I just finished reading your short story and small follow-up piece in the Current Issue of the Guide Post Magazine, titled REMADE. My wife who is much more of a Guidepost reader brought your story to my attention. It was quite timely and may have a direct connection to my Subject title. A friend of mine who works with me at the American Red Cross in Cincinnati, Ohio spent several weeks at Pine Ridge Reservation last summer and I followed her trip through a blog she maintained. When she returned we talked about her trip and she mentioned she had thought about returning again this fall. She immediately inquired if I would be interested in going as well. I jumped at the opportunity for several reasons that aren't necessary to explain at this point. We decided on a date to go which was to be November 18-24 2009. We bought our tickets and made plans to stay with a family on the reservation that she had stayed with earlier. November 18th arrived and we both were rushing to get our Red Cross work done so we could leave from the Dayton Ohio airport that night at 7:00 pm I had a late afternoon appointment and left Cincinnati in the middle of a rain storm that seemed to get worse as we headed north to Dayton. The closer we got the worse the traffic and rain got so much so that we did not get to the airport until very late and had missed our plane. Boy were we upset, but thought we would just take a flight out today at 7:00 a.m. which we were told was the next available Flight. Unfortunately our tickets had cost 400+ and the airline told us that even though the weather had delayed us we would have to pay a penalty of 500 per ticket. Not being able to afford that we had no other choice, but to put off our trip until later next year some time. My friend Christine’s reaction was Vince there is a REASON we were not suppose to go at this time. I still don’t know the reason, but I can tell you it was that following day my wife brought your article to my attention and what it did was just reinforce my desire to learn more about the Pine Ridge Reservation, the native American having lived there and now living there as well as reinforcing my commitment o getting there next year some time to what I can to help, but also to meet you and your family. Thanks for sharing your story with me and many others. See you next year I promise.

Vince Costello
International Services Director
American Red Cross
Cincinnati Area Chapter

It was a blessing hearing your story. God moves in mysterious ways... He may be planning to do something good for you and for our people here. For a better understanding of our Pine Ridge Rez I hope you will order and read my book. If you would like my phone number, so you can call us when you come to the reservation later on, e-mail Shirlee Evans at: Yes@GodLovesNativeAmericans.org. She will then reply to you with our number. Or you could write to us at: PO Box 1416, Pine Ridge, SD 57770.

Hi Darrell, God is amazing...another nurse that I work with has just connected with a travel company and we are seriously looking into an assignment on a reservation in Arizona. I didn't know she had such a connection until yesterday which was AFTER I read your story...I've worked with her for more than a year and we have never even talked about working on a reservation until now. She called me about this without my prompting!! God is at work in our lives!!Praise him!!!

Praise our Lord for directing you as He appears to be doing.

My husband went out to South Dakota in 2002 to help build a facility on a reservation and ever since we've both felt lead to help in anyway possible. The past couple of months God's really been laying on my heart the need to help Native Americans. And when I read your dream of a building a church on your reservation, in Guidepost, I knew that was what I needed to do/help with. So what can I do to help make that dream a reality for you and your people? My husband and I are youth leaders at our church and we would love to make this a mission project. Would this be possible?
Thank you so much for sharing your story.

It will take an act of God for my dream to come true about building a church here. I appreciate your willingness to help, and to make this a project for your youth group, but we need to walk cautiously. I've seen too many mushroom churches spring up -- young ministers who come on strong, only to dry up and fade away in a short time. I don't want to be asking people for money (and that is what building a church would take), for this must be the Lord's project if it is to work and bless my people's lives. Rose and I are thankful to those like you who are offering to help, but we need to wait for God to move. He can, you know. It never works to push doors open. If you would like to write to us, we can communicate as to what it is you and your husband have in mind. Keep praying for us. Life on the reservation has never been easy, but our Lord remains faithful. I hope you will be able to read my book. It explains much more about our ministry and our lives. Blessings.
[P.O. Box 1416, Pine Ridge, SD 57770.]

I will be in prayer for all of you and that in God's time all things will be revealed. In terms of your church - Matthew 21:22 is a great verse! I will be in contact with you as how we might be able to help in the mean time. My husband was at the Pine Ridge Reservation in Dec 2002 and he still talks about the week he spent there - the need and how much it impacted him.
Thank you and know you, Rose, and your reservation are in our prayers.

