The Vision
The “Life Path” Vision:
There are over 500 Native American/First Nations tribes in
North America. As a denomination, we have barely begun outreach to these sovereign Nations within our Nation. Within Indigenous cultures there is a strong pull toward spirituality; many are reaching back to their roots to find their identity and heritage. They often believe that to become a Christian means giving up their culture and their identity, and so they reject what they perceive as “The White Man’s Gospel.” Historically, our government and its representatives have consistently broken treaties and trust with Indigenous Nations. Many atrocities have been endured, often committed in the name of “Christianity.” Why should they now accept the “religion” of these that have not kept their word? Walls of anger, hurt, and mistrust must be broken down and replaced with love, trust, and acceptance to make way for the message of hope. This takes time; this takes humility.Jesus told us to “love our neighbors.” Historically, we have failed to do this with our first neighbors (though we invaded their neighborhood!). It is time to reach out to “love our neighbors.” Work among Native peoples is first of all relational. Relationships take time. There must be commitment for the long haul. We cannot just talk about the love of God, it must be demonstrated, “fleshed out” among them.
By working through our Presbyteries and Churches, MNA’s hope and desire is to be able to point these Native American/First Nations people to the “Life Path.” Only in Christ will they find their true identity and become all that God intended them to be. He will set their feet upon the “life-path” and His face will shine “sun-joy” into their lives.
