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Since 1927, St. Joseph’s Indian School has provided care and education for Native American boys and girls.
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I asked the Lord to bless you as I prayed for you today,
to guide you and protect you as you go along your way.
His love is always with you, His promises are true,
when we give Him all our cares you know He will see us through.
So when the road you’re traveling on seems difficult at best…
Just remember I’m here praying and God will do the rest.
Shirley
Prayers coming your way for Fr. Steve. I’m sure God will take care of Fr. Steve because of his gentle care of the wonderful children.
Father Steve: My fervent prayers are with you.
Two years ago, when I requested your prayers for my daughter to get a job, she received a job offer in less than two weeks ! Thank you !
Sixteen years ago, I underwent surgery for a cerebral aneurysm. I thank God that it was discovered and repaired before any serious damage was done. I credit my full recovery to the many, many prayers of some very good people. I truly believe that the Lord will listen to the many prayers going your way. God bless you.
Fr. Steve,
You are in our prayers. Thank you for all you are doing for the Lakota children.
In Christ;
Jim and Char Gemmel
Father Steve:
I will add you to my daily prayer list. I just returned from the Northwest where I cared for my dearest aunt, dying with cancer. I ask God to give the doctors and research people the wisdom to find the cure for this horrible disease. We lost our son to cancer 5 years ago. He was 39 years old.
May God be with you, comfort you and give wisdom to those treating you. God is a prayer answering God, I know He hears us when we pray.
The Lord will stay with you.May his will be done.My prayers aren with you during this difficult timr. May the Lord give you peace and comfort you.
Fr. Steve, you will be in my daily prayers. I know that God is right there with you as he is with me through good times and bad. I am a cancer survivor of 20 years – colon cancer and 12 years from ovarian cancer I say to Him “Thy will be done” and know that I am in his care. God bless you.
Dear Father Steve,
Our prayers are for you and your family, children and friends that you be healed in the name of Jesus!
“Through faith in the name of Jesus, you can exercise authority over the power of the enemy in your life, and experience deliverance, healing and victory.”
God bless.
Jesus is the Great Physician!
Be Healthy Ministries,Inc
Father Steve – my thoughts and prayers go out to you during this time of healing and recovery. It was a pleasure to meet you this past summer at St. Joe’s, where I was taking in the sights after having been gone for over 40 years. I was amazed at how far St. Joe’s has come since my time there. I hope to return again soon and maybe have more opportunity to talk with you about the school and other topics. Thank you for your dedication to the Lakota children – they are blessed to have someone who is so dedicated to their cause. A former SCJ.
Fr. Steve,
Please be assured of our prayers for you. You will be included in my Rosary.
We both know the power of prayer, and with God’s guideance you will be taken
care of. The medical personnell are just an extention of His healing hands and you are
in good hands. Take it easy and as you suggest rest when necessary. Do not over do.
Naps are good for body and soul.
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord make His face to shine upon you
and be gracious unto you.
May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you
and give you His peace.
Love & Prayers
Deacon Len Dexter
Dear Fr. Steve,
Please be assured of my prayers for your cancer! You do so much good for others and we need you to get better and to continue your service to the Lord. Thank you for all you do and may your recovery be quick. God Bless!
God bless you and keep you. We all know with God we can work miracles. I pray for you that God will bless you and all you do. We need you to continue to take care of these children and I know God will shine his goodness on you and carry yoou on your journey.
Fr Steve,
I just open your email and was fulled with sadness to learn about your illness. I pray to our Lord that he comforts you and gives you a clean bill of health
(a healing). Your work and mission with the children at St. Josephs are very dear to me. My prayer for you is that the Lord pours his blessings over you and heal and comfort you during the part of your journey.
