P.O. Box 170, Eagle Butte, SD 57625
(605) 964-3617 (Office) / (605) 891-1704 (Pastor’s Cell)
September 11, 2013
Dear Friends,
I am very sorry to have taken so long with this recent newsletter. So much has been going on up here that I have scarcely had time to write about it all!
Summertime in Eagle Butte is absolutely beautiful. We have had good rain lately, and all the crops have taken advantage of this opportunity to grow tall and strong. The sunsets were breathtaking, as they gave off the appearance of a rainbow that had laid down on the horizon for a nap. And of course, as always, the fourth of July was celebrated in grand style. It gives one a real feeling of peace, to look out on an endless field of grass, gently wafting in the breeze, or on a field of sunflowers, their faces turned to meet the dawn. I love this place!
Vacation Bible School comes to the Reservation
Vacation Bible School is always a joy here on the reservation, as those who teach it know that some of the children present will be hearing about Jesus for the very first time. Likewise, some stories about Noah, the Garden of Eden, and Daniel in the Lions’ Den-stories that are commonplace to many parts of the country-are fresh and new to some of these children. But Vacation Bible School presents unique challenges here, as well. The Cheyenne River reservation consists of 13 small settlements spread over 9,000 square miles. Many of the people who live here stay in remote locations, that are difficult to reach with traditional Vacation Bible Schools. 
Some of these communities had not had any sort of VBS in a very long time. In fact, some of them were unaccustomed to the idea of anything happening in them at all! When I went to the community of Iron Lightning, for example, I asked a man where the community center was, and told him what I wanted it for. His response was very enlightening: “You’ve got to be putting me on! Nobody ever does anything in Iron Lightning! Ever!” Needless to say, his children were in VBS the following week.
If you will look at the photo directly above these paragraphs, you will see one of the most precious moments of VBS this year. After a week of assorted games, songs, and stories from the Bible, The group from Sevier Heights asked the children of Red Scaffold to sit down on the floor in groups of about 2 or 3 each. Then one of the youth of Sevier Heights sat in each group and shared the gospel with them while the adults prayed. The children listened closely to everything the young adults had to say, and I rejoice to know that Christ was glorified on that day!
Those of you who are familiar with Windswept Academy, our local Christian school, know that one of their most persistent problems has been a lack of space (a good problem to have, but a problem nonetheless). Last year, they were absolutely full, with 42 students, and had to turn many children away because they could not legally have any more people in the building. Because of this, Windswept has made it a priority to find ways to expand, and this summer they received some much-needed help. Covenant Baptist Church Maryville, Tennessee, and First Baptist Church of Del Mont, West Virginia worked in conjunction with one another to come down for a week and build on to Windswept Academy.
In the above pictures, you may see some of the fruits of their labors. What was once our school cafeteria is now a brand new classroom. What was once an abandoned garage is now a new library. Doorways have been added to the school to make for better transitions between classes, and classrooms have been expanded. Overall, this makes our local Christian School capable of educating 56 students-a 33% increase from last year! I can’t wait to start teaching chapel to the students, both old and new!
An Army of Evangelists
Gospel Light Baptist Church of North Carolina arrived near the end of the summer, and performed a missions activity that was absolutely indispensible. Forming groups of two or three, they went from house to house in the community, inviting the people to church and the children to Sunday School! Whole neighborhoods were canvassed, and a positive witness was made to the community for Christ. With the right follow-up from our church, This could prove to e invaluable in the future.
Christians Linked Across Many Miles
David Platt, famed theologian and Christian speaker, hosted a simulcast this month on the topic of the persecuted church. He broadcast from Israel, and sent his signal all over the world. Due to the marvels of the internet, First Baptist Church was able to participate in this great teaching session, free of charge. It was a beautiful evening.
New Developments for Off-the-Wall; Big Ones
As part of our Off-the-Wall ministry, our primary goal has been to give the young men and women of the community something to do on Friday nights, within a safe, Christian context. Our commitment to this remains the same. However, we have also been increasingly looking to share the Gospel with them in a more direct fashion. Our latest attempt at doing this is the brainchild of our own Clint Holley, and has enjoyed some real success.
Every week, we serve food at the church to the young people of Off-the-Wall. Clint made a new rule, whereby the food would only be available for half an hour. So instead of nibbling on food continuously throughout the night, they gathered together and sat down for a meal together. And while they were eating, Clint shared his testimony! No one got up and walked out; how could they? They couldn’t miss out on the food! And with every week that has passed since then, they have become more patient and willing to listen as we share the truths of God with them.
Late this summer, with the help of Gospel Light Baptist Church, we even hosted an Off-the-Wall VBS at the church. For years, we have been doing this ministry, without a single convert. But this week, the most amazing thing happened: SIX YOUNG PEOPLE PRAYED TO RECEIVE CHRIST! WHAT A BLESSING! We cannot wait to see what the future holds for these young people and the others of Eagle Butte.
Plans for the Future
As I have already mentioned, Windswept Academy was expanded this summer, but its expansion is not yet complete. Construction has begun on a new building, which will serve as the school’s new cafeteria/chapel. Construction is set to be completed within the next month, And I am anxious to tell you all about it when it is completed.
So perhaps you are wondering how you can become a partner with us in our ministry here in Eagle Butte? If so, then we are happy to tell you, since we welcome assistance from the body of Christ. Here is what we need the most:
Prayer. It may be true that our church is getting along very well at the moment, and that God is doing great things here. But it is precisely when a church is being used by God that Satan does all in his power to destroy it. So please pray, my brothers and sisters. Pray that our leadership will keep their hearts pure and humble, and that we will live at peace with each other. Pray that we will be protected from the power of the enemy, and that God’s Holy Spirit will shine through in our lives. Pray that the Lakotas in the community will come to know the Lord, and that the commitment they make will not be a superficial group of words, but a real change in their Spirits that will alter the course of their lives for eternity.
E-mail addresses. For those of you who have e-mail addresses, please send them to me. That way, these monthly newsletters can be forwarded to everyone in your church who wants one! Just send your name and e-mail address to me at benfarrar777@hotmail.com, and I’ll make sure you receive this newsletter as often as it comes out.
Financial Assistance. Our church is fortunate to have members who are generous in their giving. But some of our most generous members are, nevertheless, very poor. We have long been blessed with assistance from outside churches and individuals, and we try to use those gifts wisely and well.
Financial gifts were made this month in honor of Claude Grady and Maureen Johnson.
If any one of you wishes to bless the church with a financial gift, you may send it to:
First Baptist Church of Eagle Butte
P.O. Box 170
Eagle Butte, SD 57625
May God bless you all, and draw you closer to Himself each and every day.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Ben Farrar
Pastor
First Baptist Church of Eagle Butte
