555 White Clay/the ABOUT group

In the middle of White Clay, which sells alcohol to many residents of the “dry” Pine Ridge reservation, is 555 Ministries and the ABOUT Group (A Binding Of Us Together). We arrived in White Clay around 1pm on Monday, and were met by Mr. BonFleur, the director of 555 ministries and the ABOUT group. He gave us a tour of the extensive ministry, which is hoping to become self-supporting through its thrift shop and selling native art. The organization makes breakfast or lunch on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday for people on the street. Behind the dining hall and large thrift shop – which is stuffed with a wide variety of quality items a low prices – is a room used by Lakota Crafters Co-op.  One side of the room is used in as an art boutique, displaying pieces for sale that were created by members of the co-op. The rest of the room has shelves on the walls for supplies, and tables and sewing machines for the crafters to use. This week, the table has been moved to the side so a quilt can be finished on a rack in the middle of the room. The organization is working with local artisans to make sure they get a fair price for their work.

Across the road is Green Tipi Gardens, operated by the ABOUT group. There are several gardens and spaces in a 5 acre area, including a vegetable garden, children’s garden, a stream, and an open area with a stage for performances. There is also an art studio in a small wooden building.

The Lord is surely working here, but there is much to be done. Please pray for them to be able to purchase the land Green Tipi Gardens is sitting on, to be able to help more natives support themselves through their art and other work, and for the staff to be focused on you in everything.

You can visit the About Group’s website at www.theaboutgroup.org