I have only skimmed this website after reading your guideposts story, but I already know that I need to do something to help your people. I will be ordering your book and reading the rest of this website in the near future. In the meantime could you let me know your needs and how to best assist you. God is speaking to me!!!

Bright Blessings,
Bev Yingling Griffin,GA

It appears our God has been speaking to your heart. If you would like to send us a letter (P.O. Box 1416, Pine Ridge, SD 57770) we will give you a few hints on how you might help our people. There is a great need all across our land right now, including on the Pine Ridge Rez where there has always been great need.

I am also a registered nurse and I am interested in looking into a temporary/contract travel assignment on a reservation. Do you have any contacts with medical personnel who might be interested in speaking with me?

Thank Our God that You are a child of His. You have been a blessing to the People, and I know that your ancestors look down on you and your GrandfatherS work with great love. I have always been in augh of the Oglala Lakota Sioux. I have read several books about the disgraceful abuse this nation has done to your nation, and all Native Americans, and I feel ashamed. May Our God, and Father bless you and your service to Him, and may your book be an eye-opener to the rest of the United States , and help us understand the terrible things our nations abuse, murder and discrimination, amd unfair treatment has ment to your people, and all other nations.I pray to God that He helps us to learn to love and respect all peoples.
Wishing you and your people, PEACE, PROSPERITY, LOVE, AND HEALING. GOD BLESS, TAKE CARE, AND MANY BLESSINGS!!!!!!

I thank the Lord for people like you who are walking with Him. Prayers are what's keep us going here on the Pine Ridge. We are following the Lord when we pray one for another. We also need to continue to pray for our country. Rose and I do. Yes, the Natives have suffered much down through the years -- and still are. We try to put that behind us, looking to the future. God Bless.

I was forwarded by email your article in The Guide Post from a friend of mine who is a real prayer warrior and a real insperation. She knew that I was from So. Dak. and lived at an Indian School while there.
I almost didn’t read the article but it caught my attention. It has been a long time ago but I do know some of your trials and tribulations. You are doing wonderful minneristing to your own people just keep up the good work the Lord will bless you for it.
People who have never been on a reservation and got to know the people and their problems have a hard time understanding the need for a minister like you.
Everyone needs to go to Wound Knee and visit some of the towns and people on the reservation and find out first hand how the people there exist.

God Bless You
Bobg

I knew a Gilmore family well while attending Brainerd Indian School. I wonder if you are of that family. Paul and Bessie Gilmore were builders and great supporters of the school, highly respected by all. Are you their son? They also had a daughter who was Rose's friend. Thank you for bringing back such precious memories.

Hi Darrell and Rose! What an incredible story. Thank you so much for writing it! I pray God continues to use your words to help your people find the peace, joy, and love of Jesus Christ. God bless you! Diane Ronzino

I praise Jesus for your message. May the Lord's blessing and love shine on you and your family all the days of your lives.

Good morning Darrell and Rose,
I just read your story in Guideposts and was deeply moved. I am always reaffirmed in my faith each time I step foot on Pine Ridge. Knowing the statistics of life on Pine Ridge, it seemed impossible to me that I would encounter hope and a deeply abiding faith there. And yet, that is exactly what I have witnessed each time I have been there. I will be back yet again in April and know that once again I will take away more than I can give while I am there. May God continue to bless you both in your golden years. I look forward to reading your book and learning more of your story. And maybe one day we will meet face to face on Pine Ridge.
Mitakuye oyasin,
Nancy in NH

It sounds as though you have become a wonderful witness to my people here on the Pine Ridge Rez. Although there is yet a spirit of darkness here, God's love continues shining through. Keep us in prayer. If you would like my phone number, e-mail us at: Yes@GodLovesNativeAmericans.org and my co-author will get back to you so that perhaps Rose and I can meet you when you return in April. Until we meet here, there, or in the air...

Doesn't it seem odd to you that the Evil One has worked so very hard to tear down and destroy the Native Peoples? I've often thought that God must have a great purpose for the Nations that Satan doesn't want to see fulfilled. What amazes me is the forgiveness and love that many Native Americans have towards the very people group that oppressed them. It is so very much like the love of God towards us. I pray that God will raise up many mighty men of God , who will be great warriors for Jesus...the Great God Who Walked Among Us. I look forward to reading your book.

We are all children of God, joint heirs with Jesus. He died for all who would come to Him, no matter their race or color. When I at last recognized that myself, my own prejudices left me. God bless you for your love and care for the Native people.

