"It has been a rewarding, busy summer. We have been able to meet the needs of so many people. Teams have come from all over to Tree of Life," said Linda Garriott, director at Tree of Life Ministry Center in Mission, South Dakota.

Tree of Life Ministry is located on the Rosebud Reservation in Mission. The Rosebud Reservation has an 80% unemployment rate. The winters are cold, the summers are hot, and the economy is unforgiving. But the love of Jesus is moving throughout the neighborhood. The ministries of Tree of Life include the Warm Welcome, a free hot meal program; Tree of Life Boutique, a thrift store offering clothing and other household items; a food pantry; and a construction ministry for residential repairs.

Last summer, Tree of Life celebrated the grand opening of two new buildings that combined all the ministry's services at one site. The two new buildings allowed the Tree of Life Boutique, where the "price is right," and the Warm Welcome, where everyone is invited to "come on down," phrases coined by Bob Barker, a native son of Mission, South Dakota.

United Methodist Volunteer in Mission (VIM)Teams from throughout the United States came to Tree of Life this summer for construction projects and to build relationships. One project was remodeling an entire home to make it accessible and provide a safe environment. Tribal residents shared the traditions and culture of the Lakota people with each team.

"We love having the teams come. We have a small team of staff. At the end of the summer, we are tired and exhausted," said Linda.

Customers experienced sales, prizes, and giveaways this summer at the Tree of Life Boutique. The boutique sells clothing, personal care items, and small household names and is open daily. View a video highlighting a recent sale. 

The Warm Welcome serves a meal daily. Between 50 and 80 people "come on down" to enjoy the food prepared in the commercial kitchen. They can also grab fresh produce from the nearby botanical garden and orchard.

"We invite people to come and pick what they want. It is wonderful to have fresh things to share," Linda said.

Tree of Life Ministry recently participated in the Rosebud Fair and Wacipi parade. Socks and other items were handed out from their float. View a Facebook Live session with Linda about the parade.

As the summer draws to a close, Tree of Life will continue blessing the people of the Rosebud Reservation through the Warm Welcome and Tree of Life Boutique. You can be part of the ministry through prayer, purchasing items on their Amazon wish list, volunteering, and donations.

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Tree of Life history

In 1985, under the leadership of Bishop James Armstrong, the Dakotas Conference provided funding for a mission ministry and presence on the Rosebud Reservation. For Judeo-Christians, the name Tree of Life refers to the New Testament's Jesus on the cross and as a source of eternal life. For the Lakota people, the term refers to the tree that emerges where the good red road of spiritual understanding crosses the black road of physical suffering and hardship. In both traditions, the Tree of Life expresses the idea of new life and spiritual understanding that evolves from human suffering.

Several Dakotas Conference leaders have guided the ministry since its inception. For 39 years, eight directors, countless board members, district superintendents, and bishops have advocated for the ministry and the people of the Rosebud Reservation.

Dennis Ukenholz, past president and board member of Tree of Life Ministry, is the author of "History of the Tree of Life." Unkenholz, a First United Methodist Church member in Pierre, South Dakota, collaborated with Revs. Dick Fisher and Boyd Blumer to compile the history. You can view and download the document here.