SPIRIT LAKE - Contact: Andy Lindstrom | email
Our Spirit Lake partnership is the heart of our Global Missions work. Located on the Spirit Lake Reservation in North Dakota, this ministry serves the Dakota people through year-round outreach, education, and spiritual support. The Spirit Lake Ministry Center, a mission of the Dakotas Conference of the United Methodist Church, is a beacon of hope in a region facing significant economic and social challenges. Through this partnership, we are honored to walk alongside the community—offering compassion, resources, and the love of Christ in tangible ways.

Christmas Shoe Boxes
Our year-round Shoe Box Mission is a cornerstone of this outreach. We collect and pack hundreds of shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies, hygiene items, and the like for children from infancy through age 16. These gifts are distributed around Christmas and serve as a powerful reminder that each child is seen, valued, and loved. A special thank-you goes to Dick Pond Athletics in St. Charles, whose generous donation of shoe boxes makes this ministry possible on such a large scale.

Stitches of Hope
Our “Stitches of Hope” group lovingly handcrafts hats, scarves, and gloves that are added to the shoeboxes. These handmade items provide not only warmth but also a personal touch that communicates care and dignity. Each stitch is a prayer, each item a blessing—especially during the harsh North Dakota winters.

Mission Trip
Each year, a dedicated team of volunteers travels to the Spirit Lake Ministry Center to serve in person and deepen our connection with the community. These trips are a powerful expression of faith in action—where relationships are built, stories are shared, and lives are touched on both sides. Over the years, our teams have contributed in a variety of ways: organizing and cataloging the ministry center’s library, leading Vacation Bible School programs filled with joy and spiritual growth, and even helping with construction projects like building a much-needed bath house to support future mission teams and community use. Every trip is a unique opportunity to serve, learn, and grow together in Christ’s love.

Mission Fundraisers
To help offset the cost of travel and supplies, we host a variety of fundraisers throughout the year. From trivia nights to spaghetti dinners, these efforts ensure that finances are never a barrier for those called to serve. Every dollar raised helps send willing hands and open hearts to Spirit Lake, where the impact is lasting and deeply felt.

Heifer International - website
We collect spare change throughout the year to support Heifer International, an organization that empowers families around the world by providing livestock, seeds, and agricultural training. These gifts are more than food—they’re a source of income, independence, and long-term sustainability. A single goat, cow, or flock of chickens can transform a family’s future and help lift entire communities out of poverty.

Pop Tabs for Ronald McDonald House - website
By collecting aluminum pop tabs, we support Ronald McDonald House Charities, which provide housing and support for families with critically ill children receiving treatment far from home. These small tabs are recycled to raise funds that help cover lodging, meals, and emotional support—offering families comfort and stability during some of their most difficult days. It’s a small gesture with a big impact.

Midwest Mission Flood Buckets - website
When natural disasters strike—whether floods, hurricanes, or earthquakes—families are often left with nothing. Our church assembles and donates “Flood Buckets” filled with essential cleaning supplies through Midwest Mission Distribution Center. These kits help families begin the long process of recovery and restoration, offering not just supplies, but hope.