For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and your clothed me, I was sick, and you looked after me, I was in prison, and you came to visit me. - Matthew 25:31-40

On March 8 thru 12, the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference Emersion Experience provided insights into its conference proudly sharing traditions, cultures, many languages, and their way of having church. The Rio Texas Conference and the General Conference of the United Methodist Church affirms the sacredness of the Native American people looking to affirm leadership with and within their culture.

Within the Rio Texas Conference exists a small community named Brackettville, population 1,688, located in Kinney County. This is home to Fort Clark Springs where since 1872, Seminole Indian Scouts have remained there. During this time, descendants of other tribes have called this town their own, including the Chief of the Lipan Apaches and his group.

The Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference model integrates traditions and cultures within its churches such as reunions, weddings, burials, medical and social services, outreach, etc. One of the main issues that was brought out at this event was a high degree of distrust fostered historically as the church tried to eliminate their language and culture, which is dehumanizing.

I personally would like to offer my sincere gratitude to the Rio Texas Conference and the office of Abel Vega, Director of Mission, Service, and Justice Ministries, for the opportunity to attend the event.

Written by: Rev. Jose Rene Martinez - He has served as the district Volunteer In Missions Coordinator of the Eastern Conference of the Methodist Church of Mexico and Central America. Martinez currently serves as pastor of Iglesia Metodista Unida La Divina Trinidad in Uvalde, Texas.

Celebrate Native American Ministries Sunday April 23. Native American Ministries Sunday serves to remind United Methodists of the gifts and contributions made by Native Americans to our society. A gap in knowledge exists in The United Methodist Church, in congregations and other United Methodist entities, relative to comprehending concepts of Native American life, cultures, languages, spirit, values, contemporary issues, and such. We affirm the sacredness of American Indian people, their languages, cultures, and gifts to the church and the world.