Another Path of Jesus
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The phases of my journey have looked very different. I pastored an Anglo congregation for 13 years and worked for the International Bible Society. I've led Native cultural performing arts groups to places like Tibet, China, Pakistan, and Peru. Along the way, I've had the privilege of seeing many commit to follow The Way of Jesus.
More recently I have lived out my commitment to Jesus at Portland State University, as an adjunct professor, teaching "Native American Religion and the Sacred." I also lived The Way as a traditional Northern Style Powwow dancer, performing my prayers for the people—or while sitting in the inipi or "sweat lodge ceremony" where we confess our faults and celebrate our successes, seeking to become better human beings in the spirit of Jesus.
I began this journey in Christ 38 years ago. The process of growing spiritually has led me to want simply to be ikce wicasa in my local community, following Jesus in the context of Native cultural ways, such as music, dance, drumming, and ceremony.
As a Lakota follower of the Jesus Way, I endeavor to walk in the light of the Creator's presence. I desire something akin to what the Navajo call hozho "the way of beauty," where we live in harmony with all of creation in order to enjoy the beauty around us.
Richard L. Twiss is president of Wiconi International and lives in Vancouver, Washington.
Copyright © 2012 by the author or Christianity Today/Leadership Journal.
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rating & comments
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Displaying 1–5 of 16 comments
Kenn Parker
Richard Twiss was one of the most godly, loving, wise and Christlike men I ever met. He has been referred to as one of the leading missiologists on the planet. I'm not sure if the editors of CT are aware, but Richard passed away in February of 2013. I might have missed it, but I didn't see any acknowledgement of that at either the beginning or end of the article. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Pray for his family as they mourn. Pray that the spirit in which Richard taught, wrote and ministered will become more prevalent amongst ministries today.
Craig Gephart
I can not begin to say how thankful I am to receive this breath of fresh air. I pray this message finds its way to countless people, tearing down walls, humbling the arrogant, breaking up fallow ground in the lives of those who have become complacent, and softening hardened hearts.
Robin Ainsworth
Oh, and 5 stars!!!
Robin Ainsworth
My life was just touched by this great man of God. I didn't even know of him until a friend posted for prayer for him. After reading excerpts from a couple of his books, I knew it was truth and I just cried tears of happiness. I know that my experiences with God and my songs are not wrong, (I knew that), but I was struggling with it all still. I'm not anymore. I'm so grateful, and can't imagine how grateful First Nation Christians are. I have very little native blood in me, but I've had several First Nation friends tell me, "You're Indian." (I knew that too.) They were Christians too. I can't wait to share this all with them. I thank God so much for these last couple of days of learning, and feel honored to have known about Richard Twiss and been able to pray for him and his family and friends before he passed on into Jesus' arms. And I'm grateful for what I'm learning now. God Bless the Twiss family in their time of loss. In Jesus' Name Amen. Dusty
Becca
Thank you for sharing. I had a friend who studied Native American history and was passionate about cultural contextualization of the gospel for everyone, but his heart was for the Native American people. Sadly, he went to be with The Lord a few years back but in memory I am reminded to pray for this to happen. I pray no one would ever feel they have to leave their heritage, as I too believe the Creator purposed us to bring intricacy and beauty to the gospel message through the uniqueness of each culture in worship to him.
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