Chris
saw your info on cancer. i have cancer of liver and colon. 8 plus year now
part of liver is dead lost 1 ft of colon. over all i am good god bless me
so keep your sprit up dont dont let it get to u. over come the word cancer it just a thing and u be fine. god bless MR B
Dear Frier,
at first the word cancer and your name together was a shock and i felt a great saddness as one of my mantras is no good work goes unpunished hit me, but then i was instantly reminded of a little girl here who had such a deep yearning to understand gods grace so she could care for others with more love and compassion, her answer was to be kicked in the face by a horse…and while this may seem a harsh way to go for such a loving giving child, we are all after all children of god and one day will return to the spirit we left to be here, i think this is a deep blessing that only a faithful few actually get to recieve, while those left behind should you pass too early will be sad and question gods love for you, i hope in this hour of your need they will come to realize that it will also be a rich reward for you to be home once more and welcomed with a well done, while i do not know what your deepest hearts prayer is, and often we ourselves dont even know i have faith this cancer is an answer to that deepest of needs for a job well done, my prayer for you and those who know you personally and depend on you for so very much is that none of you will have to suffer much in the way of physical pain and that during this time the grace of gods halo will be felt and seen by all who are with you because of this happening. i lost my grandmother to the same affliction, her heart wanted and longed for home so deeply, she went with little pain and the doctors gave her six months tops, she felt no reason left to stay but i told her i was pregnant with her first great grand baby and she was given strength and courage unimaginable for three years. i know there are alot of posts some short others long but should you come to this post im positive it will be at just the time you will need to hear what the spirit is really saying through my fumbling words. well done thou good and faithful servant for god does not afflict those who are faithful but allows afflictions to burn off the dross revealing the purest reflection of gods presence and love for you and us all. i wish always i could give more than words but it is what i am given so may you find some comfort therein, with love and hope for you, Karen daubon.
Fr. Steve: Since I learned of the St.Joe school, I have loved it and the work you are doing there. Wish I could visit but cannot due to health limitations. I pray for the school and the children 3 times a day. I will now add my special prayer for you and a healing if possible, an increased faith, and the arms of Jesus to enfold you. May you be aware of His presence daily as He has promised.
DEAR FR. STEVE, I KNOW YOU WILL RECOVER BECAUSE YOU ARE AND HAVE BEEN DOING GOD’S WORK. HE WILL PROVIDE AND SUSTAIN YOU ALONG WITH ALL THE BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN YOU ADMINISTER TO. YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. YOU WILL GET WELL AND GO ON BECAUSE YOU KNOW THE CHILDREN ARE PULLING FOR YOU AND NEED YOU. SINCERELY, SANDRA CHAFFIN
Dear Fr. Steve;
I offer you strength and courage, solace and serenity, on this unexpected turn in your life’s path. It is a hard blow. And any of us would wonder,” why me”?
But, please remember, sometimes the things that happen to us, can also be a test of those around us.
I will include you in my prayers. Thank you for who you are and what you do. It means so much to so many. Always know you are loved.
-Diana Asbury
High Country Arms
I’m so sorry to read of your cancer health problems. I’ve never dealt with cancer in my family so I can only pray that the cure for you will be quick and easy. My prayer is for you, your families and your responsibilities to the children’s home and staff. I pray God is good to you and all concerned. God speed you back to good health. My prayers are with you and your work.
Yoiu and the work done at St. Joseph are ever in my prayers. I will, however, add special prayers for strength and perseverance during your battle against cancer. God bless you and those who care for you.
Dear Fr.Steve:
All 40 members of my bible study class are praying for your full recovery. Remember Jeremiah, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Steve, my wife had high grade cancer near the kidney in 2004. Now she is cancer free and healthy and you will be too!! Dear Jesus, please heal Steve,
Dear Fr. Steve
Father where theirs faith there is hope. When Jesus died on the cross he concored death. Jesus said that he is the same yesterday, today and forever. When Jesus healed the sick in the past. He will do this again for you Fr. Steve. You proven in the sight of God of your obedience and dedication. God will open a new chapter in your life. (He promised). I lift you up in prayer right now in the name of Jesus to compel this disease to purify your body. Heal you right now. In loving Jesus name I pray. Amen
I was so shocked and saddened when I learned of your cancer and will keep you in my prayers. I have had four experiences with cancer and am in great health now with the grace of God. Please rest and know that so many people are praying for you and wish you well. God bless.
