Pine Ridge, South Dakota
BACKGROUND: TCP has sent and supported a mission team to Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota since 2014. Our team went in April of 2019, to the Pine Ridge Retreat Center and hosted two Mission Teams while the Retreat Center Pastor/Host was out of town for meetings. A typical trip usually includes approximately 10-13 people.
MISSION: To be in Christian service, responding to the local needs as identified by our ministerial host on the Reservation will benefit our Native American brothers and sisters. In the past these needs have included light construction and repairs to housing and community buildings and daily interaction with local children. Team members will benefit from these interactions and other cultural and historical education opportunities.
RESULTS OF THE FELLOWSHIP TRIP TO PINE RIDGE: Native Americans have experienced mission teams as Christianity in action, helping them to have hope in a better future. Participants in this mission have been blessed in numerous ways resulting in personal Christian growth, deeper fellowship with team members, building relationships with Lakota people, and renewed commitment to their local churches.
If you have a mission you would like TCP to consider giving its support please contact Linda Dickinson and ask for the Trinity Church Mission Funding Request form below.
DEMOGRAPHICS: Pine Ridge Lakota Native American Reservation is one of the poorest counties in the United States. Approximately 80% of residents are unemployed (versus less than the average of 8% for the rest of the country). Population estimates of the reservation range from 28,000 to 40,000. 49% of the residents live below the Federal poverty level (61% under the age of 18). Per capita income in Shannon (Oglala) County is $6,286. The Infant Mortality rate is 5 times higher than the national average. Native American amputation rates due to diabetes are 3 to 4 times higher than the national average. Death rate due to diabetes is 3 times higher than the national average. Life Expectancy is estimated to be 48 for males and 52 for females.
Interested in being a Member of the Pine Ridge Mission Team? The mission of our team is to be in Christian service by responding to the local Lakota needs as identified by our ministerial host on the reservation that will benefit our Native American brothers and sisters. In the past these needs have included light construction and repairs to housing and community buildings and daily interaction with local children. Additionally, the team has the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Lakota culture through visits to historical sites, local artisans, and speakers.
If interested, please contact pastor David, heild@me.com, for more information.