SIM Staff Picnic- and Star Quilting

Last week Society of Indian Missions had a staff picnic following the annual board meeting.

We were delighted to have some time again with our old friends Ward and Naomi French who make their home now practically next door to Crystal in Missouri.

Ward and Naomi both have spent years serving native American missions in South Dakota, New Mexico, Arizona, and who knows where else.

SIM honored Ward this year for his many years of service with SIM, more recently as a board member.

Nathan Becker, another board member, with Tovie Blackcalf, newest board member and Naomi's son, 

took part in the presentation of a beautiful star quilt. 

It was one of the happiest times in Naomi's life, I do believe, to see her own son take up the mantle of serving native American ministry for Christ as a board member.

Of course, Ward did not want to wear the quilt alone!

Naomi joins him under the quilt with their son. It's a great step forward to have a native American included on the SIM board.

Marsha Turner, who lost her first husband a while back and is now happily remarried, was honored next for 20 years of service with SIM. She is stepping down this year.

Judy Sherman was presented next with a star quilt by her daughter Tasbah, wife of President Keith Lavery, and Melodie Sankey, wife of board member and staff pastor Marc Sankey.  

 

It was a beautiful ending to a full day of board meeting. 

Jonathan and I met with the board for the first time that day. We couldn't ask for a more supportive and kind board, considering my situation with this cancer which is certain to affect our ministry here, especially timing of many things. Satan wishes it for bad, but God will work it all for good according to His good promises.

The staff picnic took place by the Missouri River. I loved the American flag and South Dakota state flag in the background.

 

Jonathan and I got a photo by this old cabin nearby.