"History of Operation Rosebud"
Early in 1998 Father John Spruhan, Missioner/Vicar of the Rosebud Episcopal Mission and former priest of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago appealed to his former Diocese for aid. The following is a brief recap of Father Spruhan's letter:
. . .the Mission comprises 12 Native American congregations on the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Reservation located in southwestern central South Dakota. The Episcopal Church has been active there since 1875.
The Rosebud Sioux are Lakota. They are communal people, with large extended families known for their spirituality, generosity, and humor. In the Lakota language, they say, "we are all related" this is literally true as most people are related either by blood or marriage. Church gatherings are really extended family reunions, so the meal following a special service including a baptism an anniversary or a memorial, is an integral part of the experience.
The reservation is located in the prairie -- rolling hill country. The main economic base is cattle ranching. It cannot support the population, as it is not labor intensive; the unemployment rate is 80%. Todd County is one of the ten poorest counties in the U.S. Connected to this situation, almost every household is touched directly by the effects of alcoholism and related domestic violence.
In this environment, there are obviously great needs. In 1999 the Reservation will impart on a joint mission with Habitat for Humanity to begin building 30 affordable homes over a three-year period.
In early September of 1998 a steering committee met to discuss the possibilities of responding to Father Spruhan's appeal. After a very enthusiastic meeting -- attended by thirteen parishioners – it was agreed that St. Mary Episcopal Church should under take this ministry.
On July 17, 1999 a diverse group from St. Mary departed to Mission, SD for the first Operation Rosebud Mission Trip. These individuals participated in rehabbing a home, building a baseball field for local youth, conducting a Vacation Bible School and performing various repairs at Bishop Hare Mission. At the same time this group received the gifts of the culture and fellowship from our Native American brothers and sisters.
Operation Rosebud has evolved from a single Episcopal Church project into a truly ecumenical mission - participants represent several denominations and hale from as far away as Indianapolis, IN and Rochester, MN. This summer marks the 5th Operation Rosebud Mission Trip to continue “Building Houses Together” with the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate and conducting a Vacation Bible School for Native American Youth. These endeavors are small in regards to the gifts received by the participants – “For those that go…they will never be the same again!”