Meet the Crew: Kristen

Kristen is a WELCOME and last minute addition to our crew. We are all thrilled to have Kris join us. She is getting to be a "pro" on these trips and the kids there love her. I've got the pics to prove it. :) Kristen is a hard worker and very self-less in her giving. She is always ready to go whatever is needed. She is always up for a giggle-fest in the late hours of the evening as well. Don't let her sweet smile and shy personality mislead you - she's devious when it comes to pranks.

How many years have you gone to the Rez with us?

This will be my fourth yr.

What is something specific people can pray for you about?

That I do what I need to do while I'm out there the other people and not doing things just for me

What about the trips has changed you and/or makes you want to go back?

I have been able to come out of my shell a little more
dealing with the kids and stuff.. and the kids are what you mostly wanna go back for


**Note* In case there is some confusion about last minute additions to the crew when I make a big deal about deadlines, here is the explanation. Although there are firm deadlines for signing up for the trips to Pine Ridge, occasionally we have a crew member that has to drop out for various reasons. When that happens a spot becomes available - I normally reserve those last minute spots for folks who are familiar with the trips due to the need to be as spiritually, emotionally, physically, and culturally prepared as possible.

Meet the Crew: Charles

About Charles:

Saint Charles, Always does the right thing, Honest, Hard-working, Never Complains, LOVES those kids, Trustworthy, Dependable. And he’s a great mechanic.

How many years have you gone to the Rez with us?

This will be my 3rd year

What is something specific people can pray for you about?

Health

What is it about the trip that has changed you and makes you want to go back?

It makes me appreciate what I’ve got more and makes me wish I could do more for the people and Barry and Shelly

*No pic of Charles was available HOWEVER, the kids on the Rez always call him "Papa Smurf" so ...

Meet the Crew: Chrissie

*Sorry - no picture of Chrissie availalbe. Even after all the years she has gone I do not have a good close-up pic of her. I have several that were taken from a distance but no close-ups. :/ That will change this year Chrissie!!

About Chrissie
Chrissie is a pleasure to have along on the trips. She quietly goes about doing what she’s there to do without complaining and gives her best at all times. Her love for the kids there is evident to anyone who has traveled to the Rez with her.

How many years have you gone to the Rez with us?

This will be my 4th trip.

What is something specific people can pray for you about?

I have sciatic nerve problems so it can make traveling in the van for long periods of time hard on me.

For those of you who have gone before - what is the thing about it that has changed you and made you want to go back?

My priorities have changed…things that may have seemed important before don’t always seem so important now.
The major thing that keeps me wanting to go back each year is the kids. When you aren’t there you think of them, I miss them and wonder what they are doing and how they are. Are they cold or hungry…are they happy or sad. It truly is a week where you put all your needs and wants aside and put all the focus on them. For one week you know the kids had fun and felt loved and by the end of the week you realize you did too. When it’s time to say goodbye, the cycle starts over and my heart aches to return again.

*Sorry - no picture of Jeff available

About Jeff
Jeff is willing to do whatever it takes, Good Attitude, Team player, Hard-working, Funny, Dependable, Adventurous, Fun

How many years have you gone to the Rez with us?

This will be my first year.

What is something specific people can pray for you about?

I need prayer so God will soften my heart with some personal situations I am going through. Seems I have gotten Bitter in my "older" years with certain situations. Almost to the point of hatred!

Why do you want to go on this trip?

I need to meet more people, I feel I have something to give, just don't really understand what it is I have. I have seen the pictures and heard Chrissie talk about all the people there and it seems like it would be beneficial for me and them. I know God has something spectacular in store for me! Just wish he would show me what it is..............

Meet the Crew: Darlene

*Sorry - no picture of Darlene available.

About Darlene
Loyal, Hardworking, willing to do whatever is needed, thinks of others before herself, very committed to the team. Makes a good strawberry pie!

How many times have you been to the Rez with us?

