Oaks Indian Center

Oaks Indian Center: (918) 868-2196
http://www.oaksindianmission.org

Oaks, Oklahoma, witnesses to the gospel of Jesus Christ in the heart of the Cherokee Nation, providing children in need with spiritual, emotional, physical and educational care in a community setting. Ninety percent of the annual budget is met through gifts from individuals and congregations.

Oaks Indian Mission Board of Directors in April appointed the Rev. Ernie Lantz as interim executive director. Pastor Lantz is a retired pastor of the Southwestern Texas Synod; he resigned as a board member to accept the interim appointment.

February 2006 - Director James Morrison dies

Dear Nebraska Synod Leaders:

I want to share with you my personal and our collective regret at the death of our partner in ministry, James Morrison, Director of Oaks Indian Mission in Oaks, Oklahoma. James died Monday, February 13 after having been hospitalized for about two weeks.

James Morrison, 56, provided 20 years of marvelous ministry and faithful care as he served as director of Oaks Indian Mission, one of Nebraska Synod's several agencies and institutions that care for people in Christ's name.

Through his life, James has touched many children's lives especially through his work as the director of Oaks Indian Mission. He was president of the Oaks School Board for 20 years. James was an active member of Eben Ezer Lutheran church and involved in the congregation's men's group. He was a basketball coach for Oaks and coached Little League baseball.

James came to Nebraska Synod often, representing the mission of Oaks at our Assemblies over the years, and preached in several of our congregations. He served as a board member for Lutheran Planned Giving Services of Nebraska Synod. I always appreciated his voice of concern and care for the forgotten in our society.

Oaks witnesses to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the heart of the Cherokee Nation by providing children in need with spiritual, emotional, physical and educational care in a community setting. Ninety percent of the annual budget is met through gifts from individuals and congregations, including many people in Nebraska Synod.

James lived the Oaks story. First as a student, later as a houseparent, and finally as the Executive Director. Please lift up in prayer the Morrison family, the Oaks ministry, and celebrate the great gift that was given to the Church through the life and ministry of James Morrison.

He is survived by his wife, Rita Morrison; two daughters, Renae Morrison and Rebelie Morrison; three sons, James Morrison II, Shane Morrison and Dallas Morrison; one grandson, Ezra Morrison; two special children, Sarah and Rachel Bearpaw; two sisters: Janie Owens and husband Mark, and Robin Smith; one brother, Gordon Morrison and wife Marshell; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

"Rest eternal grant him O Lord, and let light perpetual shine on him."

Blessings!
David L. deFreese, Bishop