Terry and Darlene have been actively involved in the lives of many First Nations people of North America full time since January of 2000.  Beginning in June of 2000 they lived on the Hopi Indian Reservation in Northern Arizona for five years serving with Youth with a Mission for two years and then leading a small church on Second Mesa in cooperation with the American Baptists of the Pacific Southwest (now Transformation Ministries).

 In “Hopi-land” they learned first hand about life on an Indian reservation.  One winter five families connected to the church had a male family member die.  Usually from alcohol related sickness or accident.  There were too many funerals for too many men and women. 

 Terry helped form a talking circle at the local Hopi jail and connected with many young Hopi men who often found themselves there.  This was a time of listening and learning.  Discovering close up why so many Native Americans have not responded to the church’s message.  Learning to see through “Indian eyes”.  Hearing first hand about the Hopi and Navajo Boarding Schools, run by churches, where many were punished for speaking their language and were stripped of their cultural identities.

Rain Ministries is committed to seeing dignity restored and lives brought back into balance and harmony with Creator and creation.  We believe that the message of Creator’s Son, Jesus is for all people and will transform the lives of all who follow Him.  But we also believe that the message must be embraced within the context of every culture to be effective.

 Using the gifts Creator gave to them in songwriting and music Terry and Darlene began sharing the message of Jesus with the hand-drum, rattles, and guitar.  Soon the Hopi radio station, KUYI was playing their songs.  They adopted the name “RainSong” because of the great respect and longing for rain in “Hopi-land” and because of Creator’s promise in Isaiah 55:10, “My word is like the rain, watering the earth, causing growth, bringing life”. 

 As RainSong they began to travel to other reservations, sharing songs and stories.  As they traveled new relationships were formed with churches and within Native communities.  Doors began to open and hearts began to respond.  Singing and storytelling and teaching at conferences, powwows, churches and Native Gatherings across North America.  In 2004 RainSong was nominated for a “Grammy” and “Nammy” (Native American) music award.

Rain Ministries partners with other ministries that share common goals.  Wiconi International, Soaring Eagle Gathering, Eagle’s Wings Ministry, First Nations Partners, Foursquare First Nations District,  First Nations Monday, Polished Arrow and many others.

 It became clear that Rain Ministries was to reach out to many tribes in North America.  In the last five years RainSong has shared their music and message at over 25 reservations including many in Arizona, California, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, North Dakota, Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota.  They also have ministered in Manitoba Canada.  New invitations are coming to them all the time, some even from other countries like China.  However their priority will always be the Natives of North America, they hope to visit every tribe.

They have also begun to help First Nations people to follow Jesus in a Native context.  They are in active relationship with several groups that meet in different states. These are churches that are meeting together as Natives, singing on a big drum, dancing and worshiping Jesus in the context of who they are.  Rain Ministries will continue to provide relationship, oversight, networking, and more to churches like this in the coming years.

 Terry and Darlene say “Megwitch” (thank you) to our many prayer warriors and financial supporters who have helped us and continue to walk the road with us.  They soon hope to add others to help them full time on their journey.