EP: Nancy, I want to thank you so much for doing this interview at the last minute prior to the holidays. It’s really so kind of you to give this time toward this cause. I wanted to start out by talking about the DAPL. I know there are a lot of people out there who do not know anything about the protests going on, or what the DAPL stands for, or what’s really happening. Why don’t you go ahead and share a little bit about the DAPL protests, how they got started, and what we need to be doing to help the protestors.

NG: Okay, from what I know of myself comes from people who have been there, and I’ve heard their discussion, and it’s all over Facebook — it hasn’t been picked up by any of the major news networks, but the #NoDAPL protesters are actually called water protectors. They said they are not ‘protesting’ but they are actually representing people — millions of people — to save the water that the pipeline is trying to go under. And because of the leaks and things that we know of already, that happens from pipeline leaks, it destroys water; it destroys wildlife; it destroys the land — and the people who are caught in the middle of this — their water is completely ruined! They can’t even take a shower, they can’t drink it. They have to have their water brought in.  Other tribes in America are already experiencing this hardship even now.

So, the Sioux youth of Standing Rock, North Dakota, ran two-thousand miles, all the way from North Dakota straight to Washington, D.C.

They ran to make the government aware, and the President aware, of what was going on and to get help. This started back in April, and at that point I know the public as a whole did not know this was going on. So they brought it to the forefront and now there are thousands of us that know, but there are also millions of people, in my estimation, who do not know what is happening.

EP: Correct. There’s more that don’t know than that do.

NG: And so, when they started this, I know they were there to present a letter to the President and it was not taken. They shunned them. And so they came back to North Dakota and they decided to make a stand on their land, according to the 1851 Treaty land. This is Sioux land, and they made a stand there, because the fact of it is that it was supposed to have been routed into Bismarck, North Dakota. But the people of Bismarck said, “No, it will damage our water and the community, and everything, and we don’t want it here.” And so they moved it to the territories, the Native American territory, and that happens to be Standing Rock, North Dakota, which is the reservation for the Sioux people. And so they have been trying through legal means to get this stopped or moved, or whatever, but it hasn’t happened. And in fact, it’s escalated to the point that there are deaths. There are major injuries there. I just read a report today where a woman who was at Standing Rock, was critically injured by the water cannons and rubber bullets and the different things they are putting out there. She may lose her arm. And she had no weapons on her. She had NO weapons on her. And she was just standing there protecting the water, telling them, the military police to leave. And I say military police is because they are in riot gear from head to toe.

EP: They are the National Guard. The National Guard has actually been sent by the Federal Government to stop the protesting. And these are peaceful protests. I want those who are reading to understand that the protests — the Native American people have actually taken a valiant stand for months now, and it’s grown into the thousands; people from all over the United States as well as Canada, and they are praying. They are setting up camps, and they are doing everything very peacefully. Yet still we see local, state, and federal government officials coming out and doing egregious things; very inhumane treatment. I mean we’re almost repeating history with some of the things we’re doing.

NG: I don’t think the history has ever stopped for the Native Americans. Injustice has continued year after year after year, and there is no justice for Native American rights. I believe this brings to the forefront exactly what’s been happening through the years to the Native Americans. But there are, there are thousands and thousands who have come to Standing Rock and have camped out. There are people who are settling in, in this harsh climate. It’s going to be… the winters there are very, very cold; very harsh; and so people are stepping in to make sure they have enough heat, enough food, enough clothing to survive. Because they’re not leaving. They are seeing this through all the way to whatever happens. And so, they are not leaving, and there are more and more people coming. We had people there, I think from Hawaii; people from Asia, the Chinese people were there. There are other people from Australia and they were indigenous groups. They consider themselves indigenous groups standing with the Native Americans at Standing Rock. And so, it’s a dire situation. It’s worse than when it started, and I believe we are at a critical time at this moment. That is the reason why I believe God has opened the door for the Christians who know who they are in Christ Jesus, that He’s opened the door to go; to pray; to stand with them; to pray a prayer of protection; to sing praises unto the LORD, that is what I believe, He’s opened that.

