“U.S. SUICIDE RATE SURGES TO A 30-YEAR HIGH” The quote above was a headline of an April 22, 2016 New York Times article by Sabrina Tavernise. The article additionally states:

“American Indians had the sharpest rise of all racial and ethnic groups, with rates rising by 89 percent for women and 38 percent for men.”

“This is part of the larger emerging pattern of evidence of the links between poverty, hopelessness and health, said Robert D. Putnam, a professor of public policy at Harvard.”

Tragically, high suicide rates have historically been a reality here on the Crow Creek Sioux Reservation. Thankfully, we had most recently experienced several years of a lower rate of completed suicides here on the reservation. That is until now. 2016 is off to a terrible start that reflects the national upward trend in suicides. There have been many completed suicides within the community that directly impact many families associated with DWM.

The increase in suicides, and an unusually high number of other deaths within the community, are the primary reasons that this first Diamond Willow Ministries' (DWM) newsletter of the year is late getting to you. Those of us here at the ministry have frankly been overwhelmed the last several months ministering to those hurting family members left behind.

The realities of poverty, hopelessness and health issues that we witness here daily certainly do, as Dr. Putnam states, have a direct impact on our high suicide issues. The many programs of DWM and the relationships that we have formed here with individuals and families directly address these issues in multiple ways. In John 10:10 Jesus Christ says, “The thief cometh not, but to steal, and to kill, and to destroy; I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” The goal of DWM is to hold out this eternal hope and this life “more abundant” and full of promise.

Thank you so much for all your support, whether through prayers, service, donations or financial giving. Times like these are very emotionally, physically and spiritually draining. We could not be here serving, ministering, and uplifting the community without your partnership.

People everywhere may at some time experience suicidal thoughts. We want to take space in this newsletter to remind all you, as a valuable and loved part of our extended DWM family, that if you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out to Jesus Christ, the local church family, mental and behavioral health professionals, family, and friends.

There is also a Crisis Text Line, inspired be teenagers’ propensity for texting, but open to people of all ages, that provides free assistance to anyone who texts “help” to 741-741.

If one prefers to talk on the phone, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

May 2016 , (Vol. XV, No. 1)

PO Box 438 Office: (605) 245-2685

Fort Thompson, SD 57339 Website: www.d-w-m.org

E-mail: info@d-w-m.org

“Serving one another in love” — Galatians 5:13

“Where there is no vision, the people perish...” - Proverbs 29:18

Page 2

CORE PRINCIPLES It is always good to remember and reflect upon where you come from and remember one’s principles and values. At DWM, these principles are all firmly based upon the Bible. The staff routinely reviews the Vision Statement which remains highly relevant and provides a basis from which to make organizational and ministry decisions. The statement is:

The vision of Diamond Willow Ministries is to bring the freedom and peace offered only in Jesus Christ to the Native American Community, becoming a source of light and an example for other communities to follow, ultimately bringing this freedom and peace to surrounding communities and the world beyond.

Much of what happens here at the ministry takes place outside of the Ikce Oyate Christian Center. Such is the case with the annual guy’s hike along the Missouri river. This year 27 went on the physically challenging hike and did devotional studies along the way on 1 Corinthians 16: 13&14, “Be on your guard; stand frim in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.” One of the young men was even baptized in the river along the way. The great outdoors is God’s great classroom for learning spiritual and character building principles.

STRATEGIC PLAN Additionally, the ministry has been praying, evaluating, strategizing and planning on how to best and most impactfully demonstrate, teach and infuse the transforming love and hope of Jesus Christ within the communities of the Crow Creek Sioux Reservation. A major part of this process is what is commonly termed “strategic planning”. We formally began this process this spring and will be continuing it throughout the summer. We are prayerfully considering the outcomes desired, the resources available, and then “how do we get there from here”.

Bringing the hope of Christ and discipling are our main focus. With this in mind, following are four intentional specific areas of concentration that have come out of our recent plan-ning sessions.

A spiritually, emotionally, and physically healthy and safe community; living in peace and harmony with God and each other.

