All the Bible verses in this edition of The Presidential Prayer Team
for Kids Update are from The New Living Translation of the Bible.
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IN THIS ISSUE

  • What did President Bush say when he finally got to speak to the Boy Scouts at their Jamboree? Great words all kids should hear!
  • How did the island of Martha's Vineyard get the "Praying Indians?"
  • President Abraham Lincoln tells about his reliance on prayer.

Things to pray for

This photo shows President Bush on his ranch in Crawford, TX a few years ago. He invited members of the Press to the ranch to see what it is like. When he is there he likes to ride his mountain bike and do chores like clearing brush. Pray for him to be rested and renewed and to have a terrific time while he is there. Photo courtesy of the White House.
  1. Did you know that even the President needs to take a vacation? President and Mrs. Bush are at their home in Texas—they call it Prairie Chapel Ranch—so they can get a little rest and refreshment. When they go to Texas, however, they still have many important things going on—like hosting foreign dignitaries, (President and Mrs. Uribe of Colombia were there on Thursday!), like traveling around the country talking with people and like working on important problems right there in the office at the ranch. You can see why the White House often calls these trips a "working vacation!" So it is the perfect time to pray that President and Mrs. Bush will have a terrific time at their ranch, that they will be blessed by God in many, many ways. Pray that they will be renewed and refreshed in their relationship with each other and with God, and ask God to help them have fun! Pray also for their protection, health and strength through the whole month of August.
President Bush loves to ride his mountain bike, now that he can't run due to a knee injury. Pray for him to be safe as he exercises and to have a great time seeing the beauty on his ranch.
Photo courtesy of the White House.
  1. Things are still pretty rough in Iraq, and people are still being hurt and killed, so it's time for God's children to pray for the end of the attacks and uprisings against those who are working for a free and independent Iraq. Ask God to strengthen and protect every person who wants to do what is right, and pray especially that innocent people will be protected. Pray also for those writing the Iraqi Constitution, because the first draft is due on August 15! Pray that God will guide them to write a document that will serve their country very well for many generations to come.
  2. It's been an exciting week for the crew of the Space Shuttle Discovery! It's a great time to thank and praise God for helping astronaut Stephen Robinson to make the needed repair to the outside of the shuttle, and pray for a very successful return and re-entry next Tuesday.
  3. Pray for America's new Ambassador to the United Nations, John Bolton. Ambassador Bolton started his job this week after a rough time with Senate confirmation hearings. President Bush appointed him while Congress was in recess this week—that's a way of bypassing the final approval from the Senate. The President said that Mr. Bolton had the approval of a majority of senators, so he felt it was good to allow him to get to work! Pray for Mr. Bolton as he starts work, builds relationships and sets his goals.
  4. Our brave troops—hundreds and thousands of men and women—continue to serve so faithfully, right there in harm's way, in Iraq and Afghanistan and other parts of the world. So we must never forget to pray for the troops' safety and protection, asking God to comfort, strengthen and empower them to do their jobs well. Pray for victory and success so the faithful members of our military can soon return to their homes.

Leaders to pray for


Ambassador to the United Nations—
John Bolton
John Bolton answers questions during a recent hearing process. Photo courtesy of lemonade.com.

John Bolton is the United States' newest Ambassador. But rather than traveling to a foreign country to represent our country, Mr. Bolton will be serving the nation right in the Big Apple—New York City. He is President Bush's choice for the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, so he will represent our country in all the meetings held at the U.N. where he will speak for the President, the Congress and our country.

Mr. Bolton has had a lot of great experiences serving our nation including several different jobs in the State Department and the Department of Justice. In fact, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice called John a man who "knows how to get things done." As someone who has worked with many nations and all kinds of tricky international concerns, he will put his experience to very good use as our country's Ambassador to the United Nations.

Mr. Bolton received both his undergraduate and law degrees from Yale University.


Secretary of Housing and Urban Development—
Alphonso Jackson
President Bush checks out Secretary Jackson's smooth head during a friendly moment at the Mayor's Conference. Photo courtesy of the National Mayors Conference.

Alphonso Jackson has been at the helm of the Department of Housing and Urban Development since March 31, 2004. In that role, he and his team work hard to provide affordable housing for all Americans while promoting economic development in our nation's cities. HUD helps make our cities great places to live. They work to provide housing for the homeless, to help neighborhoods with big problems to tackle and solve them and to help every American realize the dream of home ownership.

Alphonso Jackson knows about the importance of good housing—he grew up in a family with 12 children! His father worked very hard at three jobs. He educated his children, and instilled the values that have helped Secretary Jackson as he leads HUD—among them, the importance of giving back to the community. He is grateful to work in a job where he gets to give back to his country every day!

Secretary Jackson holds a bachelor's degree in political science and a master's degree in education administration from Truman State University. He received his law degree from Washington University School of Law. With his wife, Marcia, he has two grown daughters.

Bible Verses of the week

What joy for the nation whose God is the LORD, whose people He has chosen for His own.
—Psalm 33:12

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.
—Colossians 4:2

Portrait courtesy of the State of Pennsylvania.

"I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had absolutely no other place to go."
--Abraham Lincoln

WORDS FROM THE HONORARY COMMITTEE

David Bryant knows a lot about prayer. He has helped hundreds of thousands of people learn how to pray. In these words, he talks about the way that prayer works.

Prayer is action. By it we step out in advance of all other results...Praying is an activity upon which all others depend. By prayer we establish a beachhead for the kingdom among peoples where it has never been before. Prayer strikes the winning blow. All other missionary efforts simply gather up the fruits of our praying.
--David Bryant

THE PRAYING INDIANS

This illustration shows another missionary to the Wampanoag Indians--John Eliot. He ministered in and around the Boston and Plymouth areas. Eliot was friends with the Mayhews and they shared a common concern to bring the Good News of God's love to all the native peoples of the New World. Image courtesy of
Natick Historical Society.

When the first Pilgrims and Puritans came to America's shores, many of thousands of native people lived here. Did you ever wonder how the new residents got along with those who had lived here for hundreds of years? Depending on which history book you read, you may have heard of some sad stories about mistreatment of the Indians. Or you may have heard stories of kindness and blessing on the Native Americans.

In today's update, we want to tell you of one neat story of Puritans and Indians mixing well and getting along in ways that brought great benefits to each other. And their relationship revolved around some Puritan settlers who felt an urgent need to teach the Bible to their native friends.

This map from 1784 shows an early effort to map out Martha's Vineyard. It lies off the coast of Cape Cod, and was settled by Puritans from the Boston area--people who loved God and wanted to honor Him. Image courtesy of vineyard.net.

When the Pilgrims came to Cape Cod and founded their first settlement at Plymouth, they encountered many native people who were members of the Wampanoag tribe. The Wampanoags had lived in that area for many, many years. They lived throughout Cape Cod and also inhabited several islands in the waters off the Cape including Nantucket, the Elizabeth Islands and Martha's Vineyard.

Have you ever heard of Martha's Vineyard? It's a very special place that is visited by many thousands of people every summer. But long ago, Martha's Vineyard was not a place for vacationers; it was home to a unique group of people--the Wampanoags who became known as the "Praying Indians."

HOW DID THEY BECOME PRAYING INDIANS?

This photo shows the home of Thomas Mayhew as it looked around 1900. No one had been living in it--in fact, it was torn down in 1910. But it was in this home that several generations of Mayhews raised their families and launched the ministry to the Wampanoags of Martha's Vineyard. Photo courtesy of vineyard.net.

A man named Thomas Mayhew bought the islands from the British in 1641 and later that year he sent his son, Thomas, Jr. to check out the new purchase. The next year, Thomas, Sr. came to Martha's Vineyard, settling in Edgartown and bringing with him many tools and animals to begin making a life and a community there. He also brought something else that was important--people!

Before long, Thomas Mayhew, Sr. was made the official governor of the area, under the British crown. The Mayhews were a Puritan family who were utterly devoted to Jesus Christ and serving Him in every way that they could. Along with responsibility for the well-being and governance of the island, they had a great burden for the spiritual well being of its people--all of its people.

