Last fall my wife walked me along the back of our property and with shovel in hand we planted bulbs.  Crocus, daffodil, tulip and iris bulbs were strategically placed and covered for the winter.  Now, there are green shoots everywhere.  Some are just breaking through and others are about an inch high.  It’s exciting because it’s spring!  The days are getting longer, the sun is shining, the temperatures are warming and now the flowers are growing.  I  want it to happen all at once.  Hurry up…it’s spring!

Since I noticed the first green shoots, I’ve gone back several times to check on the progress.  And, the green shoots are still green shoots.  Hurry up!  I want to see the flowers.  I want some color.  I want some definition.  Hurry up, please.  Despite my impatience, nature will take its course and no matter  what my imposed schedule  may be the flowers will bloom when they’re good and ready and not before. 

That principle is true and right.  Whether we like it or not, God has a schedule and we can either accept it or resent it.  In fact, I read this verse and thought of the green shoots…

     “Wait  for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.”                                                                                                       Psalm 27:14 (NLT)

The connotation of the word “wait” is an eager and patient anticipation of the Lord.  In other words, everything is under control (His) and our impatience is not going to change the schedule.  We can be eager and anticipate His plan and … relax! 

When I think of our ministry here at Frontier Missions and the great needs that are everywhere on the reservations, I get anxious and impatient.  I’m tempted to rush ahead of God (if you can imagine) and just get it done.  Green shoots?  Let’s make ‘em bloom by tomorrow!  But, alas they won’t.  You must wait.  You must be strong.  You must trust that God’s schedule is WAY better than yours.  Remember …

    Isaiah 55: 8-9  (NLT)Rick McPherson
Team Leader

So, relax!  Before you know it the green shoots will be beautiful crocus, daffodils, tulips and iris…and our Creator God and Heavenly Father will receive all the glory!

Sincerely,

“If you worry, you didn’t pray. If you pray, don’t worry.”

“ ‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways’, declares the LORD.  ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’ ”

“Change Is Good…You Go First!”

There’s no doubt about it, all of us would like everything to stay the same, all the time, thank you very much.  Changing anything can sometimes be a hassle that we would like to avoid.  However, change is inevitable.  Life is full of it.   Reluctantly, we may accept it but only if involves the other guy.  Some would say, “change is good…you go first!” 

As I write this Annual Report, I am well aware that we have experienced significant changes at Frontier Missions, Inc. in 2007.  The changes in personnel, leadership, procedures and ministry styles have affected all of us.  In order for changes to affect us positively, each of us must embrace the changes and own them.  As I review the past year,  I believe that Frontier Missions has accepted the changes and therefore the days ahead are very bright, indeed.

Two vital aspects of this mission include the ministry review and the financial picture.  They are important because they are inextricably linked.  It takes money to do ministry.  Without margin, ministry is impossible.  The dollars and donations that have been received have enabled us to do the main thing;  tell Native Americans the Good News of Jesus Christ!

In our office we keep a Ministry Log.  Every trip, outreach, and ministry is recorded.  Here’s a  brief summary:

1. Total trips taken:   26
2. Total days involved: 63
3. Total  FMI personnel involved : 77
4. Total  mileage: 21,153
5. Ministry destinations:  Northwest Indian  Bible School, Alberton, MT;    Brunk Furnaces, Salem, OH;  Pine Ridge, SD;  Lapwai, ID;  White Swan, WA;  White Clay, NE;  Celilo, OR;  Chemawa Indian School, Salem, OR;  Heritage Christian School, Hillsboro, OR;  Wolf Point, MT and Tulalip, WA.
6. Products  delivered:  wood-burning furnaces, groceries, building supplies, house-hold goods and appliances, blankets, coats, cleaning supplies, mattresses and box springs, vehicles ( 6 ), home-made scarves and hats,  Christmas gifts and toys  and a couple of chain saws. 
7. People affected by God’s love, acceptance and forgiveness:  unknown, until we get to Heaven!

The coming year is filled with promise and ultimately, more changes.  With God’s help we will continue to “work hand-in-hand with Native Americans!”    “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.  Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”  Matthew 9:37-38 (NLT)

Respectfully submitted,

 
Rick McPherson
President  & CEO

One day, Jesus, told His followers a beautiful trilogy about different people who had all lost things that were very important.   Each of them, when they found what was lost, celebrated.  They really celebrated!   One had lost an animal, another, some jewelry and the last, a son.  The father, whose son returned home after being lost, celebrated most.  He said, “ ‘Quick!  Bring the best robe and put it on him.  Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.  Bring the fattened calf and kill it.  Let’s have a feast and celebrate.  For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.  So they began to celebrate.’”  One translator said, “So, the party began.”  Luke 15:22 (NLT)

The remarkable thing about these stories is that there’s more to them.  It’s not just about lost animals or jewelry or even kids who wander off.  As thrilled as any of us are, when we find lost stuff, albeit keys, wallets, phone numbers or a favorite sweater; it all pales in comparison to what’s really valuable.  In fact, Jesus said when one person, one lost soul, comes and repents to God, the angels in heaven rejoice.  They celebrate.  

As we plan for this New Year, let’s plan to celebrate, too!  Let’s plan and work hard so that Native Americans, will come to know God’s love, acceptance and forgiveness. Let’s reach out to introduce them to a personal and real relationship with Jesus Christ.  Nothing is more important or valuable.   

Because of your faithful prayer and financial support we are able to help Indian children, teenagers, men and women…those who were dead and are now alive…those who were lost and are now found!  Let the party begin!

Sincerely,

Rick McPherson
Team Leader

“Too many Christians are no longer fishers of men, but keepers of the aquarium.”

“Don’t worry about anything;

instead, pray about everything.

Tell God what you need,

and thank Him for all He has done.

If you do this,

you will experience God’s peace,

which is far more wonderful,

than the human mind can understand.

His peace will guard your hearts and minds,

as you live in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6-7