I’ve seen different denominations go already, but we as Holy Ghost filled people, I think we need to be there more so than anyone else, because we know who our Father is. And so that’s the reason why I believe I just felt a calling, and I asked several people if they were interested in going, if they felt the same way, and I was very pleased to see the response, and so we are gathering. Also we are gathering supplies, food supplies, winter supplies, tents, heaters — whatever is given we’ll take to the camp and give it to them. We are also gathering supplies for our own needs. When we go and we will stay however long the LORD wants us to stay, we’ll stay. It may be a week. It may be a month. Whatever it’s going to be, then the LORD will release us to leave.

We are attempting to gather monetary funds, donations for the trip, for the food, for the things that we’ll need to survive in that harsh weather. We also have many people who are just donating because they know we are going, and so we have individual donations. But I believe, just like we have been led by the LORD to go, I believe we need to go without fear, with HIS strength because of who we know the LORD is, that we go in strength that we go in power. He has empowered us in the Holy Ghost, and you need to really know — know that we are empowered by the LORD and we should have no fear whatsoever within us. And I’m always brought back to little David when he went, and he killed Goliath. He went with no fear. He went without the covering of unproven things, and he trusted in the LORD completely. And he slew Goliath and was successful. The fear that was hovering over the people, I mean David was very successful in destroying that. And I know that’s what God can do within us as people of today that we can be successful in bringing down the giant that tries to cause fear.

EP: You made a statement regarding the Native American people, that the history has never stopped. And I love that you said that. That’s very accurate. So I want to move forward on that, because a lot of people don’t really realize what’s happening among the Native American communities unless they are Native American themselves, or unless they are involved with the Native people. So I want you to tell me, what do you anticipate being the outcome among the DAPL protestors? I know that a lot of people from all over America and Canada are coming together. This is the greatest move of unity among Native people seen in the history of America. So, what do you think God is going to do? Because, like you said, they are not leaving. They are going to stay. They are going to see this through.

NG: Right.

EP: And it really shows us as American people, the resilience of the Native American spirit.

NG: Mmm-hmmm. That’s right.

EP: And the valiant spirit God has put within them as a people. It’s really shining right now. And even in the midst of these aggressions, and these inhumane acts against them by the government entities, they are still blessing them, they’re forgiving them, they remain peaceful, they’re unarmed. And yet we see these horrible acts of aggression. So with all of that said, what do you see being the ultimate outcome of this move?

NG: Oh wow… Well, I know the outcome everybody wants to see is a successful pulling back of this pipeline that will completely destroy the water system, the land, all the ecosystem will be destroyed. So, the plan, the hope, the prayer is that a successful stand will have been made.  I know that’s everybody’s prayer, because we understand that without water… my goodness — millions of people that live along this waterline, this Missouri waterline — they are in danger. And apparently, they don’t understand that.

EP: And what people need to understand, too — the lay American, no matter where you live in America — this pipeline is going to be laid under the largest watershed in America. One of the largest in the world, actually. And this is a water source for all the American people. It affects everyone. So really, the Native people are not just fighting for their own water and their own land. They’re fighting for all of us.

NG: That’s correct. And it’s not just the people in America, but it’s people internationally — all over the world. And that’s why they’re getting support from people across the land because they’ve had to come against pipelines and things that were going to damage their property and their land. Some were successful, and some were not. And ones who were not, they’re suffering — they’re having debilitating diseases and it’s because of the pipeline and whatever else they’re putting in, or should be put in the land there across waters. People are suffering and they’re dying from all this. So this goes far beyond the people here, beyond the tribes, beyond the United States. It goes across the land. And I believe that’s one of the things they recognize, the ones who have experienced this. They understand it. And that’s why they’re coming to Standing Rock, North Dakota to make a stand with the Native Americans.

EP: That’s excellent. That’s excellent to know. And it does affect the international community. It absolutely does. What is so sad is that the media has completely blacklisted this event; these protests that have gone on for months. We are now at a critical juncture, as you said, the winter months are here. They’re exceptionally severe in that area. And the Native American people and other protestors in that area are going to need supplies. In massive amounts — we’re talking thousands of people now. And the numbers continue to grow. So, you recently sent a team to go up there and ‘spy out the land’ if you will, and they came back with a report. What was the report?

