Wiconi International and Richard Twiss enjoy widespread support from throughout the Body of Christ. Richard has received endorsements from many well-known national ministry leaders and pastors in the Body of Christ.

Ministry Leaders

Dr. Jerry Yellowhawk, Lakota/Sioux elder
former District Superintendent of the Wesleyan Native American Ministries
I can feel your heartbeat in the mission, vision and purpose statements of Wiconi International. You are on track and target! I am praying for you and I am with you as you gently paddle your canoe in these unfamiliar waters. Your approach to ministry is one that should have been used in the beginning of Native ministries, with new understanding and appreciation of Native culture from the non-Indian community. When Saint Paul went to minister among the Greeks, he saw many statues. He saw one with the inscription, "To the Unknown God." He didn't condemn their statues, but instead said, "Let's talk about this one, this unknown God." When he gained the audience with the people he also gained their attention. When the early missionaries arrived in our lands, they saw many "statues" among the Native people, and condemned ALL of them. These missionaries didn't realize that there, in the midst of the beliefs, was Wakantanka. If the missionaries had only said, like Paul, "Let's talk about Him," they could have talked about His Son. Perhaps the Natives didn't reject Jesus, but the method. You and I know what we are up against. As the old saying goes, "Much water has flowed under the bridge" since I came along. Sometimes it gets lonely in this old canoe, so when I see young men enter the ministry, I am for them. "Your vision and commitment to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through innovative methods that do not condemn the cultures of Native people makes my heart glad. I wholeheartedly endorse and support your vision for Wiconi International."

Stephen B. Kellough
Chaplain of the College - Wheaton College
"Richard Twiss is a person with a message that needs to be heard by the Church, Native Americans, and the world. It's a message of inclusion and cooperation and where the Church recognizes the contributions of Native American Christians."

Mary Glazier, Haida Nation
Founder/President, Windwalkers International
Richard is a personal friend whom I recognize as a modern-day apostle for the new millennium. The Native American voice is critically needed for the successful completion of the mission work of the Church. As the new generation of believers leaves behind old stereotypes Richard boldly and directly confronts an old worldview that must yield to the overwhelming power of present truth.

Dr. C. Peter Wagner
President Global Harvest Ministries
"Richard, Congratulations! God is using you in a remarkable way as a leader who is hearing what the Spirit is saying to the churches."

Francis Frangipane
Advancing Church Ministries
"Besides being my personal friend, as an anointed Lakota/Sioux Indian, Richard Twiss is a man raised up "for such a time as this". Richard carries in his soul God's heart for North America's Native Peoples. He is one of those gifted individuals who sees past the illusion of traditions, past deceptions that have kept Christians divided. I not only endorse Wiconi International, Richard's ministry arm, I pray that God will raise up thousands of disciples who, like Richard, follow Jesus into the healing of the nations."

Dr. Charles H. Kraft, Ph.D.
Professor of Anthropology
School of World Mission, Fuller Theological Seminary
Now, after many years of cultural domination by well-meaning but culturally insensitive missionaries and those they have trained, some within the Native American community are beginning to see that Native American culture, like First Century Gentile culture, can be used by God. Richard Twiss and Wiconi International is one of these. We have usually required our converts to adopt some version of our cultural expression of Christianity as if that were endorsed by God. We often failed to see that God wants to be understood and responded to by each cultural group in terms that are most meaningful to them, in terms of the only way of life that really makes sense to them. We have often made the mistake of seeing the culture of our converts as the enemy rather than the real enemy, Satan, as the one to oppose by working against him both in their culture and ours. "The Native American community has waited too long to hear the message of Jesus Christ in a culturally appropriate, acceptance-possible form. Following Paul's (and Jesus') example, Wiconi International seeks to present the Gospel as relevantly and attractively as possible to a neglected people group who for too long have been required to abandon their own way of life to become Christians. I have known Richard Twiss for several years now and I heartily endorse the motives and aims of Wiconi International and count it a privilege to be a supporter."

Rev. Terry LeBlanc, Mi'kmaq/Acadian
Nations Manager, Aboriginal Programs, World Vision Canada
"...I believe the approach of Wiconi will be absolutely essential in the days ahead for successful ministry to the First Nations of North America. You have my heartfelt and full support."

Tom Phillips
Vice President, Billy Graham Evangelistic Training Center
"Wiconi International is a much needed and creative approach to ministry in and through the Native American community. No one is better suited to develop this than Richard Twiss. What a heart he has for the Gospel, for Native Americans, and for a biblical approach to accomplishing this task for the Lord. Wiconi International is a unique ministry for the growth and development of the Kingdom of God at this time in the mission of the church of Jesus Christ in North America."

