Native American Ministry

In 2005 Mike Hays initiated a trip to Pine Ridge for our church to learn about and explore ministry opportunities there. Two van loads of people participated by visiting various ministries currently operating in the Pine Ridge area. Many from that initial group felt compelled to respond to the needs we had observed and formed a team to participate and respond to those needs. That team has become part of Rimrock's World Missions effort.

The primary need we determined was to provide support and encouragement to the organizations and people already working there because they already have on-going personal relationships with the people.

Secondarily, we could provide hands-on services to the people and in the process learn more about the people and their culture. It has been the team's desire to learn about the unique needs of Native Americans in Rapid City and Pine Ridge and to communicate those needs to the larger church body.

This outreach has provided opportunities for the church to be involved in cross-cultural missions and to have hands-on experience without the high costs of foreign travel.

Rimrock has provided financial support to two ministries and 10 times per year provides a meal at Whiteclay through the Hands of Faith Ministries. In addition, our mission teams have provided and cut firewood, provided scholarships for students in the HFM carpentry and electrical training programs of Hands of Faith Ministries, and our youth have provided outreach to children and members of the church have become board members on the two ministries with which we are involved.

An on-going need is to have volunteers provide and serve a meal at Whiteclay. Anyone interested in learning or helping can join others when they go to provide a meal. It would also be very good for Life Groups, small groups, classes, or any other groups to provide a meal. The Emptynesters do so two times per year. The homeschooling parents and children have prepared and severed a meal and several individuals and families have done so. It works best to have at least 3-4 people. Contact the church office if you wish to assist.