This part of Martha's Vineyard is now known as Aquinnah--its original Wampanoag name. It was first named "Gay Head" by the English settlers because of the beautifully colored layers of sediment. Aquinnah is still the home of the remaining Wampanoags of Martha's Vineyard. This spot is one of the many places where
Thomas Mayhew, Jr. preached to his Indian friends.
Image courtesy of mvtour.com.

As the Mayhews began meeting and trading with the Wampanoags, they made friends with them. Young Thomas Mayhew, Jr. was the first missionary to the Indians, teaching them about God's love as well as sharing the Bible with them. At first, Thomas preached in English. In time, he realized that he should learn their language so that the stories of the Bible would have the greatest impact when the Wampanoags heard them. So, just as he had learned Greek and Hebrew at Oxford University, Thomas, Jr. now tackled the Algonquian language of the Wampanoags. He found that many more people would listen to him if he spoke in their own language. Soon he was preaching to them regularly at many of their favorite sites around the island--the great interior ponds and the cliffs of Gay Head/Aquinnah. Many came to understand the Bible and God's love for them.

Thomas organized the praying Indians into several groups, and traveled tirelessly around the island preaching to them each week. In time, Thomas trained members of the Wampanoag community to read the Bible and to teach it to one another. Many assumed leadership of their local faith communities and taught each other with the same love and kindheartedness that Thomas had taught them.

SPECIAL TREATMENT OF INDIANS

This photo shows the water of Vineyard Sound, just off the island of Martha's Vineyard, as it may have looked to Thomas Mayhew and the Praying Indians.

Thomas' ministry was truly unique among the missionaries of his day. Many English men and women were concerned for the spiritual lives of the natives they found when they settled, and shared the Good News of God's love with them. But some required them to become like Englishmen when they accepted the English faith in God. They made them wear English clothing, live in English-style housing and adopt English manners.

Today's missionaries know that it is not necessary for people to change their culture just to love and receive God. But in Thomas Mayhew's day, many didn't believe that--except for Thomas! His approach to the Indians was remarkable. He did not require that the Indians change their habits, but rather showed respect for their customs, only asking that they not observe certain customs when the customs directly conflicted with the Bible. As a result, he quickly earned their respect, and has been remembered in history as a gracious and compassionate missionary who always treated the Indians fairly.

As a result of Thomas' kind treatment of the Wampanoags, the people of Martha's Vineyard did not experience the horrible tragedy that many other New England towns did during the Indian Wars. They experienced unity and peace and at times the white people were protected by the faithful Wampanoags.

HIACOOMES, MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL

This picture shows the small chapel built by the Mayhews for the "Praying Indians." It has now been restored. The chapel is very small and sits in a wooded area. There are dozens of unmarked Indian graves alongside it, a testimony to the success of Thomas' ministry. Image courtesy of mvonline.com.

Thomas Mayhew, Jr. had a meaningful ministry to hundreds of Wampanoags, but it all began with one young man named Hiacoomes. Hiacoomes was the first to become interested in the things Thomas taught. He would stand outside the door of Thomas' Sunday meetings, drawing nearer each week. Eventually he entered and learned from the Bible how much God loved him. And Hiacoomes and Thomas became friends. In fact, Thomas went to Hiacoomes' wigwam to learn to speak the Wampanoag language.

At first, Hiacoomes' decision to embrace Christianity was unpopular with his family and friends. But eventually, they all came to believe along with him, in part because they saw that those who believed did not suffer as much from the horrible illnesses that claimed the lives of so many Indians. On August 22, 1670, Hiacoomes was ordained as a Christian minister. He became the first Native American preacher of Christianity, and was helpful in training many others.

There is so much to say about the kindness of Thomas Mayhew, Jr. and his ministry to the Wampanoags of Martha's Vineyard. So much, in fact, that we will continue to tell his story in next week's edition of the PPT Kids Update.

Be sure to check in with us next week to find out:

  • Did many of the Indians of Martha's Vineyard come to believe in the God of the Bible?
  • Educated Indians!
  • What is the mystery surrounding Thomas Mayhew's disappearance?

