Many of us are grieving the loss of good friend and co-worker for the kingdom Richard Twiss. I am sure that many of you have already heard he died this morning from a massive heart attack. Richard and his wife Katherine, open the eyes of many of us to the challenges faced by indigenous peoples im many countries, especially that of Native Americans here in the U.S. He will be greatly missed. The quote below was posted on Facebook this morning.
The Passing of Richard Leo Twiss, Taoyate Obnajin “He Stands with his People”
As of Saturday, February 9, 2013 Richard Leo Twiss, Lakota, co-founder and President of Wiconi International, passed into the eternal kingdom of the Creator as he took up the journey of life on the other side, to be with the Lord whom he loved and served so diligently on this side of life.
Richard walked the good road with Jesus from 1974, and continues his walk now on the other side of life.In the final hours of Richard’s journey on this side, he was surrounded by his wife Katherine, his four sons, Andrew, Phillip, Ian and Daniel, along with close friends who sang, prayed, laughed and reminisced together about his impact in life among them, and within the wider kingdom of his Creator.
A fuller description of the impact and ministry of our brother, Richard Twiss, will be posted at a later date.
16 comments
I was privileged to have connected with Richard several times over the last three years at the Christian Community Development Association annual conference. I’m grateful for all he did to help the church learn how to reach Native people in the context of their own culture.
I too am grateful. The last time I was with Richard was at Wild Goose last year – had a wonderful teepee discussion with he and other Native American leaders. It was the highlight of the festival for me.
Though I never met him, I know him to be a mighty warrior for the kingdom of God. He brought the love of Christ to many and the cuase of his people to light. May God be with his family in this time.
Efraim Goldstein
Israel
Or Hagalil Congregation, Pastor
Amen. And may the good work he has begun continue
I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. I believe you just recently wrote about him and I was very touched. I will be praying for his family as they begin their walk through the valley of the shadow of death.
I read one of his books when I was in seminary for a research project and was greatly impacted! My husband knew him from InterVarsity NW. We grieve the loss of this courageous reconciler for Christ.
Amen Jill
My heart is sadden to hear of the worlds loss today. To say Richard was unique was an understatement. His ability to communicate true Christianity with humor and grace was without compare. He was truly the founding father of contextualized ministry. His dedication and gifts communicating our Fathers heart to all peoples all over the world is that of a true apostle of God. My heart aches for Katherine and the boys and their families and myself. He will leave a hole in his place, may all of us continue to follow Christs example He set forth in Richard.
Amen and mY prayer is that in his death many seeds may spring forth to multiply what he has begun
My deepest condolence to Katherine and theTwist family for the loss of a beloved husband, dedicated father, proud grandfather, son, uncle, friend, teacher, leader, mentor and a mighty warrior to name just a few. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and share your tears, laughter and the memories. We celebrate Richards contributions to his creator, family, people, community and worldwide ie Aotearoa (the land of the long white cloud) New Zealand. He will be missed but not forgotten. Haere atu e te rangatira nei, haere, haere, haere ra! Arohanui (Much Love) Martha Korewha.
Blessings Martha – I will make sure that Katherine gets this tribute from yuo
He and his ministry were so full of the Holy spirit when they came to our church to worship in there naitive culture. At our Four Square Church in Scottsdale Az. Great man of God. He was part of my prayer for my church to be a ranibow church of many cultures. My pastor Richard Casteel anounced it Sunday. Blessings to his family. To the mighest warrior who lived to spread Gods word and love to all people. He will be missed!!. Grace Chapel member. Maria Mcminn
Reblogged this on Marking Time and commented:
I only met Richard Twiss once, at the 2011 Wild Goose Festival, but he was the genuine article. Heard an interview or two over the years as well. I only wish I knew a Lakota Sioux blessing to offer… but then, that might be inauthentic coming from me, anyway. I’ve burned some sage, and that will have to be enough. Fare forward, Richard.
allthough i never had tht privelage of meeting richard i know he was a great warrior and servant for god. He will be missed and always be loved. dave elias
Amen to that
I was so very blessed to have heard Brother Richard Twiss speak at a Worship Arts seminar, here in Portland, in 2011. A new realm for me, and coming after a long road of recovery from child abuse, and finally figuring out it was really truly ok with Jesus, and my destiny in Jesus, to make art- worship art, baskets and landscape paintings. Richard’s words gave me such peace and confidence. He took time and prayed over my road, prayed over my hands and encouraged me to attend pow-pows, to better learn of my native heiritage,- its just a drop, but am so proud of it!!! I wil never forget him, and will continually pray for the work that he did, the legacy that he left, and for those who will pick up his trail and continue on. My heartfelt thanks to his wonderful family for sharing him, their precious Daddy and beloved Husband, with us all.
Hanta YO! In a sacred manner I come…that sums up Richard!!!
Debrah Barr, Chaplain, Black Sheep Harley Davidsons for Christ
Isaiah55 Studio