Thank you so much for your efforts over the years. You, with the help of our Lord, have
been in the arena while most of us are miles and miles away cheering your efforts.
May your future be blessed.
I’m sure you are still in shock from the news that you have been diagnosed with cancer – it’s such an overwhelming shock at first. I remember one of the things that helped me was to hear that there were people who had lived THROUGH the experience! In November last year I became a 30 year survivor and wanted to share with you the fact that it can be a live changing experience. If I could go back 30 years and change my diagnosis, but had to give up the things I’ve learned about life in those 30 years, I would say NO. You will be in my prayers, not only for a cure, but also that this will be a life changing experience for you. Bless you.
Dear Father Steve,
I will pray to the Virgin Mary for you. As a mother she will hold you in her arms and ask Her Son to heal you as He has done for others less deserving than you. God Bless You.
Dear Father Steve,
I was so shocked and sadden at the news I read when I opened your letter. I will pray with you and for you. You are such a special person and I know that the school will be with you to assist in any thing that can be done to relieve the stress there.
You must now let the Lord take you into his loving hands and start his healing process. No that I will be praying for you with many other people for your fast recovery. God Bless You and I will keep up with your fast recovery.
Be Blessed with Love.
Deborah Lewis
Dear Father:
I have thought of you in prayer many times today as I picture you in my mind. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers as I seek God’s help in your current crisis. You and the children are always in my prayers in a very practical way in terms of daily needs and certainly, these are special times in your life and in the children’s lives. May God be with you in all your needs.
God bless you specially.
Iris Harrell
Dear Father Steve…………May the Good Lord bless you with good health and happiness soon. You are in my prayers as you go thru this part of your life-journey here on earth. I pray too for the students who are spreading their wings as they go into the world with the message of their lives and needs. Maybe your illness is just giving them a chance to champion their cause. We never really know why we go thru the things we do at the time we are going thru them. Many times it is only in retrospect that we understand and see clearly the “why” of what we have endured. May St. Joseph, the worker, guide you as you work thru your current journey and as St. Theresa always said….do small things with great love….even if that means only one step at a time. You still have many things left to do here on earth. God is with you each step of the way and as you know….He will not test you beyond your strength. Prayers and Blessings to you as you enter this less busy way of life for a while…..Pax…Mary
Fr Steve: As I prayed and thought of you this morning, I tried to picture the fear, understanding and yet hope and faith of your children at St. Joe’s. Jesus loved children as is mentioned many times in the New Testament. The older I become, the simpler my prayers become. God knows what is in our hearts and He will hear our prayers in your behalf. I have faith that our prayers will be answered and that you will be healed. May your faith and patience be strengthened and may you feel the sheltering arms of our Savior during this time of crisis.
Most sincerely, Iris
Dear Fr. Steve:
I was sorry to hear about the cancer, but as we know, God is in charge of us and everything will work in His will. I will be especially praying for your recovery and that you do not have problems with the treatments.
I lost a brother to cancer a few years ago. Rick was a missionary to Cambodia and went Home to our Lord at age 51 yrs. and 1 month after 22 years on the mission field in the Philippines and Cambodia. You are very special in God’s eyes and I look forward to meeting you in person some time this year. I am hoping to be able to attend the Pow Wow in September ’10.