QUESTION 1

Read Mr. Bryant's statement again. If you connect his words with what you learned about the efforts of the Mayhews on Martha's Vineyard, which statement would you say is most accurate?

  1. The Mayhew family probably accomplished what they did with the Wampanoags of Martha's Vineyard by a lot of hard work.
  2. The Mayhews probably prayed for the Wampanoag people after they all became Christians.
  3. The Mayhews were God-fearing Puritans who believed fervently in prayer for the people they were trying to reach, so they surrounded their efforts with much prayer before, during and after their efforts to reach the Indians.

QUESTION 2

In thinking about Thomas Mayhew, Jr. an early founder of New England, which statement would you say is true?

  1. Thomas went to Martha's Vineyard to get a lot of land and have a really good time.
  2. Since he had never been around Native Americans in England, Thomas wanted to find out what the Indians were like so he made friends with them.
  3. Thomas believed that everyone in the new colonies should be fully aware of God's power and love for them, so he began to teach the Good News to the Wampanoags of Martha's Vineyard.

QUESTION 3

Which statement do you think best explains the ability of the Wampanoags to begin leading each other in church and in their spiritual life?

  1. With the arrival of the English on Martha's Vineyard, the Wampanoags developed a higher level of living with better food and clothing, so they became stronger in everything else.
  2. The Wampanoags wanted to be just like the English, so they started going to church every Sunday.
  3. The Wampanoags saw the love that the Mayhews had for them as well as hearing the Good News of God's love in their own language, so they responded by embracing the Christian faith.

WORDS FROM THE PRESIDENT ON VALUES AND MORALS

President Bush greets the 40,000 Boy Scouts gathered at their once-every-four-years event called the Jamboree. Photo courtesy of the White House.

After several delays due to difficult conditions, President Bush addressed the Boy Scout Jamboree in Fort A.P. Hill, VA last Sunday night. He reminded the Scouts that there is nothing old fashioned or out-dated about being young men of faith and morals. Here are some of his words—great ones for kids and adults alike!

Always remember where you come from and what you believe. At times, you may come across people who say that moral truth is relative, or call a religious faith a comforting allusion. They may question the values you learn in scouting. But remember, lives of purpose are constructed on the conviction there is right and there is wrong, and we can know the difference.

In the years ahead you will find that indifferent or cynical people accomplish little that makes them proud. You'll find that confronting injustice and evil requires a vision of goodness and truth. You'll find that many in your community, especially those younger than you, look to you as an example of conduct and leadership. For your sake, and for the sake of our country, I hope you'll always strive to be men of conviction and character.

Finally, your life will grow in meaning when you serve a cause greater than yourself. There's a wise saying: We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give. That truth is expressed well in the Scout slogan: Do a good turn daily. When you help someone in need, you're making America more hopeful, one heart and one soul at a time. And you're answering the call to love a neighbor just like you'd like to be loved yourself.
--George W. Bush

QUESTION 4

True or False President Bush believes that each kid should decide what is right and what is wrong for him or herself.

  1. True
  2. False

QUESTION 5

When President Bush quotes the saying, "We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give," what do you think he really means?

  1. President Bush means that kids like the Boy Scouts should try very hard to be successful, to make a lot of money and to enjoy it for the rest of their lives.
  2. President Bush means that we should try to get others to give us as much as they can.
  3. President Bush means that both making a living and having a meaningful life are important, but the greatest reward comes in giving to others.

Can you think of a Bible verse that reminds us to do good to others, just like the Boy Scout slogan suggests? There are so many terrific verses! Check 'em all out!

Verse #1
Verse #2
Verse #3

We hope you've learned a lot by reading about Thomas Mayhew and his efforts with the Wampanoag Indians in Massachusetts. As a godly man who made a difference in the lives of others, he is a great example for us to follow, especially when we want to reach those who may not be exactly like us! To show the love and acceptance that Jesus speaks of is the first thing we should do—just like Thomas Mayhew. And remember to pray for those whom you want to reach, because it is always God who draws people to Himself—we just get to be His helpers.

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