Christian leaders serving in the church, government, and community; modeling biblical principles to influence positive change.

Thriving families; nurturing, providing, and training based upon biblical principles.

Youth recognizing and knowing that they are loved and valued; living with purpose and hope, and leading our community to a better and brighter future.

Page 3 PRAYER & PRAISE POINTS That through all that we do whether through an “official” program or through personal contact,

that above all Jesus Christ is glorified.

Comfort for the families and friends of those that have lost a loved one to suicide and that hope will replace hopelessness and that the suicides will cease.

As our opportunities to share Christ have increased, so has staff size and expenses. Ongoing regular financial support and special financial gifts are greatly needed and appreciated.

Some TYC youth proudly show their medals awarded for physical fitness accomplishments for the week.

TOKATA YOUTH CENTER UPDATE

It has already been over a year since DWM began operating the Tokata Youth Center (TYC) here

in Fort Thompson. The outreach to the youth has been tremendous, with more than 200 youth at-

tending TYC programming during the past 17 months. There continues to be much excitement

with this new endeavor, as well as some challenges.

It has been exhilarating to watch the dramatic changes happening in the youth who are regularly attending the TYC. The consistent growth of Christ-like character in the youth is exciting to expe-rience. Without a doubt, this generation of young men and women are already making a positive impact in our community.

All of these exciting changes have not come without a few challenges. DWM is no longer able to

utilize the building facility we were originally occupying for the TYC. This has been one of our

major trials. However, we have been blessed that the Crow Creek Sioux Tribal Council has al-

lowed us use of a tribally owned building in the center of Fort Thompson for the TYC programs.

The Big Eagle family has also graciously donated the use of another building to store TYC equip-

ment and supplies and to use as the cook site for the after-school snack and evening meal.

Please keep this TYC outreach in prayer as we consider future housing and programming options.

CROW CREEK SIOUX RESERVATION

PO Box 438

Fort Thompson

South Dakota 57339

Office:

(605)245-2685

E-mail:

info@d-w-m.org

Website:

www.d-w-m.org

Toksa Ake As we close out this newsletter with a hearty “toksa ake” (See you later!), we’d like to brag a little about one of the young ladies who is active in all of the onsite DWM programs such as Sunday school, and Bible studies, as well as the daily programming at the Tokata Youth Center. At the close of the Crow Creek Tribal School year, Shea, a kindergartener, received awards for Perfect Attendance, High Achievement, Physical Fitness, Overall Student of the Year, and the 2016 Crow Creek Sioux Tribal Schools Tiny Tot Pow Wow Princess. Shea is a wonderful example of a young person developing all the skills to be a leader within the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe. Her father certainly does his best to make sure that Shea takes full advantage of the spiritual and character building programs offered by the ministry. It is so exciting and rewarding to be able to come alongside a family and make such an impact. Thank you for your support in helping individuals, families, and this ministry, raise up a generation filled with hope and peace, as well as the skills to dream big and succeed. While at the Tokata Youth Center, Shea holds up a poster she made from memory of a Bible passage she likes. Shea proudly and confidently stated that Isaiah 35:4 tells her that, “I can be strong and not fear because God is with me!” This is some Good News to close out this newsletter!

Diamond Willow Ministries is seeking

sponsorships for youth to attend

Cantemawaste Christian Camp

The youth on the reservation battle many things daily—poverty, bullying, drug and alcohol related issues. We offer the Cantemawaste Christian Camps each summer as an avenue for youth to hear the hope and peace they can find in Jesus. The youth build their confidence in God. They begin to see who they are in Christ, created uniquely and special in His sight. These summer camps expand our reach to new youth each year. It is an eye-opening and life-changing experience!

Would you consider being a camp sponsor and help impact the life of a Native American Youth?

A contribution of $125.00 will cover the costs of camp for a child this summer.

Make checks payable to DWM and mail to DWM; PO Box 438; Ft. Thompson, SD 57339.

You may also give on line at www.d-w-m.org. Go to the “You Can Help” tab in the left hand column. Complete

the entry. In the comment section indicate “Camp”.