We will be travelling with other OCMA churches under the leadership of Youth Pastor Rock Chan from OCM Main.  The whole program is run by an experienced organization that has been doing this for many years. 

 

Each church needs to provide 1 adult chaperone per 5 youths.  Therefore if you are an adult interested in spending a wonderful week Spirit filled work vacation, please consider signing up as well. Grace Church’s mission department has a small scholarship budget set aside for anyone interested in going.  The remaining funds need to b e raised by each individual.

 

 

Pine Ridge Reservation Site Two

South Dakota’s Pine Ridge Reservation is surrounded by the panoramic beauty of the Badlands. Rolling hills, forests and river valleys extend throughout this area that is known for some of the state’s finest fishing and hunting. Despite the natural beauty of this community, residents of the reservation are struggling with poverty, unemployment, addiction, health problems and more. Your group will minister to the residents on the reservation through children’s programs and by painting and weatherizing homes.

 

Demographics

The Pine Ridge Reservation is located in southwestern South Dakota on the Nebraska state line and about 50 miles east of the Wyoming border. Pine Ridge is home to the Oglala Lakota Sioux, which has a total tribal membership of 17,775. The reservation’s fascinating history includes the victory at the Battle of Little Big Horn and the devastating massacre at Wounded Knee. Today, the total land area of the reservation is 2.8 million acres, with 1.7 million acres tribally or individually owned. The land is the economic base of the reservation, as the major occupation is cattle ranching and farming. But employment is the exception at Pine Ridge, where the unemployment rate hovers near 85 percent. Pine Ridge is one of the poorest communities in the country, with 97 percent living below the federal poverty level and an average family income of just $3,700 per year. Further struggles in this community include an adolescent suicide rate that is four times the national average, and high rates of alcoholism, heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Despite these struggles, Pine Ridge residents cling to their resilient spirit and cultural pride. Come to Pine Ridge for an eye-opening experience, including opportunities to bless these hurting people with your service and to show the love of Jesus to this community.

About the Ministry

We focus on two primary areas of ministry: children and home improvement. Our work with children consists of a wonderful hands-on afternoon program led by your youth, known as Kids Club. Kids Club offers high-energy games, crafts, skits, songs and interactive lessons all designed to help kids learn about Jesus. Also during the week, your group will have the opportunity to do home improvement. Your group’s willingness to refresh a worn out exterior of a house with a new coat of paint brings real hope and an opportunity to share the love of Christ. Participants will do two days of house painting, and two days of ministry with children, so that everyone has the opportunity to do both. Adult leaders will separate youth into ministry groups, and the youth in your group will be mixed with the youth from other groups for their week of service. We ask that you come with a willing and flexible spirit.

Activities

Evening activities during a YouthWorks week are designed to give participants insight into the lives of local residents and the culture of the area. A list of evening/cultural activities we have done in the past include: go on a scavenger hunt at Wall Drug; go on a hike in the Badlands; take part in a poverty educational experience; attend a community cookout. These are examples of what your group might partake in during your mission week. These examples are subject to change due to weather or availability. In case of change, suitable substitutes will be provided. We try to arrange for free evening activities, but from time to time, an additional cost may be required for an activity. Please plan to bring an additional $10 per person to cover any extra costs. We will confirm the details closer to your trip.

Ministry Week

Groups will be spending two days at Kids Club and two days at work projects.

Mileage

Pine Ridge is located about 100 miles southeast of the Rapid City Airport.

Transportation & Travel

Each group is responsible for transportation to and from the site, and during the mission week. The Pine Ridge Reservation can only accommodate standard 15 passenger vans or smaller.

Additional Information

If you would like more information on what there is to do in South Dakota and surrounding areas before or after your trip, call 1.800.S.DAKOTA, to request a complete summer information kit. You can also visit http://www.travelsd.com for further travel information.

 

 

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