Dearest friends,

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2019.

We take this time to say thank you for the many Christmas shoe boxes. This means a lot to many of the families that receive the gifts. Many families only have once a month incomes. After paying for propane and electricity, there are not enough funds for Christmas gifts.

You have brought a lot of joy to many families. Everyone that received a gift said, “Tell them we say thank you. We will put our gifts under the tree until Christmas day.”

Many are single moms, dads, and grandmothers. It is very hard for everyone because there are no opportunities for jobs around here on the reservation. Many don’t have jobs and only find ways to make extra money with their arts and crafts. It’s never enough. But all the shoe boxes were well received!

We traveled from the east side of the reservation to the west side, north and south to deliver the gifts. On the first try, many weren’t home so we tried again and found them home. What was left, we brought to a community gift distribution at the community CAP office. Although we do not believe in a Santa Claus, he was brought in just for the children’s entertainment. However, we told the children that the real reason for Christmas is the birth of Jesus Christ.

This is a great way of reaching out to the people in Porcupine district. We have over 10 Sundances here [pagan Lakota rituals] and most people believe in pagan religious beliefs. By showing the Christmas love, it is melting hearts and opening up the goodness of God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

Hallelujah and Amen! Lots of joyful families and children! When it seemed all was hopeless, there was hope!

Thank you very much Wellspring Church, Connecticut, & Sister Bonnie and Dan, & Kelly.

Love and sincerely,

Mary Young Bear & family

We Love You All Very Much