Many scripture references allude to spiritual warfare, the Lord’s army, and Christian armor. Ministers and Bible teachers capitalize on this by drawing comparisons between today’s armies, who endure much for the cause of freedom, and Christ’s spiritual army.

I would like to use this analogy to describe the faith and determination behind the great work accomplished by Seventh-day Adventist Native American coordinators. By God’s grace, 55 Native baptisms have been reported within our seven-union mission field. Miracles would be the word to describe each of these baptisms, but the miracles were accompanied by warriors ready to defend truth just as solders in Christ’s spiritual army.
   
“When Te-cum-she, the illustrious orator, threatened an American general with mobilizing over six thousand warriors, the furious General retorted that he would have him shot. The Iroquois replied calmly, ‘Do you believe you can frighten me by talk of harming my body?’ ….Native American warriors did not generally fear death; in fact, they welcomed it in the service of bravery, valor and duty.” My People A History of the Native Americans by KA-BE-MUB-BE

This statement is true in light of the history of Dog soldiers. The Cavalry feared Native Dog Soldiers more than any other enemy because when in the heat of battle, and the numbers of Native warriors were dwindling, Dog Soldiers would climb off their horses, pull out a piece of leather, tie it around their ankle and stake themselves to the ground. By doing this they were saying to their enemy, “we are ready to fight to the death.” History reveals many accounts of a few Dog Soldiers, greatly out numbered, putting to flight armies because of their willingness to fight and die for what they defended.

The seven-union Native coordinators have vowed to entrench themselves as Dog Soldiers, fighting to the death for the cause of God. Great will be the victory for ones with such determination and faith in both, their cause and the Commander and Chief, King Jesus, who leads them.   

Acts 10:34, 35
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

Bruce W. Wilkinson
Pastor/Coordinator
Native Ministries
New York Conference