Rev. Adrian Jacobs, Cayuga from the Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy
Founder and former Executive Director First Nations Center For Ministry, Canada
"Richard has been first my friend. What unites us is a common desire to see a new paradigm of ministry among First Nations peoples. I have appreciated Richard boldly stepping out to "do" some of the things I have "thought" of doing. I heartily endorse the vision of Wiconi International because I share it fully. Wampum is a beaded belt containing symbols representing an agreement reached between two covenant partners. My wampum belt with Richard would picture two men joining hands and holding up the cross of Christ."

Jon Lansa, Hopi Nation
Native American Director of Discipleship Training, Navigators
As a Native American leader with Navigators, I commend Wiconi International to you and your ministry. I highly recommend Wiconi International as a Christ centered and Biblical based ministry. Their outreaches have affected the spiritual welfare and growth of our Native American people. Their training seminars and ministries have given us, the Native people, a sound Biblical perspective on the need for unity of the Body of Christ and have shown that we, as an Ethnic group, have a vital part in His Body. Wiconi serves as a vital role model and its spiritual leadership has shown us the great value of our Native culture and heritage as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Don Richardson - Author, Peace Child, Eternity in Their Hearts…
President, Don Richardson Ministries
Richard Twiss, a Lakota Native American in a predominantly Anglo America, reminds me of Joseph, long ago leader of a Hebrew community in ancient Egypt. To be sure, Egyptians gave Joseph dire cause to feel cynical about Egyptians. But Joseph, rising above cynicism, blessed an undeserving nation, a nation that initially enslaved him. Native people across North America have at least as much basis for cynicism about us as Joseph had for Egyptians. Richard Twiss, like a modern Joseph, is calling Christian Native people to rise above cynicism and fulfill a Joseph-like destiny in today's strife-riven world. Richard is one of a new group of articulate Native Christian leaders. I urge pastors to invite Richard and other spokespersons he lists as speakers in church conferences. It is my hope that Christians everywhere will pray for these new leaders. Their message is like a healing balm for the many racist wounds inflicted over time.

Gus Row
National Director, Youth For Christ, New Zealand
Richard Twiss was 1998's featured speaker at Youth For Christ's Capital Teen Convention (CTC) and Senior Staff Conference. Prior to the convention itself, Richard spent a week speaking in state High Schools. These highly secular young people were enthusiastic in their response to his presentation of a committed Christian faith in the context of an indigenous culture. CTC is an annual nation-wide talent quest that attracts 2300 young people. Past speakers have included Tony Campolo, Buster Soaries, Ravi Zacharias, and Ron Hutchcraft. The young people rated Richard as one of the best ever. Richard Twiss has a ministry that is timely for young people. His ability to present God's Truth, in the context of a renewal in indigenous culture, is unique and relevant. Richard's strong Biblical foundation and Christ-like attitude, places him ideally as a youth speaker. We would highly recommend Richard. His speaking ability was matched by a humble attitude and willingness to mix and mingle. I speak on behalf of our organization and workers in enthusiastically commending him to you.

Mike Ross, (Maori)
Te Hou Ora, Aotearoa, former National Director/Coordinator, (New Zealand)
Reports came from around the country as to the impact Richard had on the young people at Capital Teen Convention. The genuineness of his testimony and ability to communicate on their level stimulated much thought and discussion. Richard was a great encouragement and a wealth of knowledge regarding culture and communicating the gospel.

Rikihana Samuel, (Maori)
Te Ora Hou, National Director
Richard Twiss's presentation and testimony mesmerized the young people. It is easy to become caught up in your own cultures struggles. Richard provided insights into the struggle of his own culture drawing parallels with that of our own. This especially challenged our Maori young people to look wider and beyond their own needs, yet at the same time to assess where they themselves are at. Richard had a major impact on these young people provoked many helpful discussions.

Larry Marshall, General Director
Wesleyan Native American Ministries, Rapid City, SD
WNAM has seen lives changed as a result of Wiconi International and the ministry of Richard Twiss. During the seminar you held for us, there were many Native American people whose lives were changed forever after understanding your teach of Scripture that, "I can be a Christian and Native American at the same time." Your ministry has opened our eyes to lost opportunities and future options for Christ. WNAM is striving to follow the command of Christ to present the Gospel to all people. We believe the biggest downfall of Christian outreach to Native Americans is that of condemning the culture. Our methods need to change to allow culture to be used as a tool of evangelism. Richard, your insight and expertise have been essential in us launching some exciting new ministry initiatives.