NG: The report came back from four young ladies. They said the LORD had sent them to go and to minister. However, they didn’t know how or why exactly, or what they would be able to do there. They prayed and they went. Twenty years old to thirty-five or so. When they were there people just began to come and visit them. They began to sing songs praising the LORD around their campfire first, because they didn’t know where to go. But as they did that people began to come and get with them and talk with them. They prayed with them, and then eventually, the word got out that they were there: that there were young Christian women in the camp. People came to them and began to speak to them, and one of the things that was asked is if they were Christians and Erika said, “Yes.” And the lady said she’s been praying for so long for Christians to come, and she just cried out, and thanked them for coming. They were also able to go and minister in their Native hymnal songs, the Seminole and Creek language, and they sang it under the anointing because people in that camp began to cry. They fell to their knees; they began to raise their hands, and then one of the girls, prayed a powerful prayer according to the other three young ladies. It was such a powerful prayer. When they finished, and came off the stage — and this was done in the main camp, where they give out the orders of the day for what they’re supposed to do, and what they shouldn’t do, and things like that, the main arena. People began to come to them. They prayed with several people. They were asked to come back, and they were also told if they could tell other Christian people to come, and to pray their prayer to their God, and to sing the songs, and to stand with them, and so that’s how that started. It just opened the door right there.

EP: So you’re planning to make a trip this December. You’re hoping for a month-long journey there, is that correct, that you’re going to be staying for about a month? Is that the goal?

NG: Yes, approximately a month. In December.

EP: In December, okay. What is the amount you’re requesting, and are you planning just to bring prayer and worship, or are you going to be doing hands-on practical ministry as far as distributing goods, distributing supplies? What kind of ministry exactly are you planning on bringing to them at this time, during that month?

NG: As Christian people I believe we need to physically go and help volunteer whatever the need is there. We need to be able to help in whatever area. But we are definitely taking supplies. We have a business group who is going to be donating supplies. I’m not sure how much. I’m not sure if they’re going to include winter clothing. I hope that they do. I know that’s going to be donated. I know it’s going to be a lot, I’m just not quite sure what.  Also the Seminole Nation tribe said that they are wanting to send some supplies up there, and this we will be a way for them to get it there. We are looking to… well, let’s just say we want to get as much funding as possible. Right now I’m asking for ten thousand, and that is for the trip up there and back, plus taking supplies of all types. They’re asking for canvas tents, come-alongs. They need sub-zero clothing, gloves, and hats. They need food, water, blankets — there’s just so many things that they need. We can at least take something to help where it’s needed. Wherever it’s given out, I’m sure it will be able to help the people that are there. So we will be donating and volunteering.

EP: Fantastic! How many people are going on the trip?

NG: I’m expecting at least 12 people. I’m not sure if all of the 12 people will be able to stay for the duration. There will be at least five of us that will be staying, at least for a month.

EP: Is there room for more? If people are interested in joining you, would you take others?

NG: There is definitely room. We hope to have an army tent that’s really a good size tent that will be able to help feed and a place to sleep. Maybe have services there; have some type of place where they can come. People who are experiencing trauma; that they can come and relax in a place where they can feel the peace of God and warm up. You know, whatever we can offer them. There’s definitely plenty of space; a place for everyone to come and stay in a warm place where we can sleep, eat, and volunteer.

EP: So what are the stipulations for a volunteer who would like to join you? Are they coming at their own risk? I mean, there are definitely dangers ahead for those who are going to join the protest. If they come underneath your ministry, is there anything people need to know before they would do that?

NG: Well, the ones that are coming under our ministry, will know that there’s always some type of danger involved in taking a stand and what’s really going on there.

EP: Correct.

NG: And so, we’re going mainly — we understand. Let’s just say we understand what’s happening.

EP: But the point of my question is that you do not offer any liability for other volunteers who would join you, correct? They go at their own risk?

NG: No, no. They come at their own risk.

EP: What would they need to bring? If people volunteer, whether it be monetarily or whether it would be joining alongside you, what would someone need to bring, and what would you recommend they be prepared for?

