Project Overview:
The Wind River Reservation is home to the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes, traditional enemies before their forced placement together in 1878. The thinly disguised dislike that the two tribes still have for each other is still evident. Old feuds are never allowed to die; the hurt from old injuries and slights is not allowed to heal. The nurturing of bitterness and unforgiveness typifies one of the largest hurdles to a peaceful life for Natives anywhere.

Natives have lived hundreds of years with a traditional belief system. When Jesus was finally introduced, He was clouded by harshness and demands to conform to societal standards. Lack of trust laid a foundation that misrepresented the God of Christianity as a harsh taskmaster. Traditional belief systems and practices were discouraged, leaving the Native peoples without any spiritual direction. That spirit of aimlessness has only increased since.

Adrift without a moral compass, kids are easy prey for an enemy who eagerly tempts and leads them to destruction and death. Suicide becomes an option to young people who believe the enemy’s lies and embrace the hopelessness he sells them. Families break up, and young teens are having kids of their own. Alcohol and drug abuse is widespread.

Ministry Description:
You can help the local Body of Christ wage war on the relentless enemy who has wrecked the lives of so many of the Shoshone and Arapaho people. We have a special strength on the Wind River Reservation—the people with whom we partner. These ministers understand spiritual warfare. They can help your team to make a difference in someone’s life. Maybe not many people; maybe only one. But, didn’t Jesus tell us to make disciples? Why shouldn’t our ministry look more like His?

Your team might work in several areas of the rez, doing children’s ministry and neighborhood prayer walks. You might also do a few work projects at one of the churches. But mostly, you’ll hang out with and disciple teen believers to whom you are directed by our ministry partners. A kick-off event like a teen feed (hotdogs and burgers) with our partner churches will give you the opportunity to meet and make friends.

As you pour yourselves into relational ministry, discipleship will be your main purpose. You’ll do fun things with new friends, activities planned to offer you opportunities to build meaningful relationships. You might hike in the canyon, play hacky sack in the park, or just spend time talking. The team always learns a lot from the locals. In turn, the team gives a ton of encouragement and a better understanding of what the Father asks of us and how we can live that out.

Last year, an AIM team hosted an appreciation dinner for pastors and their wives, a huge blessing to these faithful servants. Teams have also planned a dinner for local women complete with fun activities, songs, crafts, testimonies, prayer, and encouragement to make them feel special and appreciated.