On Eagles Wings - Ron Hutchcraft Ministries

Update from Craig Smith (Ojibwe) with Team Canada

Wow, it's hard to believe that the Summer of Hope 2008 is now underway!   After an historic Warrior Leadership Summit and two solid days of boot camp training for our two On Eagles' Wings teams, we launched out for the new rescue opportunities awaiting us.

Both teams (U.S. and Canada) were able to travel together for two days, and early this morning we had to say goodbye to the U.S. team as the roads before us led to two different reservations and communities.  After a total of 1,500 miles, strong headwinds, and fuel gauges that dropped faster than the price of gas going the other way, we finally arrived in our first community, ready to share our stories of hope.  There was anticipation in the air as the team began putting the agenda together for our first night of outreach.  Just before the outreach, we stormed the gates of Heaven, praying for a move of God among this hurting community.  Knowing the battles ahead, prayer is going to be decisive in the many battles for lives we'll be engaging in among so many pain-filled people and places.  Your prayers will be vital as we serve together in this amazing Summer of Hope.

This community was hard hit just two days ago, as one of the local young men, a star athlete and soon to be senior in High School, committed suicide by hanging.  As we were arriving, his funeral service was going on, with many of the community reeling from the shock of another promising life cut short.  If only he had known that hope was on the way.

Our team started strong on our first night, led by veteran team members modeling how we do our outreaches to the first-year team members.  Powerful hope stories were given by Sid (Ojibway), and Sandra (Apache).   Kari (Ojibway) gave a very clear presentation of the Gospel, and the doors to the hearts of many in attendance were opened for further one-on-one conversations that went on long after the outreach had officially ended.  This truly is an amazing team, and after today, we no longer have rookies, only veterans, and they're all stepping up and taking rescue initiatives.

We're already reaping the benefits of an upgraded interview process for potential team members, as we see a team that is spiritually strong, and ready to rescue.  The unity between team members is another encouragement to our leadership team.  I think this Summer of Hope holds great promise for the Kingdom of God.  We're praying that the team will only grow stronger in the Lord, closer to each other, and more aggressive in their rescue opportunities as the month continues.  If that happens, this truly holds the potential of being one of our most impacting Summers of Hope in the 18-year On Eagles' Wings history.  Lord, let it be so!

Thanks for being with us in the journey!

Until next time, my prayer is that you stand faithfully with us as we see God visit these communities with His power, presence, and peace.

Craig, for OEW Team Canada.