Wave of 200 Teen Suicides Reveals Spiritual Warfare in South Dakota

Katey Hearth/Mission Network News

Christians are being called to battle in the U.S. A spiritual battle, that is.

Between December and March, more than 200 teenagers on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota either committed suicide, or tried to.

“This is beyond anything we’ve ever seen; it’s almost like ‘serial suicides,'” states Ron Hutchcraft of Ron Hutchcraft Ministries (RHM). “This is not just a psychological issue: this is a spiritual battle with spiritual forces.

“The thief—speaking of the devil—’comes to steal, kill, and destroy,’ and this is the result. You’ve got 12-year-old girls hanging themselves. You can’t imagine a 12-year-old deciding to die; they haven’t even lived yet!”

The Darkness Surrounding Pine Ridge

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Home to the Oglala Lakota tribe, Pine Ridge is no stranger to bloodshed. The Oglala are “the people of Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull,” Hutchcraft explains.

“Pine Ridge was the site of the Wounded Knee massacre back at the end of the Indian era.”

On Dec. 29, 1890, a misunderstanding over arms led to the slaughter of between 200 and 300 Lakota tribes-people by U.S. cavalrymen. On Jan. 3, 1891, 146 Lakotas were buried in a single mass grave.

“There was a woman with an infant in her arms who was killed as she almost touched the flag of truce … a mother was shot down with her infant; the child, not knowing that its mother was dead, was still nursing,” recalled Oglala Lakota chief American Horse in an early 1900s interview.

Bodies were allegedly found as far as three miles outside the Pine Ridge camp.

Following this dark moment in history came generations of oppression: boarding schools, substance abuse, extreme poverty, domestic abuse, the list goes on and on. According to Hutchcraft, a deep darkness still grips Pine Ridge today.

• Infant mortality is 300 times the national average.
• Nearly everyone—97 percent of the Pine Ridge population—is living below the national poverty line.
• According to current USDA Rural Development documents, the Lakota have the lowest life expectancy of any group in America.
• At least 60 percent of the homes on the Pine Ridge Reservation are infested with Black Mold.

This is the devastation facing Pine Ridge residents every day. Teen suicide is nothing new here: Pine Ridge’s suicide rate is 150 times the national average, but its frequency has started to grab national attention.

The laments on Facebook would “break your heart,” Hutchcraft says.

“A 13-year-old sixth grader has taken her own life. My heart is breaking already, and the day has just begun.”

“This knife feels so good against my wrist. Ain’t nobody care anyway, my life will be better gone as it is.”

“We just lost another child to suicide. Yahweh, help us!”

The U.S. Public Health Service is sending mental health counselors to talk to Pine Ridge teens.

Hutchraft says the “suicide spike” is a spiritual problem. Many of the young people who’ve attempted suicide—or are close friends of a suicide victim—”have talked about an increase in spirit activity,” he shares.

“They call them the shadow people or the dark people,” Hutchcraft says. “There are spirit beings—demonic beings—that are stalking the reservation and convincing young people that they are worth nothing … and [that have] started this ‘cloud of death’ over the reservation.”

Lyrics of the Getty hymn “O Church Arise” read in part: O Church, arise and put your armor on, Hear the call of Christ our Captain. Our call to war, to love the captive soul, But to rage against the captor. Will you answer the call?

Bringing Hope to Pine Ridge

RHM is sending a team of 20 Native young people to Pine Ridge to share the hope of Christ. It’s an unplanned and early start to their annual “Summer of Hope” outreach.” We really need the prayer of God’s people for this, because this is not just a psychological issue: this is a spiritual battle with spiritual forces. There’s not going to be any way to win this battle on-the-ground, unless it is first won in the heavenlies,” says Hutchcraft.

The team heading to Pine Ridge is part of RHM’s On Eagles’ Wings (OEW) ministry: a movement of Native young people that want to bring Hope to their reservations through Jesus Christ. 