This is my first year.

What is something specific people can pray for me about?

Strength to do what I feel the Lord has called me to do

Why do you want to go on the trip?

Because I love to help people and I think it will be a good experience.

Meet the Crew: Dennis

About Dennis:Honorable, Man of intgrity. Hard-working, Trustworthy, Funny, Funny, Funny. Never Complains - or at least in all the time of traveling with him to the Rez I've never heard him complain. Great teacher. Great musician. Does his best at all times.

This will be the 3rd trip to the Rez for Dennis.

He did not get his responses turned in but has many issues that need prayer and I’m pretty sure he keeps going back because he has a heart for people and believes strongly in missions. Now if we could just get him to pay attention. ;)

Meet the Crew: Daniel

Daniel is a young man with a heart for God. He is a talented musician and has a desire to be used by God. He also talks in his sleep. You can learn a lot of you listen to him when he’s sleeping.

How many years have you gone to the Rez with us?

This is going to be my third year going to the reservation.

What is something specific that people can pray for you about?

Pray that I have a servants heart, and not care about my needs, but the needs of others.

What about the trips have changed you and made you want to go back?

The trips for me are really life changing. It ,makes you realize how good we have it here in America. And the kids and the people are why I keep going back. Praying that one day they all will come to the saving power of Jesus Christ.

Meet the Crew: Jean

Jean has been a part of our crew since the first trip and has been a blessing to have along. She truly has a servant’s heart and is willing to do whatever needs doing with little or no regard for her own personal wishes. Her self-less efforts on the trips have helped her to build some special relationships with some of the kids.

How many years have you gone to the Rez with us?

Four

What is something specific people can pray for you about?

That I am able to go, and that my husband gets rid of his cancer, or at least begins to feel better.

What is the thing about the trips that has changed you and made you want to go back?

I have learned that it's not about me. And I want to go back because I feel like I have family there, and I miss them.

Meet the Crew: Fred

What can I say about Fred. Fred is awesome. Fred is amazing. Fred is LOVED by everybody on the team. And in spite of all of that, Fred is humble. One of the sweetest guys you’ll ever meet and a hard worker who always puts Jesus first and has a true servant’s heart.

How many years have you gone to the Rez with us?

This will be my 2nd year.

What is something specific people can be praying for you about?

That I would be obedient to God, to be tender to the Holy Spirit, step up when I should, step back when I need to and the wisdom to know the difference.

What is the thing about the trip that has changed you and makes you want to go back?

I think about the children at Pine Ridge all the time, especially when I see the children at church or my grandchildren and I've grown closer to my brothers and sisters in Christ that I traveled to Pine Ridge with.
What makes me want to go back?
If I can encourage or help one person to know Christ and change their life, that would be awesome.

Meet the Crew: Tim

About Tim:
Tim is funny. He cracks everyone up with his off-the-wall sense of humor. He is also a very talented photographer— many of the photos you see from the trips are ones Tim has taken. He is also a hard worker, is willing to do whatever is needed and oh yeah, did I mention he was funny?

How many years have you gone to the Rez with us?

This will be my fourth time to the REZ.

What is something specific people can pray for you about?

I am not all that good at communicating with the kids at our church so it is that much more difficult with the kids on the Rez and I am not as patient as I should be.

What is the thing about the trips that has changed you and made you want to go back?

I am not good at this self analysis gig but I do see the people warming up to us more each year - maybe I can follow their example

Meet the Crew: Debbie

About Debbie:
Debbie is an amazing lady. I’ve always known that but that characteristic became very clear the year we went to the Rez and on the first day there, Debbie got a call from her doctor telling her she had cancer. Rather than spend her time feeling sorry for herself as would be normal for most of us, she took a minute to cry with her hubby Tim and call her family and then got right to work. She is always a blessing on the trips and teaches us all how to make the best of a bad situation.

How many years have you gone to the Rez with us?

