First Dakotas Women Participate in Native American Women 4 Jesus Conference

By Sarah Mouw

Over the past couple years, I have had the privilege to attend a Christian conference geared toward Native American Women here in the Black Hills. I am not native myself, but my husband and I live and serve on Pine Ridge Reservation, opening the door for me to attend with our church ladies. It was always such an encouraging conference!

After many years of organizing and sponsoring the event, the sponsoring church from Virginia had announced that they could no longer do it, but they desired to see more local & native churches continue the conference.  A small group of believers met to plan how we could keep the event alive. With financial help from SBC churches and the Dakota Baptist Convention, we were able to plan and lead the Native Women 4 Jesus Conference.

This September, nearly sixty women came from Nebraska, South Dakota, & North Dakota to the Black Hills to attend the 2-night conference. The theme was “The Called Out Ones”, as we are called out of darkness, into his marvelous light. The main speaker, Alfie Goombi, was once a NAMB missionary with her late husband to the Omaha and Winnebago tribes. Alfie encouraged the believers to stay strong in our faith in Jesus and did a phenomenal job. Other speakers included Ruth Clevenger, Melanie Hutchinson, and Pastor Jason Hutchinson teaching how to deal with anxiety, Assurance of your salvation, and sharing the gospel with others.

Everyone left the conference encouraged, refreshed and excited. Many women returned home with a fresh commitment to the Lord. One lady even left as a new creation in Christ. We are already looking forward to next year!