1-Minute Bible Love Notes: The F-Word and Wholesome Christian Speech

The F-word is becoming more commonplace in everyday language. We Christians must remember the message of Ephesians 4:29. This 1-minute devotion explains.
— Read on biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-f-word.html

Confrontation of Iniquity

I think about our responsibility as believers when I read these verses. We live under the New Covenant, but the urgency is the same. The heart of God to deliver has not changed. It is the responsibility of all believers to share the gospel. We are also directed to correct our brothers and sisters when they stray. We should never be more concerned with offending than correcting and saving someone from the consequences of sin. Love has to be tough when necessary. How many times have I walked away and not said what I should. How many times have I ignored the opportunity to speak the words of life. Lord help me to be bold in my walk with you. It matters not what man thinks of me. I should never fear man’s opinion. Yours is the only opinion that really matters.

Ezekiel 3:18-21

When I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. Yet, if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul.

“Again, when a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and I lay a stumbling block before him, he shall die; because you did not give him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he has done shall not be remembered; but his blood I will require at your hand. Nevertheless if you warn the righteous man that the righteous should not sin, and he does not sin, he shall surely live because he took warning; also you will have delivered your soul.”

Lord, What Do I Say?

The other day, I was teaching my first lesson for the fall session of my parenting class with the Pregnancy Health Center. Three parents came, which is good, considering most parents don’t follow through with coming. They face challenges I cannot even began to understand so I try not to take their absences personally. For the ones who came on this particular day, I was sincerely happy to see them.

Of these three parents who were there, two of them did not currently have custody of their kids. I knew they were attending my class to help them get their kids back. I didn’t ask the reason for their situations. I wasn’t judging them. However, I could sense they were holding back. I was trying to encourage them to share their experiences but they remained silent.

Lord, what do I say?

Have you ever been in a situation where you felt uncertain as to what to say? That day, I was stuck. I asked for advice and for prayer from a few friends of mine. I needed wisdom.

The next week, I prayed before going to class. Once there, I prayed a little more and set up the lesson. Two of my original parents were gone but the other one came as well as a new parent. To begin, we played a M&M Ice Breaker activity. Fun! Then we discussed how our childhood experiences effect our self image and parenting.

Both parents opened up to me and were completely honest with their situations. Each of them has lost custody of their kids, but I didn’t judge them. Instead I encouraged them by telling them they were good parents for trying to do the best for their children. They were changing their lives to regain custody and that is something to applaud.

I walked out of that classroom feeling as if I really made a difference, and thanking God for giving me the words to say! All I had to do to was ask Him and trust Him to help me, just as he did for the prophet Jeremiah.

“Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.”

But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth. Jeremiah 1:6-9

Lisa Weitkamp

Unity in the Body

In these last days it is essential that the the body of Christ be unified. We don’t need to pray that God unifies us. He has already instructed us in His Word on how to walk in unity. We should be praying that the body of Christ is convicted of disunity and our eyes be opened to His Word. How does the body of Christ walk in unity?

John 13:34-35 (NKJV)

34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

What things is the body doing that needs to stop?

Proverbs 6:16-19 (NKJV)

16 These six things the Lord hates,

Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:

17 A proud look,

A lying tongue,

Hands that shed innocent blood,

18 A heart that devises wicked plans,

Feet that are swift in running to evil,

19 A false witness who speaks lies,

And ONE WHO SOWS DISCORD AMONG THE BRETHERN.

Many of these things are being committed among the body. Instead of walking in love we are prideful, spreading lies, bearing false witness, and picking each other’s beliefs, doctrines, and convictions apart. Christ’s heart was that we would all be one. Instead we have let the enemy in. We have given into his divisive temptations and brought division among ourselves and the churches we serve in. This must stop if the church is going to have an impact in these last days. Instead we have brought condemnation on ourselves in the eyes of the world. We must be salt and light.

Let’s start walking according to the desire of our Savior. Le’t walk in love and unity as a true body of believers.

We All Need The Shepherd

During my prayer and meditation time this morning I read; The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. – John 10:10 I began to think about the Christian’s adversary, Satan. The Bible tells us that Satan roams the earth seeking whom he may devour. How calculating and cunning Satan must be. After all, he has had many years to hone his skill. Millennia after millennia, Satan has deceived mankind using the same tricks, the same lies. Sadly I realized that many people throughout history had lost the battle. They had been overcome by evil.

