He Sapa's Native Nativity Program

Thank you to everyone who gave toys, clothes, cash and other gifts for our Native churches’ Christmas outreaches.

Hundreds of Native families were blessed with gifts in South Dakota on the Pine Ridge Reservation, in Rapid Cit, in Eagle Butte, and Pierre.

Pastor Larry Salway of He Sapa New Life Wesleyan Church in Rapid City reported that over 150 braved the extremely cold weather on December 21st to attend their Christmas Celebration and the Native Nativity program, where the children acted out the birth of Christ, Lakota-style.

A holy hush came over the room during “The Drummer Boy” song and presentation, as the chiefs (the wise men) walked in slowly carrying gifts of sweet grass, cedar, burning sage, Pendleton blanket, star quilt, and buffalo robe.  True worship of baby Jesus was felt, and God’s presence was there in a powerful way. Most of the people in attendance come from very traditional Native religious backgrounds.  They heard the message so clearly, and responded very positively.

Following the play, Pastor Larry gave a culturally-relevant presentation of the gospel, speaking on the shepherds who responded to the news of Christ’s birth.  He prayed the sinners’ prayer with them, and gave them the opportunity to surrender their lives to Christ, and allow Christ to hearl their pain.  God’s presence was very real, and no one wanted to move after the closing prayer.

Several responded after the service and said they “got” the message of christ for the first time.  We praise God that they are now attending worship services at He Sapa!