Christmas Letter: The Outlands Response 2023 Q4 Newsletter

Greetings friends! Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus the Messiah. The rhythm of seasons displays how perfectly abiding and lovingly steadfast God truly is in the ever-changing circumstances of our lives.

As I reflect on my favorite autumn season, I think back to how I experienced such significant change this past year as I turned 30 and entered my fourth decade. I am delighted to share how God continues to lead me through life.

One year ago, everything in my life shifted drastically when I was painfully present on the 911 dispatch radio during the traumatizing line-of-duty death of one of my dear officers. After much agonizing prayer, grief, and introspection, I quit my 911 dispatch position after three long years of pouring my whole heart into that career.

The same Jeffcom 911 dispatch chair where I spent 3 years of my life.

The heartbreaking stories that emerged from my time in the 911 dispatch context created more resilience in me. It was an excellent preparation for the many tragedies I may encounter within the reservation context. I am now confident God can redeem the hardships and restore my faith in His ability to show up even in debilitating trauma. Even though 911 dispatch was the hardest thing I have ever done, the experience further encouraged me to show up for and help people affected by crisis situations.

Now, a year later, I have exciting news! I am delighted to share I am officially launching my ministry work among Native Americans, having come under the covering of a local 501c3 non-profit umbrella organization, Urban Skye. This development enables me to strengthen my bond and partnership with my newly formed donor support base. For over a decade, I have sensed God’s call to Native America – now, I can put all my focus toward that endeavor.

My vision is to empower indigenous peoples to serve as skilled crisis specialists, responding to and helping those affected by debilitating, unforeseen crises, all for the glory of Jesus Christ. I want to see Natives make disciples of their own neighbors within reservation communities, expanding into a flourishing, organic people movement to Christ that affects the world.

By God’s grace, we will accomplish this through the development of crisis response teams.

The Fort Apache Reservation, home of the White Mountain Apache tribe, in eastern Arizona.

I want to share a small, glimmering impression from the reservation. I was inspired by my visit to the Fort Apache Reservation in eastern Arizona, home of the White Mountain Apache tribe, where I met the Fort Apache Hotshots, the first nationally funded all-Native American elite firefighting crew in the country. This highly professional, skilled, community-grounded team of dedicated first responders gives me hope. Whereas the average peer in their reservation community would be struggling to remain sober and be present for their impoverished families, these men were vibrant! Their honorable example illustrates the importance in any community, but particularly among Native reservation communities, to cultivate such ideas as dignity, discipline, courage, resilience, service, and love.

Just imagine the potential of this kind of empowering community-driven, action-oriented Native effort motivated by the love and power of Jesus Christ for their neighbors and for the world!

What I can also say with certainty from visiting this tiny, stranger-wary community is trust is absolutely key in this endeavor. My credibility among indigenous peoples is paramount. I am steadily moving forward in a measured manner, in accordance with the nudging of the Holy Spirit and the guidance of many mentors.

I am also strengthening my own trust in the Lord’s good provision and protection – a sure lifeline in the future – especially in the area of finances. I am thrilled by the many ways God is showing up for me in the present and, with great care and gentle direction, guiding me into a future of service and grand adventure in the Kingdom of God.

Bright and beautiful beginnings are on the horizon, like a crisp and clear autumn sunrise!

As brief as this summary is, I am grateful for the opportunity to connect with you! Please reach out to engage on any of these topics in greater detail. I would love to hear from you.

I invite you to partner with me, prayerfully and financially, in this important work. Please consider a treasured monthly partnership or a welcomed one-time year-end gift – whatever the Lord leads you to provide will be a tremendous blessing to this blossoming work. All donations are tax-deductible through the 501c3 non-profit organization, Urban Skye.

Click Here to Partner Financially

I welcome your partnership as this task should only be taken on with others. Thank you so much!!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

With much gratitude,

Tessa