I was reminded of how the Bible refers to Christians as sheep, “All we like sheep have gone astray.” I have heard of shepherds who recalled events of the ridiculous things sheep have done who were not watched closely by the shepherd. Sheep who ran blindly off cliffs only to lose their life’s on the rocky crags below. Or sheep who jumped in water even though they couldn’t swim. It is no secret that sheep are foolish. There probably wouldn’t be many sheep in the world if the shepherd wasn’t there to care for them.

As I began to reflect on how in some ways we are all like sheep. We seem to run blindly into situations that might cost us our lives. Or, place ourselves in circumstances we are ill equipped to handle. I realized how helpless we are without our Shepherd, Jesus. I must confess there have been many times I have felt overcome dangling on the edge of some metaphorical cliff. In despair I cried out, Jesus I need your help BAA…DLY, and each time my shepherd, Jesus has rescued me. Sometimes in unexpected ways. Thank you Jesus🙏🏽

Sherry Elliott-Pope

My Children’s Legacy

As I was vacuuming Autumn’s room this morning, I noticed a few dark spots still present on the carpet from when she wrote on it with a permanent marker. Tried as I might, I couldn’t remove the stubborn stain completely. Then I thought about all the other places where Autumn has written with a pen or permanent marker in the house, including her signature on her book shelf that I posted below. She is determined to leave her mark! 

I said a little prayer. I asked God to help Autumn and her three older brothers to leave their mark, or their legacy, on this world that represents His love. That’s all I want. I know He has plans for each of them and it’s my job to guide them in the right direction. The rest is up to them. It’s a lesson in trusting Him and letting go. 

~Lisa Weitkamp

The Lord Does Not See As Man Sees

Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.”                                               Mark 12:41-44

When Jesus was sitting in the temple across from the treasury and watching those who were giving He made some observations. He saw those who were giving large amounts of money and those who were giving little.  I am sure He saw everything in between as well.  He said that the rich were giving out of their abundance.  But when he saw the poor widow give just two mites (This is equal to two fifths of one cent.) He commended her.  Why?  Because this widow gave all that she had.  He said she gave more than all who had put into the treasury.  It is easy to give out of your abundance.  It would have been wonderful for her to give one mite because that would have still been half of what she had, yet she gave it all.  God doesn’t look at the amount, but at the heart.

This scripture has been used over and over to teach about giving and how it is necessary to give with the right heart and attitude. We should have the attitude of giving “all that we have” to Him.  The willingness to give sacrificially.

I want to direct focus to the other side of the coin; the receiving side.  How many times have we gotten a gift and thought to ourselves “Wow. What a cheap gift.”? Or as a minister we received a gift or donation of a small amount and thought to ourselves “That sure was a small gift or donation.”?  We don’t know the person’s financial situation yet we choose to judge their heart by the type of gift or the amount they have given. We, as human beings, tend to look at outward appearances. We need to be very careful in doing this. We put ourselves in danger of despising a gift that was given by God through one of his children. He may have very well told them to give what they gave as a test to them or to do a work in them or through them. God will also tell individuals what He wants them to give and that is between them and God and not for us to judge. Even if God was not directing someone the gift or amount that they gave could have been a big sacrifice to them.  Despising the gift is equal to despising the giver, who is a child of the king, and you may even be despising the King Himself.  We must always receive with a greatfull heart and not in judgement.  What someone gives or doesn’t give is between them and God.  How we receive a gift or donation is between us and God. He will hold us responsible for our attitude when we receive.

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

As a leader or minister in the church we should never choose who we minister with, to, or for by what they can give us.  We must always partner with those whom the Holy Spirit guides us to work with or minister to. In fact, a good rule of thumb would be never base anything on what you can receive but, instead, on what you can give.  You can always partner with big givers, but what if God wants to send someone with a message to give that does not have large finances and can’t make a large contribution? You could be missing out on what God has for you, through this person or ministry, because your eyes and heart are in the wrong place. You are focused on the wrong things. When your focus is in the right place God will bring the gifts and finances that are needed.

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.  Matthew 6:33

So, always give with the right heart and receive with the right heart.  Keep your focus on following the Holy Spirit instead of what man can do for you.

True or False?

