The Risen Warriors. Who are they, exactly? These are the men and women who are living on the streets among us. They are strong and it is the special calling of Lakota Hope, a ministry organization in Whiteclay, NE, to raise these men and women up.
One of the mornings in Whiteclay, we had the opportunity to serve these Risen Warriors breakfast. After we served the food, our team stood before them and presernted Christ’s love to them in a powerful drama. They seemed to enjoy it and be moved by it, praise Jesus, and by the end of it they were standing and clapping.
Afterwords, we took time to sit with the warriors and listen to their stories. One man told us about how he wanted a better life. I sat at a table with a couple men who decided to give me a Lakota name, calling me, “Wiyan Waste,” which means, “good woman.” By the end of the morning, everyone had a story and was sharing the impact the Risen Warriors had on us. We set out to impact them and to share God’s love, but in the end I think they have had a bigger impact on us than we ever imagined.
Jesus, I ask for your mercy and blessing to be poured out upon these strong and beautiful men and women. These warriors who are being raised to newness of life in Your name. You know every cry of their heart and hair on their head. You can protect them and provide for them - let us be your vessels, let us be your workers in helping to care for them. God give us a heavenly perspective in this life: an ability to see the value in relationship and your Gospel and the futility in material goods. God grant protection for your beloved warriors this very moment. Amen amen.