MINISTRY AMONG NATIVE AMERICANS, INC.

            Ministry Among Native Americans, Inc. (MANA), a Non-denominational Mission Organization, was founded by Waylen and Darlene Brown in 1992 for the purpose of ministering primarily, but not exclusively to the Native American Indians through evangelism and training.  The Browns are both recorded (Ordained) Friends Ministers, having served as pastors in Rocky Mountain, Iowa and Mid-America Yearly meetings for over 25 years before answering God's call to leave the "comfort zone" and reach out to the "forgotten Ones" of America.  For three years they served under another Mission Organization, however feeling that God wanted them to help the Indian people not only come to know Jesus, but to become Disciples grounded in the faith and share it with their own people, MANA came into being.  It was incorporated  as a Faith Mission Organization with a Board of Directors and was recognized by the Federal Government as a Non-profit Mission Organization and received their 501 (3c)status on October 26, 1993.   Waylen and Darlene were named as Directors of MANA at that time.    

In the beginning stages of a new mission organization, that title had many hats.  Being a FAITH organization, it meant that all funds had to be raised or provided for by the Browns.  God has blessed all along the way by impressing those who were already giving support monies each month, to continue doing so and He raised up new folk, churches and organizations to also contribute. 

            The work of Ministry Among Native Americans, Inc. goes on all year. Most well known area is Summer Ministries/VBS, June 1-August 15 each year.  Evangelistic services and Bible Studies are held in most areas encouraging literacy related activities and programs and One-on-One with OJT as much as is possible among all Tribes/reservations.  When possible, training for various job skills are made available in order for The People to learn to do maintenance on their own homes and vehicles as well as help them have more marketable job skills to prepare them for places of leadership in their own communities and churches.  Provide encouragement to all possible by listening to pastors and missionaries, praying with them, and even serving as "fill in" to give a few days off when needed.  To help, when possible, by providing tools and instruction to help learn skills to become self-sufficient and self-confident.  

            We are now looking to provide Seminary quality training for the pastors and church leaders, that they will be better equip as pastors and leaders in the church and community.  We are networking with World Impact and The  Urban Ministries Institute as a satellite, for the curriculum. Anthony (Tony) Brown will be the coordinator/moderator, on the Navajo Reservation. Tony is planning to move to the Reservation

            On some occasions we are privileged to distribute items to meet physical and material needs such as clothing, books, computers and printers, building materials and in some cases, food.  We are able to do this because of concerned individuals and other Organizations who network with MANA to make it all possible.           

            Waylen and Darlene both serve as Counselors and Confidantes to Indian people locally as well as on the reservations.  Darlene writes and works to make available correspondence Bible Studies for some.  Waylen works in the jails ministering with the inmates as well as their family members.  Anthony Brown, will be the coordinator for the Seminary training of the pastors and church leaders.  Scott MacLeod, the Chairman of the MANA, Inc Board of Directors, lives in Andover, KS and is active in the Eastminster Presbyterian Church .  Jeff Nattier, assistant treasurer, a farmer, lives near Newton, Ks with a fulltime job on the farm.  They are active in the 1st Baptist Church in Newton, Ks.  Bob and Judy Isbell, Directors live in Wichita, KS. Attend Derby Friends Church, give of themselves.  David Bridgman, who is Associate Director of Missions for the Presbyterian Church in Orlando, FL is a vital member of the group serving on the Board of Reference and Michelle Wendt as the Resident Agent cares for the office needs when the Browns are on the reservations.    

Waylen serves in much the same capacity as a General Superintendent to Native American pastors and missionaries who serve under thirteen different denominations as well as a number who are independent Bible teaching Churches, serving all whom God brings us in contact with.    

            We do not do this alone, God has provided us with FAITHFUL TEAM MEMBERS and PRAYER WARRIORS.  We have Women's groups and Churches who provide well over 75% of our VBS craft supplies every summer and some who faithfully provide funds to help with the travel expenses as well as some individuals.           

            This past Christmas (2002) we were able to provide mittens/gloves, socks, scarves, buckets and some kitchen utensils for many families on the Navajo reservation. We plan, God willing, to minister to more families this coming year as we have many really needy areas among the Navajo alone which includes about 2800 to 4,000 children and adults who need to be remembered.    

            Locally we have been able to provide food and clothing for several families, some auto repairs and utility assistance through a Benevolence fund to the Non-Indian as well as the Indian and Hispanic families.           

            For twelve years we have made Indian presentation programs at different schools in the Wichita and Derby areas hopefully giving a more realistic knowledge of the Indian people, their culture and living conditions.  This school year (2003) we plan to be in four schools.  We also participate in several Mission Conferences and Emphasis programs throughout the year.    

            Fund raising is a needed area and a part of our job as Directors since we are totally dependent on voluntary donations from individuals, Churches and other organizations to continue to minister as God has called.  Ministry and training is our God given Call.  GOD IS GOOD to us in oh so many ways, providing in areas we don't even know we have need of nor time to think about many times.  

            Since 1999 several Teams have served with us, how blessed we are as people respond to God's call on their hearts to be Partners and short term missionaries to the Native American in our own Land.  Praise God!!  The unique part is that they pay all their own expenses and help to provide the materials and supplies for the site they are serving.

            Thanks to so many faithful people and Churches, for their consistent and faithful support this past year.  It has made possible on that which we had hoped for in the past.   Believing that financial support brings with it prayer support, we feel truly blessed.  There is no way in which we can tell you all that is involved in the ministry of MANA Inc, (Ministry Among Native Americans, Inc.) but please feel free to ask questions and visit with us about it.