Taking the Jesus Road

Book excerpt: The story of the Reformed Church's relationship to Native Americans is one of persistence and optimism in the face of overwhelming odds. Unfortunately, it's also a story that reflects all too well the sad record of U.S. dealings with America's first inhabitants. In this frank, well-balanced account of the Reformed Church's Native American missions and churches, LeRoy Koopman recounts the spiritual journey of the "Jesus Road" shared by Reformed and Native American Christians. "Taking the Jesus Road" outlines how government and church often cooperated with each other in implementing shifting policies that allowed the native peoples little or no voice in their own destiny. Koopman does not hesitate to point out how early missionaries often equated the Christian faith with white culture but also gives credit for their tireless efforts to seek a better life for the people they were serving. Much of the book is devoted to the stories of particular ministries, including the six Native American congregations that remain a vital part of the Reformed Church today.