NG: Okay, this is harsh winter. And if you’re not used to that type of climate, it’s going to be very harsh for us, especially the ones from Oklahoma. We don’t experience that type of cold; that type of winter. So you need to bring with you some sub-zero clothing; headgear; gloves; boots; socks; maybe if you have some ski-gear. But you have to know that you’re going to have to dress very warm. It’s very cold, and it will get colder as the winter months progress forward. So, it will be very cold. Bring food with you. If you like hot tea during the winter, bring some tea with you to make so you’ll be able to warm yourself. Some soup. Bring soup — cans of soup with you. We’ll have a place in the tent to prepare foods for the team, and if we have need to make stew, we’ll make soup, if we have those things then we can definitely prepare them for our group. You don’t need to lay on the ground. You need to bring some kind of cot, or some kind of — something you can lay on that won’t get you cold, because the ground is going to be very cold. You need to bring plenty of blankets. We also need generators. If there’s anyone out there who has generators, we could use at least a couple of them, also propane bottles. We have four small propane bottles, but if there’s one that’s a small size, but not a huge one, we can use that to warm our tent to cook with. The generator will mainly be used for the lights that we’ll have to have on. So, things like that. That’s what we need. If you can bring it, that’d be great. But you need to look at yourself. Figure out just how well you can handle the cold, and come dressed appropriately.

EP: I think it’s important to note too, that there is no shelter other than the tents and the clothing on your back, isn’t that correct? When they go, they need to understand there’s not going to be anywhere to go unless you drive into town to take shelter in a building. So the protests are out in the open among the camps along the waterways, correct?

NG: Exactly. Exactly. You’ll have porta-potty’s to go to. I think they’re offering a place where you can go to take showers. I don’t know how accessible that is. If it’s everyday or… but I think they are offering a place to take showers. Anyway, that’s what my granddaughter said when she went up there. The hotel is about 20 miles away, and I’m not sure if they’re filled to capacity — I don’t know. But yes, when you come you have to realize this is going to be a primitive camping. So bring whatever you need to do primitive camping. You will not have access to running water. You will not have access to just heat anywhere. There are no shelters; no houses; not anything out there. The people that are staying are in tents. They built temporary shelter, but those are for the people staying for the long haul. But for us who are coming for a short period — we have to come prepared. Totally prepared for this type of weather.

EP: That preparation that you’re requesting others donate toward, Nancy, are you going to wait for those funds, materials, and supplies before you actually leave? Will that affect your date of leave if the materials and supplies were to be delayed coming in, would you wait until you received the fullness of what you’re needing before you leave? Will that determine your departure date?

NG: Yes, if that happens then we will wait. We will wait just a little while longer, but I expect to have the supplies delivered to me by November 29th. So, as far as I know, that has not changed. And anything else, the funding, whatever, that’s online. I can get that online. I know there are  places there where we can go to retrieve funds, so I have no worries about getting things that we need. But the supplies should come November 29th.

EP: Okay, very good to know. And your target date is December 1st, for departure?

NG: Let’s just say the first week of December. We have people who are not able to go December 1st now, so I’m going to wait until the end of the first week of December; we’ll go during that time.

EP: And you said you would stay as long as possible; up to one month?

NG: Yes, that’s correct.

EP: Okay. I wanted to touch on some of the ways people can become involved even if they can’t join you physically. What kind of supplies, should they ship them to you; caravan them down? What are you suggesting for people who want to donate even on a temporary basis? If they were to let you borrow some things; that they would let you take such as the generators, and some things that you know, don’t necessarily need to purchase. If people could make donations, what would you say to that?

NG: Oh yes! Anything that anyone wants to donate temporarily to us for this trip, you can bring it to my home if you get in touch with me on Facebook, or my email via my website. I will give you the information as to where you need to drop things off if you’re local. If you need to ship, definitely get them in the mail now, and I’ll give you the address.

EP: One last question: What do you anticipate while you’re there? Are you going to be doing live reports? Are you going to be communicating via your sponsors? Are you going to be communicating online? What should we anticipate while you’re gone?

NG: I hear that the internet service there is not very good, and also it’s blocked by the, I guess it’s blocked by the police, I don’t know. But they said they can’t get information out until they find a good place for the internet. But we will share. Also we will videotape and we will share it just as soon as we can get to a place where… so I expect we’ll be going into town. That’s what everybody’s doing — going into town, finding an internet, and posting. So we’ll be posting. I don’t know if it will be a day-to-day thing, or once or twice a week. I don’t know yet.

EP: Well, Nancy, thank you so much for your time. And we are definitely with you in spirit and we will be keeping you in our prayers. And we will be praying for a successful trip and mission, and an excellent report when you get back. Thank you so much!

NG: Thank you for taking the time!