12.12Mission Wounded Knee Prison Tour
Broken Walls recently returned from a tour with Mission Wounded Knee. Below are some quotes from a newsletter from our good friends, Bruce and Donna Bartelli, Mission Wounded Knee.
They write: “…Our first two evenings encompassed a return to South Dakota State Penitentiary after 2 years. Our first concert was at Lighthouse Prison Fellowship hosted by Chaplains Regan and Becky Beauchamp. Over 163 inmates, Chaplain guests, guards and others were present to hear Broken Walls. Doug (one of the inmates) put on his Lakota regalia and danced his prayers to Jesus during Broken Walls’ concert. He danced for those he loves, his fellow inmates and the Lakota people. It brought great dignity to the whole night as did the Lakota drum group who opened the evening with a couple of honor songs. As Doug and several MKW team members danced their prayers, the Holy Spirit moved through the songs of Broken Walls. Many inmates tried to hold back tears as the Spirit of Adoption brought many to salvation, healing and restoration in Christ…”
“…On Friday, we were hosted by Pastor Steve and Diane Moerman at Cornerstone Prison church located in the main prison facility chapel. The Lakota drum group led off this evening with an Honor song. Both nights, Norma Blacksmith prayed for the outreaches in her Lakota language, and then gave a short testimony and encouragement to the men. The chapel held 200 inmates and Chaplain guests as Broken Walls played and Jonathan brought a message of dignity, respect and honor. Jonathan challenged the men to step up as ‘real warriors’ by taking their place as fathers and husbands, and honoring their wives and children. Many tears came as decisions were made to walk the Holy Road with Jesus. We were honored as Lakota inmate, Shane danced in his regalia honoring Jesus and dancing his prayers. The intercession through the dance was powerful both nights!” – Bruce and Donna Bartelli
Wow this blesses my heart to know about your ministry and the way Native Americans present the gospel. I bought my first Broken Walls CD a few years ago at the Perry Stone Partner Conference in Pigeon Forge, TN. I had a vision about your group that blew my mind. I know that God is with you. I wish I had tapped into my great-grandmother’s culture. I only have pictures now. I will pray for your ministry and hope that you get near Manassas, VA or Washington, DC. I will be the first one there. I really got to get me a drum ( I have no musical ability), but listening to you makes me feel like I do. (LOL)