Thank you for your inspirational story in Guideposts Magazine.
I know that the Lord is working through you to help the Native people.
I am looking forward to reading your book & sharing it with my family and friends. God Bless You!

I thank the Lord for people like you who take an interest in my forgotten people. I pray that you, and those you share my book with, will be blessed.

Darrell:
I will be ordering your book for me and several relatives. We are from the Cheyenne River Rez. I will be traveling back there in a couple weeks and if I get the chance would love to meet you and discuss ministry opportunities on Pine Ridge for my church family in Georgia. If you wish to contact me please have Shirlee email me at pothomas@lifesaversoft.com I will give her my cell phone number. May God Bless you abundantly!

Hello Rev. Darrell! We minister to the youth on the Santee Rez in Nebraska- thank you for telling your story and for your years of service! Would love to have you come and be "Grandfather Story Teller" to our kiddos one day! If you're ever in the area, call me! (402) 336-4149
Blessings!

My wife and I had a ministry on the Santee Rez when we were younger, holding revivals in the Waggner and Ft. Thompson areas. Delmer Arrow opened his home to us while we were there so we could hold home services. Thank you for your service with the youth. May God continue to bless your ministry.

Hi Darrell Plenty New Stars:

I too am a veteran. I served in WW II, Korea and Vietnam with the U.S. Air Force. I retired in 1970 and then about a year later the Air Force called me and asked if I'd come back to work for them as a civilian. I accepted the offer and worked for another 18 years until my wife died.
By profession I'm a metrologist. That's a branch of physiscs that nobody knows anything about, but everyone uses it every day. It's the science of measurements. Though I'm retired now I still try to keep up with the new things that are happening in the world of physics. I read your story in Guideposts and I'm positive that I can help you to reach those around you.

Respectfully, Bill

Thank you, Bill, for leaving a message here. The One who is able to help me and my people is the Lord Jesus Christ and Him only. I just pray that you will find a personal relationship with Him -- if you have not already.

I just read you story and do appreciate your openness and love for Jesus. May you always be an inspiration for others, especially those going to and coming back from war.

I thank the good Lord for people like you. God bless you and yours.

Hi Darrell and Rose, I have just read your story in Guidepost and really enjoyed it. I plan on ordering the book. I plan on sending information about my Christian Chalk ART and would like to visit your church next summer and minister to the youth. May God continue to bless you and your ministry. A sister in Christ , Naomia Rogers in the mountains in Western North Carolina

Praise the Lord and thank you for your interest in our ministry here on the Pine Ridge Rez. You would be welcome to come minister to our youth in the summer. (Right now we have lots of snow!) I hope you are able to order the book, for it tells much more than the short story. You will find our mailing address on the "About Us" page, about in the middle.

Dear Rev. Darrell,
I'm a monk living in Orleans, Massachusetts. I read your story in Guideposts and it struck a chord with me. Maybe it was your mention of Mystery a couple of times. I am a poet and Mystery is for me that realm that I see indistinctly but just knowing that it is there, permeating our world is the one of the things that inspires me and gives me hope. I just travelled east by train through Arizona and New Mexico, beautiful land, stark poverty, Native Americans trying to make do. It burned something in my heart. I will pray at our Eucharist for healing in our nation and between our peoples, it seems to me there is a great power available in this healing. Thank you for the witness of your life lived.
yours,
Br. Christopher Swidrak

God does work in mysterious ways and for all of His children. Each of us are special in God's eyes and in our own way. I thank God He loves His own and cares about the things we face each and everyday.

Your story is very touching. We are involved in ministry on the Standing Rock Reservation working mainly with children. Very rewarding ministry. We will try to get your book and pass it on to our Native American friends. Thank you for serving Jesus and sharing the gospel through your story.

Your call to the childrens' ministry there on the Standing Rock Rez is really needed. I know a lot of people there.
God bless you both.

Blessed Darrell, My home church knows that I am going into mission on an Indian reservation -when God leads me!! A friend sent me this guide post and WOW God Bless you, soon so very soon-maybe we can meet! I want to spiritually help those God has put into my heart! I have a small bit of Shawnee in me, but more importantly - being content in life and wanting the eternal salvation goal for all of those in my heart. 4065 Alliance Rd. Ravenna, OHIO 44266 - I would love to help - please send me anything that I can get out to church and family, if possible! I am a prayer warrior, now you and the reservation has faces and names! God's Love from the cross to your hearts!! Thank you for your BOLDNESS!