This will be my third time out.

What is something specific people can pray for you about?

Pray that when we are are there and difficult situations arise that I will know what to do - what to say or just to listen.

What is the thing about the trips that has changed you and made you want to go back?

I don't know if I have changed but I go back for the kids and being busy with them out there has helped me get through difficult times in my life.

Meet the Crew: Teresa

Teresa has been one of those crew members who have been first to seize opportunities to serve. She has quietly gone about doing what needs to be done without the need for recognition. She has a servant’s heart and has exhibited responsibility and a willingness to help others whether they are the Lakota people or her own teammates. Teresa is expecting a grandchild to be born about the time we will be on the Rez. I know she wants to be here for that so we're hoping the baby will wait till we're back home.

How many years have you been going on to the Rez with us?

This will be my first year.

What is something specific people can pray for you about?

Pray for my lost family members

Why do you want to go on this trip?

I had God tugging at my heart and when He is speaking I am going my best to listen and serve Him the best way I can. I hope to be a blessing to the people of Pine Ridge because I know I will receive a blessing.

Meet the Crew: Whitlock

Since I have so many Brian's in my life, I have dubbed this Brian "Whitlock". What can I say about Whitlock ... he is a really gifted organizer. I've been amazed as I've watched him work on both this team and the Rezonate team. His real day job has him wheeling and dealing with some very big businesses and he is far more talented than I ever imagined. Not only that, he's a genuinely nice guy. Very kind, A Real Giver, Good Cook (thankfully since he's our cook this year). He has volunteered to cook for 150 people at a homeless shelter - not just once a week, but every day. Takes Initiative, Is fun to pick on, Has a great sense of humor. And just can't seem to take a good pic - the first pic I took he was saying something and it came out looking like he was blowing a kiss -- and in this one he has his eyes shut. Oh well, sorry Whitlock. (He may kill me for this)


How many years have you gone to the Rez with us?

This will be my first year.

What is something specific people can pray for you about?

Be more obedient to God!

Why do you want to go on this trip?

I live to serve other's and I love to cook, I want to use what God has blessed me with to help other's. I see this mission trip having two missions for me personally, the first is helping and building a relationship with the Pine Ridge people, the second is to serve the Pine Ridge Mission team.

Meet the Crew: Cathy

Cathy is Compassionate, Compassionate, Compassionate, Dependable, Willing to Step out of her comfort zone and try things that scare her, Courageous. Hard worker. Always puts others ahead of herself - unless she has to pee.

How many years have you gone to the rez with us?

This will be my 5th year

What is something specific people can pray for you about?

Health and that God will prepare me to handle the situations that arise while we are there.

What is it about the trips that have changed you and make you want to go back?

I appreciate the things I have more and the opportunities in the place were I live. The thing that keeps me going back is the relationships with Barry, Shelly and the people that have been build. The looks on the kids faces when they see you have come back and know you love them is priceless. You really do feel like its going home to visit family and friends. They are beautiful people.

Meet the Crew: Mark

About Mark:

The first thing people notice about Mark is his physical strength but I've come to see someone who has a heart as big if not bigger than he is. Mark is
very compassionate, Loves Deeply, Hard-working, Willing to do whatever it takes. Great with kids. Fun to pick on. Dependable.

How many years have you gone to the Rez with us?

This will be my first year.



What is something specific people can pray for you about?

Spiritual strength and health. I’ve been in a battle with a broken wrist for 9 months.

Why do you want to go on the trip?

I feel like God wants me to go on the trip. I haven’t quite figured out why, but I have always had a big heart for those in need and love cures many things.

Meet the Crew: Josh

About Josh:
Oh man, what to say .... I love this guy. He's like one of my own. Josh is always willing to help out with anything that needs doing. He sees opportunities to help out before anyone can ask and just does it. Hard worker, Funny, Fun to pick on. Takes it very well when people freeze his underwear. Servant's heart.


