North American Indian Ministries

Questions & Answers

Question
What does Rosebud Reservation look like?
Answer
     You would probably not realize you entered the Reservation unless you saw the sign with the name. It is not a fenced or walled off area and tipi sightings are rare. Rosebud Reservation is a collection of many small towns connected by good highways stretching across rolling, grassy plains. Trees are not abundant except in the towns and along streams and rivers.

Question
Who pays for the trip?
Answer
     During mission team training, NAIM discusses friendraising (fundraising) through individual and group efforts. A $100 non refundable deposit is required along with the application, covenant and consent (where needed). This is your expression of commitment to the team and the trip. We don't expect team members or their families to write a check for the total amount requested. However, we do expect team members to take an active role in raising individual and group funds.

Question
Who is eligible to go on the mission trips?
Answer
     Youth (middle school and high school) and adults are eligible. You do not have to belong to any particular denomination. You are also eligible if you don't attend any church. We just ask that you have an interest and a heart to serve others.  We do enjoy what we do while on the mission field but a mission trip is not a vacation. You will be expected to go through training, comply with the rules, and help with fundraising for yourself and the team.

Question
How does the team get to South Dakota?
Answer
     Comfortable minivans are rented and we drive there. We leave early one morning, spend the night at a motel and arrive on the mission field the afternoon of the second day. We do not fly there because the airfare is high, the closest airport is 100 miles from where we stay, and we need vans to travel around the Reservation.

Question
How can I help without going on a mission trip?
Answer

     Besides being a mission team member, there are many ways to be involved in NAIM's ministry to the Lakota. Monetary contributions are always welcome. We are a 501c3 public charity and your contribution is 100% tax deductible.   Board members are non salaried and your
contribution directly funds ministry projects and other outreach efforts.
   Prior to trips we publish a wish list, requesting items and listing amounts needed for particular things. We do this as some prefer to contribute goods or specify how their contribution is used.
    We also always welcome ideas on how you think you may be able to help us. Just contact us.

Question
What if I can't raise the expected amount of money required?
Answer
     No one is denied the opportunity to go on the mission trip for lack of funds unless they have not actively tried to raise the amount needed. Only two people know how much money is donated for each team member; the board president and the treasurer. Some raise a lot more than required helping subsidize those who fall short.

Question
How much spending money do I need?
Answer
     Everyone is different, of course, but $50 to $100 should be enough. You will probably want a few souvenirs and you'll need money to eat on the team's day off in the middle of the week.

Question
What if I don't work well with children?
Answer
     As many of our mission tasks involve children, you should seriously consider if you really should join this particular mission team. However, depending on the projects scheduled during the trip, there may be tasks for you that interaction with children is at a minimum. Contact NAIM about this.

Question
Will I be expected to evangelize or witness to anyone?
Answer
     This is a frequently asked question as many feel they cannot verbally share their faith and God's word with others. Being able to do that is not necessary. Your actions will speak louder than words. You may be the only Bible a person ever reads so we ask that your actions be such that you set a good example.