God bless you always,
Shirley
So shocked to learn of your illness. Am very impressed with your staff and their accomplishments but mostly with your own accomplishments and determination. Please do heed your Dad’s advice and focus more on resting and good nutrition. You shouldn’t be walking around in the cold air so much. Many people develop breathing problems as chemo and radiation take their toll. I admire your devotion to the kids, but they don’t need to see you every day as long as the teachers reassure them. If you take it easier, you are more assured of being able to preside over First Communion and two graduations. God bless you and your capable assistants!
keth olberman on msnbc taked about your poor weather conditions and how the indian s are not being helped thank keith
Dear Father Steve,
Since receiving St. Theresa’s Prayer; I pray it daily each morning. It guides my focus for the day. Maybe you will find it comforting as well. Love to you, Cyndi
Prayer: May today there be peace within, May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received & pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones & allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise & love. It is there for each & every
one of us!
Even though we have never met in person; I feel love and concern for you and your work that God has given you. I have always wanted to be a Native American ever since I was a small child. I have always had a desire to share in something where I could learn more about my brothers & sisters. Maybe God will open those doors for me someday but until then I will pray for you and rejoice in your words; “cancer has comer to VISIT(not stay). The passions of our hearts (Native American children & families)draw us close to each other and close to God. May the God of all comfort surround you with healing grace and the Holy Spirit strengthen you for His purpose.
Father Steve,
You have been there and prayed for my sister and brother-in-Law when they both were diagnosed with cancer.
I believe your prayers along with others helped them alot for it didn’t take long before both were in remission and so far neither one of their cancers have returned.
I will return the favor to you. I always try to say a prayer for the children and you anyways.
This news floored me when I read it though, I was just going to let you know that we were now on Facebook and to see how our extended family was doing.
This should not have happen to such a wonderful man, Priest, friend as you and deserves extra heavy duty praying. My Husband and I will do just that.
I feel as if you have always been a part of our family. May God give you courage and strenght in your hour of need. I just wish we had the money to help you out with your problem and the children. Pilamaya Fr. Steve and we hope you go into remission soon and it never returns.
God Bless you & St Jo’s,
Sincerely,
Nancy & Kenneth Raymond
Wish I could visit with you face to face. I keep you in my prayers daily and spread the word that you need prayers. If I could journal as you do, I’m sure my journey would be very similar – though our cancer problems are different. If all goes well, I hope to come to the Pow-Wow in September.
dear father steve i had cancer at first i was very sad and scared because i was 26 yr and just had a baby 3 months old i and my mother said the novena to the blessed mother{the miraculous medal}i had surgery and then the results the doctor was very surprised when they found no cancer just mixed up cells he could not believe it! god is our best healer and friend and i see you healed,whole and well and i will say my novena for you/god bless joyce
Hi, Fr. Steve: I wish you could see the 12 1/2 inches of snow in Dallas and we poor Texans trying to get around in it. It would make you smile. I hope you have some smiles every day. You know how much we love you and how much the children love you. May God bless you for helping the children for so long and with such dedication. All my love and special prayers today and every day for your healing and some smiles along the will help.
All my love and prayers daily.
Iris Harrell
Dear Father Steve, I pray you will get well soon. You are in my prayers, and I lit a candle for you. You have to get well soon, all of us care so much for you. I would love to com to see everyone at the September Pow Wow, thats including you. God Bless Father, Sharon In Evergreen Colorado
Fr. Steve, You are in my prayers, along with all your children you take care of everyday. I will always try to help, but have been going through a difficult financial times as of late, but am almost out of it. My wife Penny and I are both cancer survivors. I had testicular cancer in 1975, did chemo which was very rough back then, but have been cancer free ever since. My wife had breast cancer in 2001, and has been declared cancer free also.She is a very strong believer in the works of God and never loses faith. You shouldn’t either. She has also survived open heart surgery, so when you think it’s bad, remember there’s always someone in worse shape. You will beat this and I will continue to send money when I can. I have some almost new winter coats and hoodies I plan to send very soon. Peace and love to you all, David
Fr. Steve, I know what you are going through, as 14 years ago I was diagnosed with colon cancer. I had surgery, chemo, and radiation. I have survived with God’s help and from all the prayers I received from friends and family. I know you will also be a survivor. You are in my prayers and that of my families, as I have a cousin who is a Deacon and he has his chuch praying for your health also. God Bless you and be with you throughout your recovery.