Thank you for leaving your message. Just make sure your calling to the serve on any reservation comes from the Lord. Many have come in the past to minister, but found it too difficult and soon they were gone. There is much more spiritual darkness here than they had counted on.
Please do keep us in your prayers.

I so enjoyed your story. Really shows what God can do. As one with a lot of Cherokee and Osage ancestry I know about, but did not experience, I still have a heart for the native peoples. Your story confirms to me a prophecy from a part Cherokee minister here in Texas you might see on TV, Kenneth Copeland, that God had purposed to move among the native tribes and to cause a great revival to come to them to bless them and bring them out of the old occultic ways that have held them in bondage for so long. He also said that there would be an apology to the native peoples for the many broken promises and some sort of restoration there. I have heard of that taking place officially in some parts of N. and S. Carolina, and maybe Georgia. (Maybe somebody needsto bring it up in the US Congress too. It's about time!) Your story is about the fourth one I have heard lately from a Native American that shows God is keeping that promise, one former rock musician and drug adict in Canada, one former shaman in New Mexico, another in Oklahoma, and now you. All are acitve in minstry. And why not? Jesus was not a white European, but a Jew who loved and died for ALL of us. Jesus said in Matthew 24:14 that the end of the world would not come until until the gospel of the kingdom was preached to all nations, and I gather a great revival takes place with that. How wonderful to see Him move.

May God bless and lead you. Thank you for your interest in my story. I do hope you will be able to read my book as well. There is much more in the book about our lives. For victory in this life keep in step with the Lord, growing day by day.

Darrell,
I think you will remember us. If I remember right, Marlene and I were your high school senior class sponsors. I was one of your teacher. We are still teaching at Bird Lake Bible Schhoo, Osseo, MI. We now live in Pioneer, OH. I will be 75 in two weeks the Lord willing.
J. C. Hopper sent the Guidepost to us with the article about you. What a wonderful story of the grace and mercy of God. Someome said, We may gave up, but GOD never will give up on us. We are glad to hear that you have been serving the LORD. Wayne and Marlene Edwards .

Oh, my! Thank you for remembering me. It was so good to learn you are all still walking close to the Lord. You certainly played a part in making me what I am today. Wayne, you were always an great example for me of a real man, a godly man, and my favorite teacher. That was a long time ago. I do hope you will be able to get a copy of my book.

Rev. Darrell New Plenty Stars,

I just read your story last night in Guideposts and am enjoying your website. Ever since I can remember, God has given me a heart and am interest in your People and your culture. I am still wondering if someday He will allow me to somehow minister out west.

Thank you so much for sharing your heart and your story. Praise the Lord for what He is doing in and through you and your wife.

Blessings,
Mandi from Pennsylvania

Thank you Mandi for leaving a message here. God bless and help you. Stay true to yourself, your family and your commitment, remaining close to God.

My cousin is in a state correctional insititution for murder. He is proud of his Native American heritage and tries to read and follow the spiritual guides of the Native American through their writings. This does not include God and our Savior Jesus.

I am one of only a couple of people he has any contact (only through letters, as he is in another state). His late mother, my aunt, was my inspiration and rock as I was growing up. The Holy Spirit worked through her to keep me in God's grace. Unfortunately, her son has not chosen this path. Since she has died (after he was incarcerated), I have been stuggling on how to gently guide him. I feel I must do this for her, as they were very close, and I know she prayed and tried and talked to him daily.

His last letter and short phone call was very disturbing. All I can say to discribe it is that his soul was in turmoil. It has been a couple weeks since I have written back, because I was searching, and praying, asking the Lord how I can respond.

Then, I read your story in Guideposts. When Rev. Burchfield told you that your soul was in danger, I had to stop reading for a second. It was as if God was telling me that this was the way to help my cousin.

So, I am sending a printout of your story in Guideposts, and hope to send your book to him, also.

I just wanted to say thank you, and to let you know that I am using your life to help my cousin. I am sure the Lord will be their with my cousin and guide him in understanding your words to help his soul.

Thank you,
Barb

When God's people care and pray in earnest, God moves. So keep on praying for your cousin. Where would I be today if my family and others had not been praying for me? It scares me to even think about it.
Tell your cousin for me that God has a never ending love for him. He also has a plan for him and for everyone of us. Tell him I am going to be praying for him. For you, too, Barb. God bless you both.

