The names with asterisks were those who came here in the forced removal. Their Indian names are on the left, their Christian names (given at baptism) are on the right. This was a Moravian mission at first. The oldest was Ki chli ski ni who was baptized in 1827 and given the name Boas (Boaz, Ruth’s husband). He died at the age of 43. Several missionaries are buried here too.
Thank God someone cared about the plight of these people. Thank God there were those to counter the racist voice of the government, those who were willing to serve among and dedicate their lives the disenfranchised, outcast, despised. They understood what it meant to be Christian. Some days I worry that this understanding of Christianity is all but lost to the moralistic deism that passes for “traditional” Christianity today.
What would be the equivalent today in the midst of inmigration legislation? How deep does our hatred of the stranger go?
Michael Rinehart, bishop
Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
12941 1-45 North Freeway, Suite #210
Houston, TX 77060-1243
281-873-5665
http://gulfcoastsynod.org
http://bishopmike.com
http://twitter.com/breadtweet
Bishop Michael Rinehart 
December 7, 2010 at 2:23 pm
Dear Bishop!
I am thrilled that the Region 4 Bishops/Leadership have made it to Oaks (my hometown). I believe it was Bishop Kanouse who shared with me over a year ago, when I had a chance to meet with him in his office, that this meeting might take place there. God is Good and I pray that you are all feeling welcomed there and that the Creator is blessing your time together there in that Holy land.
Please tell them all I say Osiyo!
Peace,
Vance Blackfox
December 7, 2010 at 3:03 pm
More and more I see what passes for Christianity as an “In Your Face” attitude. I guess it is supposed to show that they are proud to be Christians, but it is so opposite from the message of love and peace that Christ brought us. And, why is it that this time of the year brings out the very worse? Just when we should remember the gift of love that came down, people are physically fighting over the last sale item in the store.