Also God Bless all the beautiful children at St Josephs.
Father Steve, My father and I plus so many of my own students here @ the School of Medicine are keeping you in our thoughts each day. And, I’m checking how you are feeling and getting back to them. How does it feel to be so loved by so many people who have never met you? So glad you watched the opening ceremonies of the Olympics and the wonderful tribute to the aboriginal people of Canada. beautiful! Those young people who participate in the Winter sports are so brave – each time their skill level seems to go beyond my imagination. Continuing to keep you in our prayers here in Kansas City, Mo. Father Steve. Theresa and Marvin Andrews
Our prayers are with you. We pray God will encourage you and heal you. We pray that you will have the strength to meet each day head on.
His Grace is sufficient for all your needs.
Dear Father Steve,
Wishing you good health, much rest and many prayers, and lots of sunshine!!
Fr., you may be assured you will be in my prayers daily.
God bless.
Margie Noll
Fr. Steve, I read your updates and personal reflections and i must say while you are going thru a worrisome time, you are totally surrounded with so much love and care that God in his mercy has given you that privelege. You are a true servant of our Lord and is showing you just how much you are appreciated and loved. I immediately lit candles and said prayers for you asking God to be gentle with you and favor you. Please go see the movie “The Book of Eli” that the message is living the Word and how its about the Journey….which you have very much pleased the Lord. God Bless you in the rest of it.
Dear Father Steve,
How saddened I was to hear you have cancer. After reading your daily letters, how can I be sad when you are so optimistic and your faith is so strong. Please know that I will put you on our prayer list at Christ Lutheran Church in MA this Sunday. God Bless and God will see that you are healed. Your friend from MA who loves you and the work you do for St. Joe’s.
Diane Waterfield
Dear Fr. Steve:
We are saddened by your news of your Cancer diagnosis. You have been added to our prayer list and I shall add your name to our Prayer Journal at our Church, St Peter in Cloverdale, CA where we do weekly adoration. As a native of South Dakota, I am familiar with Chamberlain and it’s rather remote location especially during these winter months of snow and winds.
God Bless you and know that you are praises for the good work that you do. Sincerely, John and Myrna Weingartner
Dear Fr. Steve, I’m saddened by your diagnosis, but as you said it was caught soon. Patti and I contribute to your school every month. We visited back in June 2002. I have a deep place in my heart for the Lakota people. My wife has Parkinson’s Disease so we give this suffdering to God for hsi love for us. It literally tires us to the bonefrom daily dealing with this disease. We will pray for you everyday. May Fr Silow heal you.
Dear Father Steve:
Please know that you are in our prayers each and every day. I do now what you are going through as I had to deal with it in the early 90’s. I enjoy comming down to the school so if you need any assistance please let me know.
God Bless,
Deacon Steven A. McLauglin, Sr.
Father Steve – We have never met but I feel as close to you as a family member. I enjoy the newsletters that come with your mail and notes from the children,etc. You are certainly in my prayers and I know the Lord blesses you for all the love and care you give the children. Lean on the Lord and He will give you all the strength to carry on with your daily work. God Bless you for all our kindness. A friend in Indiana
Correction – “your kindness”
Dear Father Steve:
MAY THE GRACE AND PEACE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
BE WITH YOU DURING YOUR RECOVERY. OUR PRAYERS R WITH YOU…
IN CHRIST,
SYLVIA
Dear Father Steve.
We were so shocked to hear about your health crisis. I know that God holds you in the palm of his hand and will be at your side through the healing process. You and the children will be in our prayers, daily.
