According to Census 2000, there are more than 300,000 people in the Lake Union who identified themselves as American Indian: approximately 40,000 people in Indiana, 73,000 in Illinois, 125,000 in Michigan, and 70,000 in Wisconsin.

Native Ministries was recently established in the Lake Union to facilitate efforts to include the more than 300,000 American Indians in the ministry of the Adventist church. As a member of the North American Division Native Ministry Council, we are able to share funds and resources to help us accomplish this goal.

This past year, two initiatives provided unique opportunities for dialogue and fellowship. In March, the Native Ministry Summit, held at Camp Wagner in Cassopolis, Mich., brought together Indians, and those interested in serving the Indian community, to share, listen, and learn. The weekend summit provided an opportunity to make new contacts and begin the process of addressing needs. In July, we co-sponsored the American Indian Living Camp Meeting in Paha Sapa (Black Hills) of South Dakota. Mary Bukowiec, (Chippewa) of Standish, Mich., provided a tasty gourmet menu designed to reduce the risks of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. James Pego (Chippewa) of Mt. Pleasant, Mich., was one of our musicians who helped lead us in worship. The camp meeting was held at beautiful Flag Mt. Camp, on Castle Creek, deep in the Black Hills Forest—a place dedicated to worship and fellowship.

Upcoming Events:
Native Ministry Summit – March 6-9, 2008
American Indian Living Camp Meeting – July 10-13, 2008

“Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language, and people” (Revelation 14:6 NIV)