Every summer since 2012 Lakota Hope Ministries have sponsored special events called Night Of Another Hope (N.O.A.H.) at Lakota Hope Center in Whiteclay. Years ago they observed that native artists and crafters sought out visiting mission groups and work teams in an attempt to sell their items to raise much-needed income. There is a main ‘season’ – from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day Weekend – each year. They also noticed that many in the mission groups/work teams desired to meet locals and their families and purchase items as gifts and souvenirs. So… they decided to bring these two groups together. They are all about bringing people together – to share, to laugh, to cry, to pray – to relate. Each N.O.A.H. begins about 6:00 pm with artists/crafters setting up under The Arbor selling. They serve all who come a typical summertime cookout meal (hot dogs, chips, baked beans, watermelon, cookies and drinks) at no cost. Groups of visitors come from a number of partnering ministries, as well as, the Risen Warriors/street people of Whiteclay and the public. Sometimes they host over 300 folks! There is A LOT of interaction going on. A praise and worship time is held – often with visiting musicians/singers – followed by a brief testimony or message brought by a Lakota follower of Yeshua/Jesus Christ. The evenings end with most all in attendance coming together under The Arbor attempting to move as one in a community social or ’round dance’. It’s awesome – millionaires and street people and everyone in between – holding hands, looking at (noticing) each other and praising God. The ‘reward’ of participating in one of these nights is really watching Holy Spirit move in ways we haven’t planned. Little prayer groups here, an artist/crafter teaching visiting youth their creative skills, a Frisbee or nerf football exchange going on over there… and on and on. Individuals, church groups or others interested in sponsoring one of these special gatherings can do so with a $300 donation. This fee covers the cost of the community meal and small monetary gifts to the Lakota participants who share in testimony and/or musical talents. Please visit www.lakotahope.org for more information.