Introduction

Several years ago, I became aware of the challenge faced by many who live on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. I was so moved by the plight of these people within our country's borders that I knew I needed to learn more and take action to make a difference. While looking at the bigger picture, it was quite easy to become overwhelmed. Hopelessness reigned supreme. Poverty was widespread and indescribable. Abuses of alcohol and drugs touched nearly every family, making children the innocent victims of the irresponsible behavior of adults. Gambling addictions robbed families of the means to sustain life. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

As a missionary, I’ve been to third-world countries and witnessed hunger, despair, poverty, disease, and death. While it’s difficult to compare one people group with another, it’s hard not to identify the Reservation as ranking among the most impoverished in the Western hemisphere. I’ve been driven to do something, at least to increase awareness of those who have been heinously victimized by the enemy of our souls.

After looking closely at the lifestyle, culture, social issues, and programs available on the Reservation, I’ve come to the conclusion that the root of the problem is spiritual, which makes the solution impossible to realize without the individual hearts of men, women, and children learning to live with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as their driving life-force. Without Him, hopelessness, which leads to unprecedented abuse of every kind, is free to reign supreme. With Him, however, there is freedom to rise above the lifestyle that has oppressed these people for generations.

Teen suicides have increased to new heights. Within the first four months of 2015 (the date this was written), more than 200 teens attempted suicide; we are aware of at least 15 who succeeded. This should tell us it’s time to stop watching from the outside and get involved in rescue efforts for those who are hurting and dying, for those who are innocent victims of all forms of abuse, and for those who are willing to rise up as leaders among their own people. Those of us who know Jesus Christ as Savior and understand the power of the Cross have an obligation to reach out to those who have either not heard the message or have rejected it in favor of the challenge it presents to the cyclical lifestyle of poverty and abuse. To be honest, nothing can take the place of the message of salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. There is no other agent, belief, ritual, counsel, or influence that can match the power of the Risen Christ to effectuate change in an individual and ultimately an entire people group. The time to remain on the sidelines is over. We need to get down and dirty in ministry. Radical. Persistent. Passionate.

It’s time to prove our devotion to Christ by showing our love for our fellow man. While it’s difficult to think of a region within our own borders plagued by so many issues, the Reservation is a nation within a nation, with its own social issues passed down from one generation to the next. Until the cycle is broken by the blood of Jesus, the conditions will continue to deteriorate, lives will continue to be surrendered to suicide, murder, hatred, and abuse of every nature.

"There were those who dwelt in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in misery and chains, because they had rebelled against the words of God and spurned the counsel of the Most High. Therefore, He humbled their heart with labor; they stumbled, and there was none to help. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble; He saved them out of their distress. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and broke their bands apart.” (Ps 107:10-14 NASB)

There is help. There is hope. There is victory. His name is Jesus!

Jan Ross, President
Heart of God International Ministries

Foreword

Sarah is a fictional Native American teen living in a situation that is not uncommon on the Reservation. Sexual abuse, rape, and incest have been proven to be the driving factors behind many, if not all, recent teen suicides. Alcohol and drug abuse in families exacerbates the problem and contributes to widespread poverty. Compulsive gambling is just another layer of abuse, robbing families of the means to put food on the table, provide adequate housing, and support for the children. Add to this the anger and unleashed hatred that leads to gangs and fights, murders and crimes, leaving little for today’s youth to look forward to as they become young adults. Unless the cycle is broken, it will only grow worse. For most of us, this is difficult to comprehend. You won’t even find statistics this alarming in our overcrowded slums and inner cities.

While Sarah’s story may sound familiar to some, it is purely fictional. The failure of the legal system and family members to protect their youth is largely to blame. Secular programs putting Band-Aids on the root of the abscess will only mask the infection, allowing it to continue to fester and grow deeper, eating away at any healthy family units trying to survive on the Reservation. Change is long overdue, but will only come when we, the Body of Christ, come together with one mind and in one accord to minister the love and healing only found in a relationship with the Lord through His Word.

Sarah’s Diary

Inscribed inside the front cover:

I got this diary for Christmas from Mom. As her middle child, life hasn’t been easy. I want to write about my life and hope to put into words what it's really like. My soul is ravaged. It’s not a pretty picture. I hate labels, but I am a victim trying to find a way to survive. I will do my best to write as often as I can, if I can find the words to express what it is like to live in my skin.

- Sarah