You are the light

Greetings friends,

Joey recently returned from a 7 day visit to the Blackfeet Nation Tribe in Heart Butte, Montana. A life changing experience for the men who served alongside him: Dale Williams, Jon Wade and Steve Mathisen.

We know that Blackfeet Nation and Heart Butte, Montana are newer locations for us having only begun serving them within the last couple of years, so we’d like to give you more insight into this small yet valued community.

Heart Butte is a Blackfeet Village located in northwest Montana:

• Population: 700 (most of us had high schools bigger than that)

• 1 school: Heart Butte School (K-12): 200 students

• 1 small mini store

• 2 gas pumps

• 1 post office

• 2 ½  churches 

• Thousands of acres comprised of plains, hills, lakes and ponds

For such a small community, they have endured incredible heartache since the beginning of 2023:

• 3 murders

• 3 suicides

• Several suicide attempts (many have been by students)

This is in addition to the already difficult conditions:

• Brutal winters

• Unrelenting weather 10 months of the year

• No community activities

• Impoverished conditions

• Generational limitations

• Demonic spirits

• Vivid spiritual darkness. 

We don’t share this to scare you or depress you, but to relay the reality of the conditions here. Remember, there is no place too dark or too far gone that Jesus won’t go.

Naturally, when the mission team arrived, they were greeted by a broken hearted, grieving community. So filled with sorrow from these tragedies, but also from the tough life they already live amongst the far plains and the brutal winters. 

It’s not all bad though. In the midst of this dark stretch, there is a beacon of light - even set on a hill (how wonderfully scriptural) - the Heart Butte School.

Here, the staff and faculty come together to intentionally love and embrace their students; focusing especially on the hurting and wounded. Can you imagine a better mission field today? The JPM mission team was collectively in awe of the professionalism and kindness shown by Heart Butte’s teachers, coaches and staff. They so lovingly and delicately help carry the burdens of this community and their children. 

JPM was able to deliver truckloads of food and supplies (shoes, shelter, meals, clothes, etc.) on our visit. The JPM Mission team loved on this community well. They shared Jesus with these people and led a faith filled example.

We look forward to returning in September for our first “Love One Another” Weekend. We will bless the children and village with a large amount of school supplies and food.

Matthew 5:14-16 says, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Just as the faculty and staff of Heart Butte School are the light in a dark place, you can and should be that where God has placed you. Don't hide and don't let anyone hide you. Remember who you are and whose you are!

Joey has asked that we pray specifically about a vehicle for JPM. We are looking for a 2016-2020 SUV. Thank you for partnering with us in prayer. 

Please pray for continued courage, boldness and elevated faith and hope among the Heart Butte faculty and staff. Pray this spirit of hope would continually infiltrate the students, parents and community. 

Please contact Joey if you would like to know more about Blackfeet Nation, Heart Butte School and this community.

Joey writes, “I pray for you daily and I love you all dearly.”

To God be the glory today and forevermore,

Joey & Cathy