Bethel United Church of Christ youth group takes annual mission work trip to Pine Ridge Indian Reservation

In June, 18 youth and six adults from Bethel United Church of Christ in Elmhurst traveled to Pine Ridge, S.D., on the youth group's annual weeklong mission work trip.

This year's destination was Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and Re-Member, an organization founded in 1998 by a United Church of Christ pastor, which is committed to directing and supporting the efforts of over 1,000 volunteers who come each year to help improve the quality of life for the Lakota people living on the reservation.

The mission trip provided an enriching combination of work, education, new experiences and relationships, and spiritual growth.

"The way of life at Pine Ridge is far different than our own here in the suburbs," noted Bethel Youth Group leader Jenny Pozen. "Most of the homes we saw were mobile homes, many with broken-out windows from last fall's hailstorm, with large families and anyone needing a roof over their heads living in them. This is the poorest county in the United States. You find yourselves shocked that people are living in these conditions in our own country.

"Many of the people do not have beds to sleep in at night, bathrooms or running water to use. They have a difficult time in the winter because of the extreme winds and cold. Getting in and out of their homes can even be a challenge if they do not have stairs or a ramp - or if they are in wheelchairs, due to limb loss from diabetes," Pozen continued. "The problems are immense, to say the least. It is heartbreaking to see this poverty and pain."

Bethel group members were involved in a number of projects during their stay - helping construct and put up outhouses; installing insulation and skirting on mobile homes to keep them warmer in the harsh South Dakota winters, thereby cutting heating costs significantly; building stairs and ramps for easier mobile home access; building beds for those who are without; and providing mattresses, new sheets, pillows and blankets.

But, perhaps of even more significance, were the life-changing experiences in getting to know the Lakota people. One of Re-Member's goals is to create relationships, not only with the Lakota people but also with the volunteers who come there, and for those volunteers to feel a kinship with the Lakota people.

From the Lakota greeting "Welcome, relatives!" and time spent listening to the Lakota's stories to the projects undertaken and interaction with the tribe's leaders, members of the group began to build relationships with the Lakota and understand the challenges they face.

Through cultural immersion, youth group members have become another voice of the people of Pine Ridge.

Sam Pozen, in his sixth and final Bethel mission trip, called this year's experience "unique."

"We were exposed to a culture unlike any other," he said. "A common phrase in Lakota culture is 'Mitakuye Oyasin,' meaning we are all related. The Lakota have a strong bond within the community, and this is a place where no matter where you come from, you are called sister or brother. One man on the reservation - Uncle Will - exemplifies this love better than any other.

"Not only is Uncle Will a music teacher at a high school in Pine Ridge, but he is also a mentor and counselor to the young kids on the reservation and a symbol of hope among all the hardships on the reservation. He helps specifically with suicide prevention because he has felt that pain himself," Sam continued. "The attention and love Will gives to the youth is what gives kids hope and reassurance that they are sacred. Will has shown me the power of love."

The Bethel youth were blessed to have enthusiastic chaperones - Jenny Pozen, Lisa Landreth, Carrie Ward, Kevin Rogers, John Kolosieke Sr., and Todd Keenan - who were willing to take a week from their busy lives to travel and work beside them, sharing their faith by modeling a selfless and generous spirit.

Those youth participating in the mission work trip were Teah Rogers, Ben Rogers, John Kolosieke, Sam Pozen, Ella Ward, Antonio Lepore, Audrey Sylvester, Katie Keenan, Erin Butler, Joel Cruz, Aidan Landreth, Ben Pavlik, Annabelle Nordahl, Andrew Trenta, Blair Faber, Kevin Gnadt, Sophie Labuda, and Sam Jackson.