Restoring Hearts Indigenous Ministries Restoring Hearts Indigenous Ministries

Through Jesus, Sphenia was able forgive the people who physically and sexually abused her

Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

Sphenia was taken to a residential school in Edmonton at the age of 11 and suffered great abuse there, including having her fingernails pulled out for speaking and singing in Cree. She saw many atrocities done to the other students, which left her grieved and heartbroken. Sphenia remembered the Christian teachings of her grandfather, a lay pastor in Haida Gwaii, and forgave them the best she could.  As an adult, abuses continued with her husband, her son was murdered, and she suffered health issues due to the actions of other people. But Sphenia grew into a very strong Christian and learned how to completely forgive them through Jesus. Sphenia testified at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, is today an actor and activist, and is working to help other Native people heal from their abuses.

“This is Just What Heaven Means to Me” The Rising Above Band was formed when Pastor Howard Jolly from the Cree nation in Quebec joined with Ontario Cree missionaries Rick, Terry and Brenda Martin.

Visit us at http://www.restoringhearts.ca

The Empty Wealth Of This World

Ron’s financial success left him empty inside until he allowed Jesus into his heart

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” Matthew 6:19-21

As a young man, Ron faced discrimination and poverty and decided the only way out was to become a financial success. Working his way up from a stock boy and a janitor at Woolworths to become one of Totem Ford’s top car salesmen in Canada, Ron finally had it all – a beautiful home, car, and a lot of money. But he still felt empty inside, and turned to alcohol. God woke him up when Ron suddenly became allergic to anything cold and he almost died. When his mother asked him to take her to church, he found happy, fulfilled people. Ron finally gave in to the Lord, who healed and restored his heart, and freed him from his allergy and alcoholism. Today, Ron’s idea of success is to look to Jesus, and allow the Holy Spirit to fill him.

Visit us at http://www.restoringhearts.ca

Grammy Award winner Joanne discusses how her mother and aunt impacted the spirituality of her music

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

Grammy Award winner Joanne Shenandoah shares the significance for her in the making of the Sisters CD with her mother Maisie Shenandoah and her Aunt Liz Robert, both of whom had a large spiritual impact on her approach to music. The Sisters CD is composed of Oneida Indian hymns. Joanne also discusses the Peacemaker’s Journey CD, which follows the spiritual journey of Hiawatha and the Peacemaker, a story that teaches us about forgiveness.

Joanne Shenandoah sings two songs – ‘The Peacemaker is Born” from the Peacemaker’s Journey CD and “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” from the Sister’s CD.

Her music can be found at http://www.joanneshenandoah.com

Visit us at http://www.restoringhearts.ca

Host Liz speaks about the Corona virus and shares traditional Indigenous ways to help prevent it

The COVID-19 has taken a toll on our Indigenous people. By returning to our traditional healing methods and taking better care of our health, we can strengthen our immune systems and better protect ourselves from the virus. Liz provides practical ways in which we can do this.

Visit us at http://www.restoringhearts.ca

Restoring Hearts Indigenous Ministries is a Christian podcast created for Indigenous people who need healing through Jesus and God’s Word so that their broken hearts and lives may be restored. Our goal is to make our podcast a Christian community for and by First Peoples, although we welcome the support of our non-indigenous brothers and sisters. You will hear our People throughout the episodes share messages from God’s Word, relate their own personal stories, tell us of answered prayer, and singing gospel and other Christian songs. There will be some who say some words in their own language, others who share traditional knowledge, and yet others who tell of practical resources available to our People. Our website also includes Native New Day Bible Studies and videos which are designed especially for Native people. The host of Restoring Hearts Indigenous Ministries is Oneida and Abenaki First Nation member Liz Obomsawin.



Visit us at http://www.restoringhearts.ca