Tikkun Olam Team Member Highlight - Sarah Larkin
My name is Sarah Larkin. I moved to Wolf Point two years ago from Wichita, KS. I always wanted to teach in a place with high need and spread the love of God. Then, I heard about Tikkun Olam from someone who was a part of a mission group who told me about this ministry that recruits teachers. I felt God call me to the reservation for a season to learn who He is and how much He loves everyone.
“And so, we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them” 1 John 4:16.
What have you learned about the community and its people?
I have learned that there is more to the community than what meets the eye. What you see are burnt-down buildings, graffiti, and broken windows. There is also a lot of racism, drugs, alcoholism, fights; however, as you get to know this community, there are wonderful people in this community that I have met who want to make a difference. I have worked with some amazing staff members at Southside school and met some amazing people at Gospel Fellowship church. Although I can feel the darkness over this community, I also know God is working in mysterious ways, through the power of prayer, these past two years.
In which ways are you involved and serving in the community?
I am a first-grade teacher at Southside school this year. I had a rough class last year here when I taught kindergarten. God knew I needed a break! I work with amazing kids who are motivated to learn but most importantly my students want to develop Godly character which is so encouraging to see and I pray that continues to grow in each student of mine. I am also involved in the Children's Bible club every other Wednesday night in Wolf Point and the other Wednesday night one is in Frazier. It was started by a dynamic lady who has had this ministry for over twenty years, and she has a huge heart for the Native people and the Lord. They sing songs, do a puppet show, learn scriptures, have a Bible lesson, play games, and then eat snacks as they practice their verses. It has been encouraging being a part of it and watching God move in those children’s lives. I have also been part of the worship team at my church, help at the Tikkun Olam daycare sometimes, and help out in the nursery sometimes.
What are your goals while here in Wolf Point?
To know Christ and make Christ known!
“For we are God’s masterpiece. “He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago” Ephesians 2:10.
To use the spiritual gifts God has given me to love his people and spread the light of Jesus Christ. Not only use the gifts God has given me, but watch the power of prayer change lives.
To pour out love in a place that desperately needs the love of Christ in us.
What is your hope and prayer for the Wolf Point community and the Fort Peck Reservation as a whole?
Thank you, Lord, for the people here who want to make a difference and I pray you continue to encourage them not to give up. I pray that You would destroy the spirit of poverty that and create a spirit of freedom, of love, and motivation to create a new life for the next generations. That You will break racial tensions and the people here to know how much You love people of all races and walks of life. For you have created them! I pray for the Tikkun Olam team and other Christians in this community to stand bold in Your Word and to believe in Your promises for restoration. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen!
