4th_Qtr

Second Annual Dance For Life Powwow

Oklahoma has the highest Native American population per capita in United States. It is estimated in Oklahoma four people die every three days as a result of suicide.
The purpose of the Dance for Life Powwow is to raise awareness in the community of the suicide epidemic in our nation. A conservative estimation is that eighty seven people die every day in the United States from suicide. The suicide rate among Native Americans is four times higher than the national average.

It is the leading cause of death for males ages ten to twenty four. Yet most communities are unaware of the existing problem because it is a subject that many people avoid. The Powwow is one avenue we use as an opportunity to raise the awareness and start discussions about this growing epidemic.
The Powwow is the perfect arena to express these ideas because culturally the Powwow was a place to share news and come together to strategize as a team how to provide and protect the community. This is where war parties and alliances were formed.

Using multi media we were able to provide statistics, and possible solutions throughout the entire day. We used our platform to share opportunities for people of the community to receive training and discuss strategies to save lives.

During the break, between the afternoon and evening dance time, a representative from the Oklahoma Dept. of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) addressed the people about the Suicide Epidemic in Native America and how the state of Oklahoma is committed to stand behind the tribes to stop these tragic deaths.

Rusty and Amy Cozad did a fantastic job of organizing and co- hosting the Powwow with the Kiowa Tribe, the ODMHSAS, the Kiowa Teen Suicide Prevention Program, and Indian Health Services. The Powwow was a great combination of, prayer, dancing, food, and festivities while putting forth vital information and opportunities.

Amy & Rusty Cozad

QPR Institute

Through Howard’s involvement with the Kiowa Tribe Suicide Prevention Task Force he recently received his certification as a QPR Suicide Prevention Trainer with the QPR Institute. The State of Oklahoma paid for his training and certification, with the agreement that he would hold QPR training classes in the state of Oklahoma over the next three years. Because the OPR Institute is recognized with the Federal Government Howard can hold training classes any where in the United States.

QPR is the acronym for Question, Persuade, and Refer. QPR is a tool that can help you identify people you are in contact with on a daily basis who may be at risk. Help them recognize there are alternatives and refer them to the professional help they need. Research shows that prior to making an attempt, 90 %of people in a suicidal crisis will give some kind of warning of their crisis/intent to those around them. So the person most likely to prevent someone from taking their own life is someone they already know.

Unfortunately research also shows that the most likely response to suicidal communication from family, co workers, and friends is silence. We believe this is because we have no idea what to say. QPR training helps us to know how to respond.

Howard is very excited to hold his first QPR training class Wednesday October 14, 2009. This class has been offered primarily to the adult and youth leadership of Cedar Creek United Methodist Indian Mission Church. However the community at large has been invited to participate. The training and materials are offered for free through the state of Oklahoma, the Kiowa Tribe Suicide Prevention Task Force, and Agape Lane Ministry.

Partnering with Christ and Others

Agape Lane Ministry (A.L.M.) continues to partner with, and serve other ministries who are following the heart of God. Ministries like Wiconi International, White Eagle Ministry, and Hearts of Freedom Ministries, to name a few.

We continue to serve Native churches, and promote other Native Ministries (our vision is to see Native Americans recognize they are a needed and valuable part of the body of Christ). We endeavor to encourage, help equip, and link them with sources so they can become the missionaries, the ministers.

Howard continues to use his gifts and talents to produce graphic arts and media (videos, posters, brochures, and promos) for Native Ministries. He also builds and maintains websites.

A.L.M. is proud to work with Hearts of Freedom Ministries, a women’s ministry here in Lawton. Char is blessed to ministers along side Elizabeth Johnson, the founder of the ministry. Elizabeth has released her first book "Who’s Garments Are You Wearing?" You can order the book and check out the ministry on their website: www.heartsoffreedomministries.com

Please pray with us:

Howard has an upcoming trip to Tulsa the Oct. 30- Nov. 2. at Bacone College with Wiconi International.

Amy received two grants for the Kiowa Suicide Prevention Program please keep the tribe in prayer for wisdom as they make decision on job placement and how the funds are spent for the program.

The people in the Native communities will take advantage of the QPR trainings that Howard is equipped to offer.

As always, that we remain faithful to the calling of God on our lives and keep our eyes fixed on Him as we carry it out daily.

We love you all and are so grateful to you for answering the call to pray and support the ministry, we are indebted to you for all eternity. Thank you!

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, Who loves us and gave us everlasting consolation and encouragement and well founded hope through His grace. Comfort and encourage your hearts and strengthen them. (make them steadfast and keep them unswerving) in every good work and word. 2Thess. 2:16-17