Alcatraz Island to Washington, D.C.
February 11, 2006 - April 22, 2006 (Earth Day)

Tammy Jo Teltow, who chairs the UMC Arkansas Conference Committee on Native American Ministry, wrote a beautiful parting letter to all of us at Sacred Run:

March 17, 2006

Dearest Dennis, Linda, Bill, and all of the Sacred Runners and Walkers:

These past few days have been such a blessing for me. I will forever remember the newfound friendships that Creator has brought our way, and I will be praying for you and your journey. Thank you for deciding on this route, and to lodge within the United Methodist Churches while traveling through Arkansas.

Although the United Methodist Church is sensitive to environmental, political, racial and social justice issues worldwide, no group of persons can make a statement as powerfully, as peacefully, as spiritually, or as effectively as that Great Cloud of Witnesses within the many nations of Native American Indians, and those who they have invited in through love. (I know there is a Lakota word for that; however, I don't recall it right now.) We have another saying in the Igniting Ministry of the United Methodist Church, "When you embrace diversity, you truly embrace God." No matter what culture, no matter what religious history or persuasion our background may contain, from the 4 directions, as long as we can minister and reach out, we will reach out, and we will minister. Will Rogers said, "I'm Cherokee, but I'm just enough White that the Indians don't trust me." (Or something to that effect.) The other thing he said is that no matter what our skin color, we all have the same needs and appetites. (Paraphrased again.) Thank you for trusting this blonde haired, blue eyed Cherokee granddaughter and for enlarging our borders in every area of our life as you leave your footprints as a prayer, not only across Arkansas, but across the continents. For every place whereon the soles of your feet shall tread, I add my faith to yours for prayers for life, for land, for water, for air, for peace, and for saving and healing Mother Earth....

...I mentioned that the United Methodist Church observes Native American Ministries Sunday to take up an offering and to promote and advocate Native American awareness. The first half of that offering stays within each Annual Conference; the 2nd half is sent on to the General Board of Global Ministries to provide scholarships for Native American pastors to attend seminary, or for urban renewal. Our Arkansas Conference Committee on Native American Ministry would be honored for you to accept this gift card to purchase filtered water for your journey across the Natural State. Water is a form of the Holy Spirit and we pray over the water, that it will renew your youth and strength as the eagle's with each sip. The Word of God says in Isaiah that even your youth will grow weary but I will raise you up and your strength shall be renewed, and you shall soar as on wings of eagles. This is our prayer as we add our faith to the Word of Creator and give voice to it in the Earth. As I have been writing this letter the birds have also given their voice of approval and their amen to our connection, and for our restoration as whole persons. Think of us praying with you on this prayer walk as you drink.

Please know that I am with you in Spirit. Thank you Creator for this moment in time.

Your friend always,

Tammy Jo Teltow
Chair: Arkansas Conference Committee on Native American Ministry
Arkansas representative, South Central Jurisdiction, Native American Ministry
Aransas representative, South Central Region Native American Internationl Caucus