Often, we envision isolation being bound in a straight jacket and placed in a padded room, stranded on a desert island, or even a child sitting in a corner at school feeling left out, but isolation can come in many forms.

Think about this for a second - the Europeans moved west in division amongst themselves (religion & freedom) to explore and conquer new territory. They set foot in the Americas, drove the native people out and began to develop, and over the years, industrialize this region. Major advancements have been made since then yet the natives of the Americas remained indigenous for hundreds of years longer. To me, that seems like more of an accomplishment in itself - to remain. Now, do you see why so much honor and pride is taken in native culture?

For over 12,000 years, the Cherokee Indians have labored to preserve their culture and in their efforts, even within the tribe, isolation has set in where the enemy was given a hint to take plant.

As I have been spending time with Pastor Rich, he has expounded on one thing the most - lack of community amongst the tribe of believers. To be such a strong culture, this is mind-splitting, however God's heart for the Cherokee is to preserve them (Isaiah 61:4), encourage and uplift their spirits (Acts 2:42-47), consume their isolation - from the heart of the matter, and bring them into their true identities as warring sons and daughters of the Most-High (Isaiah 61:1).

Pray for: