Church of God Effort Seeks to Unite Ministries Serving Native American Tribes
Independent ministries from Tennessee, South Dakota and New Mexico are among the first on board, with plans tied to Easter, Vacation Bible School and Native American Heritage Month.
See where this is ›CLEVELAND, Tenn. —
A new initiative announced Oct. 12 in Cleveland, Tenn., aims to bring together independent Church of God-affiliated organizations that serve Native American tribes and nations across North America, Faith News Network reported.
Church of God General Overseer Gary Lewis said of those already doing the work, “The groups and individuals have made a powerful impact upon dozens of tribes and nations.”
Mark Swank is helping spearhead the effort. According to the report, he envisions a coalition whose members can plan together and promote one another through events and seasonal observances. “We look forward to the development of this coalition,” Swank said.
See where this is ›The first groups on board are Indian Ministries of North America, based in Cleveland, Tenn., and led by Johnny Hughes; Mt. Olive Church of God; Randy Bentley of Lemmon, S.D.; and Southwest Indian Ministries, known as S.W.I.M., of Gallup, N.M., led by Michael Newcomb.
Plans include recognitions in the spring around Easter, a summer emphasis on Vacation Bible Schools and participation in Native American Heritage Month, observed in the United States in November. The report did not list a specific date for a November activity.