Feb.20,2010
God Bless and keep you in the hands of our
Lord, I pray that the Lord touchs your body
and lifts out the cancer and heal with his
strong love.
I have had a miracle from the Lord that
touched my life last Nov., when I had a
massive stroke, the Lord bring my life
came back to my family and healing my body
with they called me a miracle, but this is
the hands of the Lord. I know that the Lord
will touch you and will heal you and the
cancer will be a miracle like they called
the same as you.
The love will take care and heal you and
the prayers will help you through your
journey.
God Bless You and my prayers are each day.
God always loves and will heal you and your
precious children. God is with you.
Sherry
Dear Fr. Steve:
With all of the sincere prayers for your healing and comfort, there must be a glorious clamor in heaven with angels fluttering about taking care of details on your behalf. I know God hears our sincere prayers though sometimes our schedule does not coincide with His. I pray for your healing of body, mind and spirit. May you remain confident and blessed by the prayers of all who love you.
Sincerely, Iris
Fr. Steve,
I was very saddened to learn of your illness. You are in my prayers and thoughts. May Jesus the great physician heal you. I know that through the prayers of many God is giving you graces and sustaining you. All praise, honor, and glory be to God!
Connie
Dear Fr. Steve,
We are happy to hear you are doing well. We pray for your speedy recovery. Thinking of you, God Bless.
Angie
All my heartful prayers are for you to regain gods strenght in getting better. You are truley loved by many and will keep you in my prayers for stenght every day to get strong!
Dear Father Steve
Heard about your illness today in a letter from st.jo…
My wife and are praying for you, God is certainly going to make you well.
God be with you and wish you a steady recovery.
Sushil and Violet
Dear Father Steve , I feel like I already know you but,we have not met each other. I do know you are helping all the Lakota children and providing a great ministry for those around . I know God will heal you and make you whole again. I will continue to pray for you . May God wrap his loving arms around you and give you conplete healing. I know all things are possible through Christ Jesus. A brother in Christ, Rodger
Fr. Steve:
I am sorry to hear your news. I will keep you in my prayers and will be sure to light a candle for you. Best wishes and a hopes for your speedy recovery.
Dear Father Steve:
I have not met you but feel that you have been my friend for a long time. I, too, have lived through the aftermath of that frightening day when one hears, “you have cancer” Unless experienced it is a fear hard to imagine but in it also is the challenge to fight.
You have prayed over time for me my family and friends and now we, too, pray for you. With God’s help,your strong belief, and the importance of your work, unfinished, you have every reason to know that you can overcome.
It’s great to have you back at school where I pray that your recovery will be comfortable and swift.
I certainly wish that I had the foresight to hve my photo taken with you in Newport, RI earlier this year – it would mean more to me than a photo with anyone else in these whole United States who I believe cannot equal you in character, dedication, and love of all that is good. Thank you for all that you have done and accomplished.
Father Steve, a common friend (Joe Bryant) told me about you. I won’t try to give you any medical advice about your condition, but I will pray for God to open up your mind to consider alternative treatments (as suggested by Joe) and that God will grant you a cure for your illness. I am very passionate about natural remedies and I have seen miracles. I have also seen patients waste away when they are submitted to chemo or radiation treatments.
Your work at the school is very important and you will need all of your strength to carry it out.
I will ask our charismatic group here in Cleveland to pray for you. Please pray for Joe to help him see God as his friend.
Glad to be part of your extended family. I know every little bit helps and it’s for a good cause. Wishing you well fr. Steve.
Thank you Thomas. You are correct, every little bit does help! Thank you for your support; God bless!
PS – Don’t forget to tell your friends to become our Faceboook fan also! Pilamaya – thank you.
Fr Steve, I know deep within my heart that prayers are always heard and that the blessings seen and unseen are many within your lifes work at St Joesph’s.
And that you have touched so many heart near and far. My prayers and thoughts are with you now and always for the answers which you seek for your health.
Juanita