Jeffrey P. Bjorck, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology, Graduate School of Psychology, Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, CA
I am privileged to endorse Richard & Katherine Twiss, co-founders of Wiconi International. I have known them since 1996 and have grown in my appreciation for their deep desire to reach Native Americans with the message of salvation and reconciliation. Some Christians might raise concerns about a ministry that seeks to embrace the Native American culture, given that aspects of these cultures are often intertwined with pagan theology. In response, let me state my confidence in Richard and Katherine's firm commitment to embrace only those facets of Native American culture, which do not violate their higher commitment to Biblical orthodoxy. As a clinical psychologist, I am very aware of the painful human dynamics inherent in cultural clashes between majority and minority groups. Furthermore, I know the importance of recognizing that individuals are shaped to some extent by cultural heritage. Thus, I am particularly glad that Wiconi International will focus its ministry on facilitating the healing of wounds related the cultural despotism of the majority. Specifically, I heartily endorse the Wiconi vision of incorporating Native-American strategies for learning and training, rather the merely forcing Native-American content into a Western academic model. In order to prepare persons for ministry, it is essential to train them in methods and concepts directly applicable to those for whom the ministry is intended. I believe Wiconi International is doing just that.

Sharon-Rose M. Bjorck, M.A.
Adjunct Professor of American Language, Mount San Antonio College, Walnut, CA
It is my pleasure to endorse Richard & Katherine Twiss, co-founders of Wiconi International. I have come to appreciate the depth of this couple and their profound desire to reach Native Americans with the message of salvation and reconciliation. Their sense of mission painted an opposing contrast to the past when Native people were forced to abandon their children, families, homes, languages and cultural heritage in exchange for "civilized" English-speaking boarding schools-all in the name of Christianity. As an adjunct professor of English, I have developed a deep appreciation for the need for more cultural sensitivity in communication, as well as sensitivity to various learning styles based on non-Western upbringings. Thus, I am particularly excited by the ministry of Wiconi International, which seeks to nurture Native American culture while teaching the Truths of the Bible.

Randall M. Landis - Senior Pastor
Church on the Move, Allentown, PA
Your message is clear, strong, relevant - it is a message of healing and hope for our nation, as well as the Church. We extend our resources to assist you in your "Kingdom Building" endeavors. I love you my friend. Continue to build bridges. I salute you!

Rick Benjamin - Senior Pastor
Abbott Loop Community Church, Anchorage, AK
It is my pleasure to recommend to you Richard L. Twiss and his ministry, Wiconi International. Richard has spoken to our church several times and has stayed with my family in our home. Richard is a remarkable person. His intelligence, his sense of humor, and his own experience as a Native American have uniquely qualified him in cross-cultural ministry. I believe he has an understanding of vital issues of diversity and racism that the rest of us need to hear, and I am grateful to him and Wiconi for sharing what God has entrusted to him. He challenges our thinking to see people and the world "through Kingdom eyes. I recommend Richard Twiss and Wiconi International with all my heart, as an invaluable resource to churches, ministries, and businesses everywhere. I know that Richard and his message will enrich you; he has certainly been a blessing to my family, our church and me.

Charles P. Schmitt - Senior Pastor
Immanuel's Church, Silver Spring, MD
As the senior pastor of Immanuel's Church I wholeheartedly support your vision and goals for Wiconi International. Your vision for Indigenous believers in the Body of Christ to bring reconciliation between Euro-Americans and themselves is truly a blessing from the Lord! I firmly believe that the Native-American people will play a vital role in these last days to co-labor with non-Native saints to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ amongst a lost generation.

Michael H. Schultz - Senior Pastor
First Wesleyan Church, Rapid City, South Dakota
"It is my distinct honor and pleasure to write a letter of recommendation for Rev. Richard Twiss and Wiconi International. Richard brings a timely prophetic message for troubled times. He shares a Biblical, fresh approach to reconciliation and healing of division among races. I believe God has gifted and anointed him for this particular ministry. What he shares is Biblically based, doctrinally sound, and resonates with the very heart of God. Because his approach is so disarming, the challenging and penetrating truth of his message bears no tone of condemnation or condescension."

Donald M. Meekoff - Pastor
First Presbyterian Church, Spokane, Washington
"Richard has spoken at our church on several occasions and I have found him to be committed to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and one of the most eloquent speakers I have ever heard. He has taught me a great deal about First Nations people and their wonderful value to the whole Body of Christ. I am impressed by his significant insights and solid theology. I have found what Richard says needs to be heard among all the Body of Christ. It is my joy to affirm him as a brother in Christ, and an outstanding spokesperson to non-christian and Christian, to Native American, Caucasian, African American, Asian and Hispanic."

