Jeff has learned that there is no “cookie cutter” approach to preaching the gospel message. It’s necessary to take time and establish trust. He finds creative ways to participate in and penetrate the traditions of the tribes to whom he ministers, and instead of trying to formulate preconceived answers, he looks for the answers that come from within the people themselves—mining those truths the Holy Spirit has already deposited.

Among the American Indians, Jeff’s message of healing and forgiveness is a message that many want to hear.

“I am able to proclaim the truth that healed people have everything they need in Christ to be restored and help others,” says Jeff, “and that only the Lord—not the government or politics—can wipe away the injustice that was done.”

One open door for Jeff is at an annual conference held by the state of Washington and the tribes to promote healing within the American Indian family. He has been invited by the conference staff to moderate and even to pray for the attendees.

Jeff describes how the power of the Holy Spirit “sent His word and healed them” (Psalm 107:20, NKJV). At the conclusion to one seminar, he invited people to respond. Miraculously, 100 percent of the attendees stood up, with hands on their hearts, asking for help from Jesus to heal their pain.

At the first powwow where Jeff had an opportunity to preach, the Lord spoke to him with a vision for his people.

“I have always loved attending powwows,” he recalls, “and my favorite part is the grand entry.”

Similar to the opening ceremony of the Olympic games, the powwow grand entry is a pageant where performers enter prominently with ceremonial and traditional dancing, vivid color and regal pageantry. It’s an important tradition of cultural identity.

During this particular grand entry, Jeff recalls feeling a sense of pride and overwhelming love for his people when the Holy Spirit spoke to his heart: “I will have the grandest of all grand entries.”

“In my mind's eye,” describes Jeff, “I saw a big parade moving through the city, dancing and rejoicing, as the people entered into the city of Jerusalem.” This vision of a heavenly gathering inspires Jeff to believe for the healing and reconciliation of the American Indian.

Jeff Yellow Owl has discovered the truth of Proverbs 13:15, that “good understanding gains favor.”

“I just preach the word of God by faith,” he says. “I know that healing will result. The word of the Lord is what heals the wounds in people’s hearts and souls.”

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By: Amy Swanson, a pastor’s wife and director of women’s ministry at New Life Church, a Foursquare church in Santa Barbara, Calif.