We were so honored that so many dear friends joined us for Indian Life Ministries' annual fundraising banquet, as you've already read about in this newspaper. At the banquet, we gave a ministry report for 2023 that we'd like to share with our readers.

This has been an exciting year for Indian Life Ministries. This past year, ILM enrolled 25 Indigenous believers in Emmaus correspondence discipleship courses, welcomed two new prison letter writers, sent out 72,000 copies of Intertribal Life newspaper, hosted a testimony conference, attended a number of conferences, and worked hard on the official launch of the Council Fire devotional.

Three years ago, the Lord asked us to be intentional about being in relationship with the people He sends us to-and the people He sends to us. We've seen Him do some pretty amazing things. For example, at the Native Youth Conference we help plan, we witnessed more than 50 youth make a decision to follow Jesus! Praise God.

And at the Every Story Matters....Including Yours conference that ILM hosted, 10 people publicly shared their hope stories (testimonies) with all in attendance. "Let the redeemed of the Lord share their story" (Psalm 107:2, NIV).

Our ILM Vision for the Future includes restoring hope, healing and honor within Indigenous communities across North America, through a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

How can restoration happen?

"Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain" (Psalm 127:1).

The Lord will bring it about, but we must be steadfast in prayer, giving of our time, talents and resources, and labor. We must watch and see where the Lord is working, saying YES when He invites us to participate.

The Lord continues to open doors for Indian Life Ministries. As long as He continues, we will continue to say yes.

Our vision for 2024 is to continue producing an award-winning newspaper, complete all three volumes of Council Fire, remain involved with the Native Youth Conference, and prayerfully host another testimony conference.

We trust in faith that God will continue to provide for Indian Life.