One of the most humbling nights of my life

I came back to Mount Pleasant for a few days. Man, this move is crazy. I have no home, I feel like I am roaming from place to place. Point of the story...Last night, Central Michigan's InterVarsity Chapter had their large group, and the topic was "Understanding Native American Culture."

Fred Cantu and his wife came to speak. WHAT A PRIVELEGE!!!! Mr. Cantu is the chief of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, and he gave of his busy schedule to come and talk to a bunch of college students about what God is doing in the tribe. He was so encouraging. He and his wife are strong believers with a heart after the Lord. Fred has only been a Christian for four years and the Lord has placed Him in such a strong area of leadership among the tribe, and he is using that title for kindgom purposes!!!

It is so important for every American to learn about Native Americans. Not the "First Thanksgiving" learning, or what we learn in our text books, to actually spend time in their culture learning from them. They are our history. Period. HOWEVER, the challenge is much more greater to CMU students. Central is located on the reservation, and the tribe influences much of who we are. I was so excited to see this happen last night!

Mr. Cantu shared the hurt that his people have felt because of the white man. He did this not to make us feel bad, or to create a division to but to share that the God that we serve is bigger than relational divides. He is bigger than cultural differences. Our chapter had an opportunity to pray for Mr. Cantu, his wife and the rest of the tribe last night. Before we started praying, we admitted, that we represent, as white "men" the attitudes and bitterness that plagues the tribe. He was gracious, forgiving us in the name of Jesus, and sharing that there is no condemnation is Christ Jesus. We pray for reconciliation between white men and Native Americans. We prayed that we could partner together for kingdom purposes.

I have been praying for this to happen. God has been faithful and has allowed me to see my prayers come to fruition. What a way to end my time at Central Michigan University. Truly, one of the most humbling nights of my life.



http://www.sagchip.org/