It was such a good thing to finally read a story about a Native American in the latest issue of Guideposts magazine. Hopefully that article will shed some light on the plight of those stuck on the reservations in this country, especially those in the Dakotas and southwest. (It would take pages to express how I feel about the covered up parts of history, how the grief and pain of the People is compounded due to the ignore-ance and shunning of that history and what has led to conditions today, etc. One day I hope to join AmeriCorps to do something of help for our country's most forgotten People.)
I plan to order your book and write a review at amazon.com in the near future.
How wonderful that you have found and chosen Christ! What a beautiful story that is!
My 16-year old son was killed in a car crash almost 2 yrs. ago, but I know where he is which really helps. One day we will all meet and have all the time to talk in a much better Place than here. In the meantime, we have to keep doing what we can for God and our fellow human beings. We've just got one shot and can never waste our chances.
May God bless you and your family with the real blessings of life that only He can offer,
Rachel

God Bless you Rachel,
Walk close to the Lord and He will stay close to you. Just think about who He is and what He can done for you...for us all.

Blessing,

Thank you, Mr. New Plenty Stars....
The review for your book has been posted at amazon.com. It was a pleasure to read and review this book.
It has also been good reading through more of your Guestbook entries and seeing how your story has brought some attention to conditions of our country's most forgotten People. I hope more people will begin looking into the true facts of history which goes a long in explaining the living conditions for the Indian people today and then consider at least donating to some of the schools in need, S.W. Indian Relief Council, building homes for the elders or to the legitimate organizations who try to provide help.
I am thankful to say that I will one day meet you and Rose in the Better Place our Father has prepared for us.
In the meantime, God bless you and your family.
A shout-out and Thank You also to you, Ms. Evans. God's finest and most real blessings to you, always.

I read your story in guidepost yesterday. I was also in the army and went to Thiland in 63 or 64 can't remember which,was away from God at the time,but got back into church after I got out of the Army in 1965,I started a gospel music ministry in 98 then had the first of two heart attacks but satan will not win,I'm 64 now have a weak heart(pumping @ 35%, but will continue to serve and sing old country gospel songs as long as God sees fit to leave me here. Keep up the good work

God Bless
William (Bill) Hasty
williamhasty@bellsouth.net

Thank you for your message. God Bless and keep on singing for the Lord. When I'm singing and know people are hurting I just close my eyes and sing to the Lord for them, letting Jesus heal them through my songs. That's how good Jesus is!
God Bless you

My husband died September 12th, 2009. We had been married
12 years. My issue of Guideposts came today and I read
it completely through after I got home from my part-time job.
Your story was very inspiring and has helped me to try and
stop feeling sorry for myself and look at all the good things
the Lord has done for me. My husband was just 71, and a severe
alcoholic, but he was saved in 2000.

Thanks for the inspiration of the article in Guideposts.

Pat

Love God and stay close to Him. The day will come when you will be able to be with your husband once again. Think of him as waiting for you to join him.

May God bless and comfort you,
Darrell New Plenty Stars

May our Jesus truly continue to bless you and Rose. I live in Alabama, if you are ever this way we would love to meet you. We praise God for what He is doing for our Native brothers and sisters. I read your brief story in the Guideposts. Your ministry will be in my prayers. We are good friends and helpers of "The Red Road" It is a ministry of Charles and Siouxsan Robinson. They have just returned from the Rosebud Rez. Maybe you know them.

Charlene,
I believe "The Red Road" you mentioned is a work with Natives who have a drinking problem. I only know that without Jesus there is no real healing or deliverance. I trust the ministry is heavily committed to the Lord. I'm not sure that I know the Robinsons. I do know it was Jesus who delivered me from drink and my sinful life. Thank you for checking out our website. I do hope you will read my book for the whole story.
God bless and keep you,
Darrell New Plenty Stars

Your last name sounds familiar to me. Do you live in the Pine Ridge area? I used to serve on the Tribal Police Force in Shannon County, Batesland District. I pray your husband will finally find victory in the Lord.

Blessings,
Rev. Darrell New Plenty Stars

I read your story in Guideposts. I have even more hope for my husband, Mike, who walked out of our marriage and seems to be so lost right now after serving 20 years in the United States Navy. I pray that Our Lord will save him. I would love to get your book to read and one day pass on to my husband to read. God bless you for writing your book. I thank God for using you as a vessel for your people.

Under His Wing~
Leslie C Runnels Stover