Charles and Sharon Amell

Missionaries to Yankton Sioux Reservation, Lake Andes, South Dakota

Name: Charles J. Amell Birthday 1-8-41

Children: Catherine Birthday: October 5, 1964

Charles II Birthday: September 9, 1967

Christine Birthday: July 5, 1970

Address to send letters to this Missionary: 101 2nd St

Mission Field: Yankton Sioux Reservation, Lake Andes, South Dakota.

The Mission Field: There are over 6,000 Native Americans living on the Yankton Sioux Reservation. We also have a large population of non-Native Americans living here. Our ministry includes the reaching of both cultures.

There is an abundance of alcohol consumption, drug use, gambling, and violence in this area. An Indian Casino was built in 1992 which has contributed greatly to problems of the people to whom we minister.

Catholicism is the major religion with which many Native Americans have been indoctrinated. The Gospel of Christ is the only answer to problems of Native Americans.

Blessings on the Mission Field: The first blessing is knowing that in Christ we have the answer to all the needs of the lost sinner. God has blessed us over the years with faithful churches praying for us and supporting us which has enabled us to do God's work here. In 1992 a 28 by 56 foot mission building was constructed by volunteer labor and mostly donated material. A 26 by 14 foot baptismal addition was added in 1998.

God has blessed with a solid core group of people consisting both of Indian and Whites. Each summer Vacation Bible Schools are held. For four years we have held what is known as the "Harrison, SD Camp Meeting". Harrison, SD is located among a strong Dutch Reformed settlement. God has also blessed with an outreach among the Hutterite people. There are more than 52 Hutterite Colonies in South Dakota and more Colonies in Minnesota.

A couple of years ago our mission church started holding weekly services at our local County Jail under the direction of Mr. Mike Geffre. This ministry has expanded to Wednesday night Bible studies and services being held in other inmate institutions in the South Eastern part of the State.

The Amell's e-mail address is: cjamell@juno.com

CHARLES J. AMELL

I was born at Streator, Illinois, on January 8, 1941. I accepted the Lord as Saviour at the age of twelve at Bible Camp in August of 1953. I graduated from Streator Township High School in 1959, Pillsbury Baptist Bible College in 1963 with a B.A. Degree including majors in Bible and Evangelism and a Minor in Greek; Central Baptist Theological Seminary in 1966 with a M.DIV.

I have pastored three churches: Toulon, Illinois (1967-1971), Spring Valley, Minnesota (1971-1979), and Grand Junction, Colorado (1979-1985), two of these being new church ministries.

Sharon and I were accepted as missionaries under Northwest Baptist Missions of Salt Lake City, Utah, in April of 1984. Following deputation we moved to the Yankton Sioux Reservation in June of 1988.

I met my wife Sharon, while attending Pillsbury Baptist Bible College. We have two married daughters, Catherine of Lake Mills, WI and Christine of Colorado Springs, CO, both graduates of Maranatha Baptist Bible College. One son, Charles II, of Quantico, VA a graduate of the University of New York at Buffalo.

Since moving to the Yankton Sioux Reservation, the Lake Andes Baptist Church was founded and a 1600 square foot building built and dedicated in 1992. A baptismal and two classrooms were added in 1998. This mission building has been a great blessing to the work and was provided for through the prayers, gifts, and labor of God’s people.

A weekly ministry to the County Jail inmates was started in November on 1998. Since that time 100+ inmates have made professions of faith. Also, trustees of the jail have been allowed to attend the Sunday evening church services if they have an interest to do so. One such trustee, who had accepted the Lord, followed the Lord in believer’s baptism while he was still in jail. Also, following the regular Wednesday night Bible Study, a Bible Study at the jail has been started to help establish in the Word those who have accepted the Lord. A follow-up ministry is also ongoing in order to reach inmates after released from jail.

Currently Sunday School and Church attendance averages in the mid thirties. There have been dozens of professions of faith through VBS, visitation, Jail services, and special meetings.

SHARON M. AMELL

I grew up on the Yankton Sioux Reservation about twenty miles from where we now live and serve the Lord. My parents both became Christians when I was quite young. Because I was always in church and active in the youth group, it was assumed I was a Christian. Also, when my parents were baptized, I also was immersed.

Several years later, while attending Pillsbury Baptist Bible College, I realized I was not saved. It was not until two years after this time, while attending Fourth Baptist Church in Minneapolis, that I accepted Christ and followed Him in believer’s baptism.

Over the years, I have served the Lord in various areas-children’s church, Sunday School, ladies’ groups, choir, and many other areas where needed.

Along with my Christian service, I have worked part time at a local grade school, helping in Pre-school for Native American Indian children. I did not return to this job this year. It is the biggest challenge of our lives to reach Native Americans with the true Gospel of Christ.

The Amells have committed their lives to this work of reaching Native Americans for the Lord Jesus Christ. One of Chuck’s favorite scriptures is Galatians 2:20. One of Sharon’s is Proverbs 3: 5 & 6