How many of us have shared a juicy news article or post on Facebook only to find out later it was an internet hoax or from a satirical news site?  I know I have fallen prey to the trap of fake news and hoaxes. How embarrassing it was when I found out I was fooled into believing something false.  I do find comfort in knowing I am not alone in my victimization.  Of course, like most of us, after being fooled by several hoaxes, I learned to recognize them and do research on http://www.snopes.com/  or https://www.truthorfiction.com/ before posting. But as soon as I had the hoaxes figured out along came the satirical fake news sites. UGH!!! The funniest thing, and the not so funny thing, is that in spite of warnings from others and the debunking sites there are those who still choose to believe the false rumors.

It is fun to joke and talk about all the hoaxes and fake news, but what about spiritual falsehoods?  How do we know when something is from God or from the enemy?  The best and most accurate way to know is to be familiar with the character of God. When we know His character we will know when something is not in line with His character. The best way to familiarize ourselves with who He is is to read the Bible, spend time in prayer, and build our relationship with Him. If you are still not sure about something the Bible, the library, and reliable internet sites are good research tools. When you are familiar with the truth the false will stand out like a sore thumb.  Unfortunately even with the truth staring them in the face there will be those who choose to believe the false. 

And what about those gray areas? There are things that we know without a doubt are evil.  There are also things that look like God, but are far from Him. There are also things that originated with God, but Satan stole. When it is something that Satan stole Christians will then turn from it, out of fear, when it could be used for the glory of God. Music is one of those areas and likely the most common area. How do we know when music is not of God? It is not the instrument that is evil, just like money is not evil, but the love of money is.  It comes down to the content. 

Matthew 12:33-37

A Tree Known by Its Fruit

“Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

I have recently encountered such an issue with the Native American flute. Yes, I know what you are thinking already. “It’s ‘New Age'”.  I have fellow ministers and friends who are Native American as well as strong believers in the Lord. The flute is a big part of their culture and some of them play it and give glory to God. So, what do I do?  I do research.

First I go to the Bible. The word “flute” is mentioned fourteen times in scripture and flutes five times. Pipes and piped are also words used to describe flutes or playing flutes. 

God created Lucifer as the chief musician and worship leader. He was covered in jewels and pipes and timbrels.  So God was the first Flute Maker.

Psalm 5 was dedicated “To the Chief Musician. With flutes.” In Psalm 150:4 we are told to praise him with the flute.  The author, King David, was not referring to a concert flute as we know it. It was most likely a wooden or bamboo flute with five holes tuned to a pentatonic scale.

Flutes were used in the coronation of King Solomon. 

Then Zadok the priest took a horn of oil from the tabernacle and anointed Solomon. And they blew the horn, and all the people said, “Long live King Solomon!” And all the people went up after him; and the people played the flutes and rejoiced with great joy, so that the earth seemed to split with their sound.  1 Kings 1:39-40

God himself mentioned a flute when speaking with the prophet Isaiah.

You shall have a song

As in the night when a holy festival is kept,

And gladness of heart as when one goes with a flute,
To come into the mountain of the Lord,
To the Mighty One of Israel.    Isaiah 30:29

The flutes that were played were based on a pentatonic scale just as the Native American flute. They were also made of the same materials. When we think of flutes we think in relation to our culture and what we are familiar with. We are familiar with the silver concert flute that is tuned to 440 MHz and has a Diatonic Scale. The diatonic scale did not exist until the renaissance.  The majority of ancient flutes were tuned to the pentatonic scale and sounded like,what we know as, the Native American flute.

The Native American tribes use the bamboo or wooden flute strictly for courtship, expression, and enjoyment. Very few tribes use a flute in ceremonies and when they do it is a bone flute and not a true musical instrument. Imagine the shagrin of the Native Americans when the New Agers took their culture and perverted it? Just as Satan took the worship of God and perverted it. Saying a Native American flute is evil because New Agers use it is no different than saying a guitar is evil because rock singers or rappers use it to sing perverted music. It is not the instrument. It is the way the instrument is used. So, if Christian Native Americans use a wooden flute to worship God is it evil because New Agers use it for meditation?  If I choose to worship my King with a Native American style flute is it evil? I should think not. No more than my worship leader at church using a guitar is evil because rock stars use them. God sees my heart and the hearts of my Native American friends; that our hearts and music are dedicated to Him.

