Dear Birmingham Baptists,
I recently had the honor of joining Dr. Ric Camp of Ridgecrest Baptist Church, Jason Tipton of NAMB, and a team from Alabama and Georgia to visit three missionary families—the Haddens, Mouws, and Deibles in Porcupine, South Dakota, in the Badlands. These missionaries partner with the North American Mission Board and live on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Originally included within the Great Sioux Reservation territory, Pine Ridge was created by the Act of March 2, 1889, in the southwest corner of South Dakota on the Nebraska border. Today it consists of 3,468.85 square miles of land area and is one of the largest reservations in the United States.
As of 2011, population estimates of the reservation range from 28,000 to 40,000. Numerous enrolled members of the tribe live off the reservation.
80% of residents are unemployed
98% of the residents live below the Federal poverty level
The average per capita income in Oglala Lakota County is $4,000, with an average of 14 people residing per house.
The infant mortality rate is five times higher than the national average.
Native American amputation rates due to diabetes are three to four times higher than the national average.
The death rate due to diabetes is three times higher than the national average.
Teen suicide is four times the national average.
Life expectancy is estimated to be 48 for males and 52 for females.
Thanks to the generosity of mission partners, the missionaries have constructed a vision and dental clinic. The first dentist to work at the new clinic is Dr. Artie Ricaud of Georgia. He is challenging dentists and dental workers to join him in giving time to this worthy endeavor. “While I am fixing teeth, I am making disciples and sharing the love of Christ,” Ricaud shared with our group. If you are interested in connecting medical professionals with this incredible mission opportunity near Badlands National Park, please reach out to me at ChrisC@BMBAOnline.org.
The new clinic has comfortable sleeping quarters for volunteers. “We will work toward a schedule of bringing in teams and building relationships with the Lakota people,” remarked Matt Hadden, director of the ministry. Indeed, we want to help Matt and his team continue to build life-changing relationships with the Native American community in Pine Ridge Reservation. His team has committed many years of their lives to develop trust with the Lakota. “We are looking for medical professionals who may decide to join in our effort and visit us each year,” said Hadden.
With sincere gratitude,
Chris Crain
Executive Director
BMBA