Rev. Gary D. Johnson - Senior Pastor
Dove Christian Center, Rapid City, S. Dakota
"When Richard Twiss spoke at our church our whole congregation was both blessed and challenged. I believe that God has raised him up for this time with a unique grasp of what the real issues involving Native Americans are. However along with delineating the issues, he also provides solid, innovative, and biblical solutions. I believe that his fresh scriptural insights, along with a good sense of humor and excellent speaking ability, will be used by God to expedite the removal of barriers that exist between races and the bringing forth of the mature man of Ephesians 4:13."

Stephen Thompson - Senior Pastor
Victory Foursquare Church, Marysville, WA
It is an honor and special privilege for me to recommend Rev. Richard Twiss to you. I first heard Richard speak to a group of 40 or so pastors in Anchorage, Alaska, and was so impressed with him as a man of God and his message, as a current "word of the Lord" to the corporate Body of Christ. I quickly secured Richard for a speaking date for our church. Richard and his lovely family ministered at our Sunday morning services. Richard's message sheds light on the divisions in the Body of Christ and in particular the exclusion of the Native Americans in mainstream Christianity. His message is not condemning but, on the contrary, with humor and forthright biblical and historical teaching, Richard presents a clear call to repentance with hope and joy. I love Richard and his wife Katherine and highly recommend their ministry to you.

W. Earl Appleby - Senior Pastor
Shiloh Hills Baptist Church, Spokane, WA
Richard, your ministry opened a crack in our armor of defensiveness and you showed us our need for reconciliation with our Native American brothers and sisters in Christ. I've heard nothing but good responses from our people concerning your ministry. I commend you four your forthright presentation of your hearts concern for your people and your faithfulness to God's Word. It is so good to meet a Native American who loves Jesus and speaks from a heart filled with the Holy Spirit and love. Keep up this good work for Jesus Christ our Lord.

Steve Miller, Senior Pastor
Calvary Chapel of Blue Island, Blue Island, IL
I want to applaud the direct and powerful way in which you present the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Your Native ministry team's presentations were like nothing we had ever seen before. It made the vastness of the Body of Christ so real to us. Our church and our city were eternally affected. You are a true brother in the Lord and I pray the God of all creation continue to bless your ministry and light your path with His eternal Word.

Tim Knaus, Senior Pastor
First Baptist Church, St. Johns, MI
We were privileged to have Richard Twiss in our church for an entire day. He was mightily used to open our eyes and our hearts to the important role First Nations people play in the Body of Christ, and the crucial role they will play in the future of world missions. Though we are from different church backgrounds, Richard set our congregation at ease with his graciousness, his well-placed humor, and his clear biblical teaching. I would heartily recommend Richard to any church that is serious about learning how an uncompromised Gospel message can find full expression within the cultural context of any people group.

John I. Ross, Senior Pastor
Trinity Hills Assembly of God
Recently Richard Twiss ministered in our church. We were all wonderfully blessed by his ministry. He has a message for all of us to hear. He loves the Lord and has an anointing upon him to share from his heart what has happened to the Native American people over the years. He is part of the reconciliation movement to bring different peoples together under the banner of Christ.

George Miller, Senior Pastor
Good News Fellowship, Ketchikan, AK
I heartily endorse Richard Twiss' ministry to anyone interested in restoration and reconciliation among Native people and Non-Native communities. Richard spoke with grace to issues that are difficult to raise without tension. He sensitively worked to bring an atmosphere in which some healing could increase among people who have lived a long time with distrust and misunderstanding. I interviewed an older Native couple living in Saxman Village, near Ketchikan. They spoke to me about Richard's report on Native mission worldwide saying, "It is very encouraging to hear that Native people are being raised up and recognized in the whole world." They said about Richard's insight concerning cultural misunderstandings, "Richard's teaching opened our eyes as to why our people have taken so long coming into the Kingdom of God."

Dr. Jay Dudley, Pastor
Northridge Church of God, Fair Oaks, CA
In nearly thirty years of pastoral ministry, I have never had a more effective guest minister than Richard Twiss. His intriguing appearance contributes vitally to this, but it's not put on. It radiates from the soul blessedly at ease with who he is. He 'rightly divides the word of truth' - with lucid language, full disclosure, and no ax grinding - modeling excellence in preaching. There's something more, though; his astonishing sense of humor. I've never heard such laughter in our racially diverse congregation. Some speakers insert humor because its smart technique, but Richard's humor is the real playfulness of a man set free. This humor bears it own astounding witness: the grace of God in Jesus can really rescue a man from the crushing bitterness of the Native American experience, while still keeping him close enough to indicate the way out to those still caught in it's clutches. I could not wish better for you than for Richard to preach in your pulpit and consult with your key leaders, as he did so well among us!

Another quality site by Digital Indian Copyright Wiconi International 2003