I remember when contemporary worship music was becoming popular.  Many Christians said it was wrong and was bringing worldly music into the church. Yet, now we can hardly see worship without it. Why? Because we now know that it is what comes from the heart of man that is either good or evil. When we are worshipping our God it is not the instruments or the words that makes it worship. It is what comes from our heart of hearts.

Next time you are faced with the decision of wether something is evil or not; do your research before accepting or condemning what is presented to you.

The Power of the Tongue

Proverbs 13:3 NKJV

[3] He who guards his mouth preserves his life, But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.

Your soul (mind, will, and emotions) is who you really are. If you have a weakness it will be manifested in your mind, will, and emotions first.  This will be the enemy’s first level of access.  You must guard your mouth! If you speak out of anger and frustration you can ruin your relationships and your witness, and bring destruction upon yourself and others as well as destroy their trust. Gossip will have the same effect. It will bring destruction in your life and the lives of others. 

When you share something that has been shared in confidence you have broken trust.  You may think it is ok to share something told to you in confidence with your close friend or family member. But, when you do you are sharing something that may not have all of the facts and that can be twisted by emotions and possibly a demonic influence. Then you react to it and add your own twist because you have aligned your emotions with the one who has shared with you.  This causes the person you are sharing with to receive a twisted demonic message about someone else. A message that is full of lies and lacking all of the facts. You have just aligned yourself with Satan and become his tool for the destruction of another believer.

Psalm 34:11-14 AMPC

[11] Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you to revere and worshipfully fear the Lord. [12] What man is he who desires life and longs for many days, that he may see good? [13] Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. [14] Depart from evil and do good; seek, inquire for, and crave peace and pursue (go after) it!

When we don’t fear the Lord we will easily walk into a life of disobedience and sin. This can lead to a life devoid of joy, good relationships, and prosperity of life. What do I mean by fear of the Lord? This is the same type of healthy fear that you have/had of your parents’ discipline.  (For whom the LORD loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives. Hebrews 12:6 NKJV)

Our mouths are the first thing that will get us into trouble. When we speak evil from our mouths we send out evil commands that empower the enemy and can set ambushes against others. When we gossip, complain, backbite, bear false witness against another (lie), and lash out at others we are not walking in the fear of the Lord. We are not worshipfully fearing the Lord. 

Ranting about a spouse or family member with someone who is not related and doesn’t have a close relationship with that person will cause them to resent your family member. When you are no longer angry with your family member, that you spewed insults about, the person you ranted to will still have a negative impression of your close family member.  As will anyone else that they shared your rant with.

Matthew 12:36-37 NKJV

[36] But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. [37] For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

I have had to endure the discipline of the Father for words I have spoken and shared. He is convicting me at this very moment. I am still enduring the consequences of words spoken against others. When we speak against someone it is like driving a large nail in a board. We may apologize for those words, but the damage is still done. Just like removing that nail from the board. The nail may be gone, but the hole still remains. 

I have, and still am, dealing with words spoken against me; some very recently. Words that have had destructive consequences.  

There are pastors and teachers who chose to use things shared in confidence as part of their sermons. Members know when they do this. I have had it happen to me on more than one occasion. This brings hurt and mistrust among the members towards their leaders. It causes some to leave the church. I have seen it first hand. It makes you feel judged and as if everyone knows your business now. It opens a door for the enemy to put thoughts in your mind. As pastors and teachers we are not given a free pass to share in our sermons. There is no decent excuse or sugar coating that gives us a right. We will be held more accountable than our members.

If you have been guilty, as I have, there is forgiveness. 

1 John 1:9 NKJV

[9] If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Repent, ask forgiveness, and go and sin no more. He loves His children and wants us to walk in love towards each other. Forgive those who have spoken against you and go to those you have offended and apologize. Get things right with each other. 

I am also asking my Father to train me to keep my mouth shut. I desire to be convicted the instant I open it in a negative way so that I learn to think before I speak and resist the temptation to speak when I shouldn’t. I have confidence that I will  eventually, hopefully sooner than later, always guard my tongue and speak only life.