How many years have you gone to the Rez with us?

I have gone to Pine Ridge every year, so what is that...5? wow!!!




What is something specific people can pray for you about?
People can pray for my energy...I will just be getting back from a 3 week long trip to Greece and we're always running in Pine Ridge.

What is it about the trip that has changed you and makes you want to go back?

Two words: THE KIDS!!!!!

Meet the Crew: Amber

I wasn't going to include myself in this but I've been reminded that if I'm going to do this to the crew that I'd better be willing too.

How many years have you gone to the Rez?

This will be my 5th year being a team coordinator. I first went to the Rez with a church in Indiana and have been a couple of times on my own without a crew.

What is the thing about it that has changed you and made you want to go back?

I grew up in a church in Indiana that was very mission-minded and then attended Anderson College which also offered mission trips several times a year. I finally got to go on my first mission trip back in the early 90's. Seeing how other people in other parts of the world live always changes you ... it breaks your heart and you are just never the same. It becomes harder to justify spending lots of money on yourself - not that there is anything wrong with that, but you learn that there is more joy in giving to someone else in need than in spending it on self.

I also have never been able to find a way around the passage of scripture in Matt. 25 where Jesus has some strong things to say about how we treat the poor. I take it that he meant exactly what he said and so I figure its a good idea for me to be involved in helping the poor. In doing that, I've learned that I have a lot to learn - they often have a better handle on spiritual matters than I do and I am usually the one that is "helped".

I also wanted for our church to become more mission minded and creating opportunities for people to experience a mission trip is the best way I know of to do that. I think it is vital to the health of the church to be reaching out to people who are different than us and who have been given less in this life than we have. That kind of experience makes us better people and makes the church a better church.

What is something specific people can pray for you about?

Pray that I will be obedient to Jesus and have a good attitude. I am not the best person for this job of organizing mission trips but I am willing to do it because I feel it is important and because I know its not about "me" being comfortable in the position I am in. Leading these trips challenges me in every area of weakness that I have and I don't always handle it well.

Team Member Spotlight: Brandon

I have decided to spotlight each team member and post a bit about them on the blog so that people can see who is going, give them a chance to share something about their experience with the mission trips, and let folks know how they can be praying for each individual team member.

I get to start with Brandon simply because he got his stuff in first - which is a first, I think. Just kidding ya Brandon.

Brandon is easy for me to write about because I've known him his whole life. He is the same age as my youngest son and I have come to consider him as one of my own. There is not a lot I wouldn't do for this guy.

Everyone who knows Brandon is very familiar with his winning personality. Honestly, to know him is to love him. He's friendly, funny, very talented (my rock star), and has come to love God with all his heart. Is he perfect? Nope, but I must say that I'm impressed with what I see in him as I've watched his relationship with Jesus develop into an honest, real, and increasingly meaningful relationship that is very evident to those around him. I am very proud to call him "my other son".




While his personality is the thing that probably stands out the most about him, something people may not immediately realize is that Brandon is a deep thinker, especially when it comes to spiritual matters. I've been amazed at his wisdom on more than one occasion. I am also impressed with Brandon's ability to bond with the kids at Pine Ridge. I've watched him grow closer to some of the kids there over the years and have seen that he is indeed having an impact on them for Christ. Last year especially Brandon was able to develop some friendships with a few of the boys on the rez that he will be able to build on in the future.


How many years have you been going to the Rez with us?

I've been 3 times to the rez.

What is it about these trips that has changed you and made you want to keep going back?


The reason I really wanna go back is because of the friendships I formed. I wanna keep those going and hopefully bring God into some peoples life.



What is something specific that people can pray for you about?

Something people can pray for me about is the cost of the trip.






















* This spotlight isn't intended to be a plea for sponsors and Brandon certianly didn't ask me to mention this, but if you would like to sponsor Brandon I'm sure he would be very appreciative.