April 2007
Dear Friend,
Over forty years have flown by since “God’s call” was placed on me
to give my all in reaching Indian people for Christ. I had worked hard winning souls
in the “white church world” for over twenty years.
Some Portland business men had taken me as their guest on a moose hunt in a remote
part of British Columbia. We had ridden horse back the last several miles beyond the
end of the road. My personal “no hunting on Sunday” rule left me sitting
in camp the next day, which was Sunday. The guide asked if I would have a worship
service that evening. Of course I was overjoyed to do so, and he quickly got the
word out through his Indian employees. That evening a goodly number gathered in that
hunting camp. I had spent the day in prayer and preparation and felt directed to
preach as a “dying man to dying men” who might not have another chance to find
God. I placed chairs together to have a makeshift altar. God blessed in a most
wonderful way, and white men and Indian men were on their knees weeping and seeking
forgiveness.
One big, six foot, two hundred pound Indian grabbed me in a crushing hug and
shouted, “I’m right with the Creator! I have always wanted to be
His. Now I am! If I die tonight I’m ready to meet Him. I’m
saved from my sins.” His tears flowed as he rejoiced and begged me to come and
help his people, saying, “We understand how you talk. I can’t read or
write; we have no Bible. It is over a hundred miles to the nearest church; all
we have are horses. We can’t go! What chance do my children have?
Please come help us! We will listen.”
The time of rejoicing ended and the hunters went to the bunkhouse and the Indians
to their tents. I walked the perimeter of the fenced-in horse pasture and wept and
wrestled. Looking up at the bright stars and full moon of that clear, cold, Canadian
night, I talked to God and said, “Lord, these people are hurting! Why
don’t You do something?” God spoke to my heart saying, “Why
don’t YOU do something?” I replied, “Who, me?” His reply
was, “Yes, you.” That is how Frontier Missions was born. All praise
and glory is God’s alone! He took it from one man in a pick up truck to the
wonderful equipment, facilities, and ministry that is enjoyed today. Truly it is a
“vine of God’s planting”. Praise His name! Now the years have
caught God’s old servant. The doors at Frontier Missions have been closed to
me, however, I earnestly pray for one and all of the team as they carry on this important
outreach to the Indian people. May God’s hand and blessing be on them!
But, now, what is old Don Cline going to do? It is an interesting question
which many have asked and I am deeply grateful for their concern and prayers.
I’ve smiled at some of the suggestions offered: an ocean cruise with my wife, a tour
of the Holy Land, just quit and relax, go fishing and hunting, and so on. None of
these fit; I am called of God to reach Indians for Christ. There is nothing I want
more than to minister to my precious Native brothers and sisters! As I prayed and
waited on the Lord, His Spirit assured me
That He was in control and that He would bring to pass His good pleasure. He assured
my soul that He would handle everything and my heart is content and filled with joy.
His direction to me is very clear, “Get out there and let Me use you.”,
so, I have formed “First Nation Ministries”. I got my old 78 Ford pick up
truck out of storage and found a used trailer that was available to pull behind it.
However, God was already putting His plan in place. As my grandson, Jesse, and I
talked, he shared his dream of owning a Dodge Diesel Heavy Duty 4x4 pick up truck.
We found exactly what he wanted at a greatly reduced price through the courtesy of
friends in the car business. God has given Jesse a fine job with Tidewater Tug and
Barge Company. He is on board the boat fifteen days of the month and then home
fifteen days. He told me I could use his truck as my own while he was working and
that when he was home he would make trips with me to the reservation. My heart cries
out, “Thank you, Jesus!”
Two brothers in the Lord, Wayne Campbell and Marv Boettcher, told me the trailer
was too old and would be nothing but trouble. I listened to their thinking,
experience, and suggestion, then bought a new 14’x7’x7’ “Wells
Cargo” trailer. A teammate asked me how much it cost and gave me a check to
cover the expense. Another teammate donated a top of the line hitch sway bar that
was required. Again I praised God for His goodness!
The next thing I needed was office space and as I searched out rentals, found
nothing in a suitable price range. Brother Arnold Motz, pastor of “Woodland
Park Chapel” at 1914 NE 102nd Avenue, in Portland, Oregon, said, “Why
don’t you use our church basement? I’m 91 years old and we no longer have
Sunday School.” I looked it over and was delighted at the assembly area with
tables and chairs for fellowship, nice kitchen with everything in it, restrooms, and five
classrooms for inner offices and storage. This is all for the ministry’s use,
free of charge! This generous Pastor and his people gave me one thousand dollars to
get started and I moved in. How I thank them and again I praise God!
I also needed a good location for the Friday morning prayer and praise
breakfast. The “Club Estates East” condominiums, where my wife and I live,
have a lovely club house which they have made available to us. How grateful we are
to these good people.
My daughter, Deborah, is right at her Dad’s side with the bookkeeping and
mailing duties. Brother Leon Hansen and Brother Bob King, with their tools, cameras,
business experience, and computer knowledge, are putting their lives and assets to work in
this ministry. They do most of the driving and labor on the trips, while this old
preacher rides along in the crew cab of Jesse’s Dodge. Our goal is at least one
mission trip per month our first year. We have already made four trips and plan at
least one more this month. We will give you newsletters monthly with complete
reports and pictures. Our books are open for inspection by our Teammates. If
you have any questions, we will be glad to answer them. Our prayer and determination
is that all we do and say will be directed and blessed of God and used for His
glory!
We welcome your involvement as a “Teammate”. We assure you that we
are called, committed, and fully persuaded that God’s hand is upon this work.
Will you join us with your prayers, support, and participation? May God bless you
real good!
Your old missionary brother, Don Cline
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