In 1997, John & Linda Keers clearly recognized and received the vision and calling...
there is a nation within a nation
"Today is the Day for the Ojibwe people"
Venturing out into unfamiliar territory, where, like Abraham and Sarah, a journey began with the uncertainty of where God would take them yet the faith and trust to know that God was leading the way and like Joshua, the journey is "we have not been this way before." From the warmth and security of Florida to the crisp Thanksgiving Minnesota air, God provided and directed a move of sacrifice and faith. Headwaters Ministries was launched.
January 1998, Caleb, Sheri, & Harley received the unction to follow in pursuit and support of the vision God had revealed to their parents. Over the course of 1 year God educated, corrected, uprooted, transformed, and blended a portion of this family to be pliable and burdened, united by hearts that are one with His.
August 1999, the previous year and 1/2 were spent unsuccessfully trying to establish a place on this Ojibwe homeland where we could do anything. Red Lake is one of several sovereign, closed reservations that refused to comply with the Dawes Land Allotment Act - refusing to leave their native land. This Ojibwe Nation has never been property of the US. The US government has NO jurisdiction here and the land cannot be bought or sold to anyone.
Time and persistence eluded to a unique - historical transaction. The Red Lake Nation had given an allotted amount of land to the government for railroad use back in the early 1900's that was never placed back into Red Lake Jurisdiction. Six lots went up for sale that contained a showhall that was shutdown in the 70’s, a store and a 4 bedroom house. Divine Intervention provided that place within a week!! John, being an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God, looked to the Minnesota District Home Mission program to help finance the purchase of the property. John and Linda, missionaries, are working jointly with Minnesota District Home Missions Department along side Headwaters Ministries to reach a nation.
Over the course of 2 years we spent blood, sweat, and tears remodeling the place that people said we ought to rip down and start over. Having residence within the reservation immerses us into the culture 24 hours a day, being available to deal with and recognize different needs whenever they present themselves. This gives us 24 hours of access and availability to the community. This involvement requires special attention in our request for prayer.
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In June of 2000, Jesse and Jen followed in pursuit of the vision and left Southeastern Bible College in Florida to venture into unfamiliar territory. Jesse, 2 years out of the Marine Corps and gifted in the art of mechanics and Jen equipped with an Elementary School teaching degree (giving her the expertise to help young people with schoolwork) add to the potential of this work. In July of 2004 Jen was hired to teach a 3rd grade class at Red Lake Elementary School.
The process of reconstructing was done by John who envisioned beauty in the midst of disaster, Caleb & Jesse, the carpenters sons, who helped the vision take form and be established. Friendly volunteers also donated time ripping stuff down, installing plumbing, cement slabs, and electrical wiring.
The End Result: THE EAGLE's NEST
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"The Eagle has Landed"
We bear the burden of doing whatever it takes to allow God to heal and raise up a broken nation to stand in the position that God created them to stand in.
Comments? mailto:webmaster@headwaters-ministries.org
