Ronan gathering offers up peace and love

Under the shade of a tent near the banks of the Flathead River and just across Sloan’s Bridge on the road from Ronan to Hot Springs, was a gathering of community members joined in faith and fellowship. Most of the attendees were native people, but all were welcome.

The idea for the event began to emerge at a Powerhouse Conference held in Glacier Park earlier this year at which Indigenous people from throughout the United States and Canada congregated. Pastor Chad Hoffman of the Life for the Nations church located on Main Street in Ronan was one of the instigators of the event and Patrick Matt, Jr. of the Pend d’ Orielle tribe was the main organizer. Pastor J.R. of the Good Heart Ministry promoted the outreach mission of both the event and the ministry — the goal being to help those who are hurting, broken hearted, and less fortunate.

The atmosphere at the gathering was one of peace and love. Both adults and children mingled and greeted each other with hugs and a sense of acceptance. The Rushing Wind Band played spiritual music that had jazz and New Age undertones. Prayer spoken both in native and English languages united the attendees in their faith and friendship. It was an afternoon of love, healing, and fellowship that those involved hope to make an annual event.