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Howard, a licensed minister, and his wife, Charlyne, have been training for cross cultural ministry to Native Americans for many years through their home church, mission seminars, and a local Bible School. Both have attended one of the few Native American Universities in the country to study Native American History, Culture, Politics, Religion and Language. They have also studied ministry techniques with an international mission and relief organization called Youth With A Mission (YWAM). In 1997 they completed a four year term of service on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota. During that time they received the recognition of Tribal Leaders for their effective work among children and teens of the Reservation.

Many have welcomed the Lanes into their family, a rare and precious honor. This has allowed Howard and Charlyne to more completely understand the Native American way of life. It has also opened the doors for "Whole Family Ministry." The Lanes feel this is so important. They gained great experience working with the Sioux of Rosebud. Through weekly "Kid's Club" (children), and "Junior Club" (teen) meetings, God showed them how to expose the youngsters of the Reservation to the truths of God's word, show them a model of Christian Living, and bring them face to face with the transforming love of God. In January of 1999 the Lord called them to take that success to the southern plains of Oklahoma.

Their first commitment in Oklahoma was to help YWAM ministries pioneer the first YWAM base in Oklahoma with a focus on Native Americans. During our two years they have made many valuable friendships. Through the friendships, questions, and observation they have learned a great deal about this area and the people who live here. They realize they still have much to learn, but God is a great teacher and they believe He has orchestrated their time there, and will continue to do so. He is beginning to show them how they fit into His plan for His church in Oklahoma.

In 1998 they received more ministry training at Y.W.A.M., this training included doing a short-term mission outreach (two months) to the Philippines. This was the second time Howard had been on outreach to the Philippines. These overseas trips have given them experience in dealing and working with other cultures, organizing and leading international trips, and have expanded their view of world evangelism. U.S. outreaches they have served on with their home church and YWAM have furthered that experience. While on Rosebud they were the hosts for many groups coming in, so they have experience in organizing and scheduling visitors also. Through all of these experiences they have learned to be the mediator, or you could say, the bridge between people groups.

Charlyne became certified in 1998, and Howard became certified in 1999 as leaders for "Precept Upon Precept" Bible Studies. Precept Upon Precept is an interdenominational Christian ministry that produces in-depth, "Inductive" Bible studies of the books of the Bible. Many Bible scholars rank these teachings equal or above those at some seminaries.

One thing you need to know is that Howard and Charlyne feel that anything that they have accomplished is only because of God. They know they can do nothing without Him, and can do all things through Him. The Lanes have said, "As we went through the schools, training and on the mission field, we prayed each day that God would help us through, and every time we thought we couldn't do it, we found that with Him we could. We see God in action in our lives every day. Every time we think we won't make it, He brings us through. Really all the glory belongs to God, all that we ever did was say, "Yes Lord, we'll go."

How has God equipped Howard and Charlyne to help...?