times.

See the rest of the Pumpkin Painting Pictures: 

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.482575271783333.108660.137847812922749&type=1

SPECIAL RESOURCES

Thanks to many of you donating to our program over the last year, we've been able to meet needs and to run some really great programs without spending directly out of our Program account. That makes a huge impact on our Program budget when supplies are already given for us. Additionally there have been many gifts that provide for the physical needs of our students as well. 

I've included a list of things that might be provided to us. Don't limit yourself to this list! If you're wondering "Hey, do you think they could use this for the students at the Flandreau Indian School?" then go ahead and send it to us! We'll find a use and come up with a really creative program for it. 

Send these gifts to: 

Flandreau Indian School Chaplain

Bill Britton

802 W. Pipestone Avenue

Flandreau, SD 57028

Personal Needs:

Shampoo

Conditioner

Body wash

Soap

Laundry soap

Deodorant

Dryer sheets

Granola bars

Snacks in individual packs

Hats

Coats

Gloves

Mittens

Towels

Washcloths

Sheet sets, twin

Socks, no show

Study Materials:

Bible study material 

NIV Bibles (NIV Study Bibles even better)

Christian music (current artists)

Veggie Tales, DVDs

Art/Program Supplies:

Scissors

Crayons

Construction paper, any size, any colors

Cardstock, white or colors, 8.5 x 11

20# paper, white or colors, 8.5 x 11

Scotch tape

Glue sticks

Pipe cleaners

Google eyes

Glitter

Pompoms

Jewels with flat backs

Clay pots, new, unused

Acrylic paints
Face paints

Paint brushes, small

Recycled margarine tubs/cottage cheese/yogurt containers with lids

Ziploc/Glad containers, small (to see contents)

Pony beads

Colored pencils

Markers

Staples, staplers

Cookies

Board games

Playing cards

Ziploc baggies, sandwich, quart and/or gallon

Paper plates

Napkins

Cups, cold (9 oz)

Cups, hot (16 oz)

Plastic spoons, forks
Disposable Table Cloths

For Prizes or Handouts:

Subway gift cards ($5.35 each card)

Hot cocoa, individual packets

Ramen noodles
Oatmeal packets
Cheese and Cracker Packets
Sun Flower Seed Snack Packets

Hard candy, individually wrapped

Walmart gift cards (Any amount) 

Hobby Lobby gift cards (Any amount)
Gasoline gift cards (Any amount)