You might recognize yourself in Ralph and Virginia Haar. . . While pursuing their dreams of home, family, and career, they met Jesus . . .

Married in 1972, they began their life together farming in eastern South Dakota. This was followed by a move to the Black Hills of western South Dakota, a livestock equipment business and home economics teaching position. Two sons, Shannon and Cody, along with Ralph's daughter, Shelly, completed the family. In the midst of this typical family, an unrest was stirring in their hearts. Where was God? What was life all about? Why weren't they satisfied in their church activities?

With the help and prayers of their country pastor, both Ralph and Virginia found a personal relationship with Jesus. A longing to serve Him developed into a passion for the hearts and souls of the Native American Lakota people of South Dakota. Combining Ralph's business mind with a missionary's heart, Ralph and Virginia developed Black Hills Pottery, where Lakota artisans were employed producing and selling ceramics products based on Native American designs. The business grew quickly, but the Haars were unaware of the depth of need created by alcoholism and the resulting disruptions of family life of their Native American friends. It wasn't long before they were unable to find the workers needed to sustain the business, and so the Haars quickly found themselves deeply in debt, without the work force to fill orders. Even in this dark and discouraging time, God was preparing them for the next move . . .

On a selling trip in Montana, Ralph was quoting a scripture in a Glacier Park gift shop. He paused and another voice completed the scripture. Hugh White Clay, a member of the Crow Tribe, introduced himself. Ralph learned Hugh's father was a pastor on the Crow Reservation in south central Montana. Ralph extended an invitation to the White Clay family to visit them in South Dakota and Ralph and Virginia's relationship with the Crow people was born. As the relationship developed, Pastor White Clay extended an invitation, "Would you move to the Crow Reservation?"

This question remained unanswered until the financial burden was so great that Ralph and Virginia could no longer stay in their home. With the closing of one door, God opened another. The invitation to the Crow Reservation was still open and so, with a used trailer home, the Haar family joined the Crow community along the banks of the Little Big Horn River in Montana, June, 1987. The first year was full of challenges, financial burdens still hovered over their heads, they were suddenly immersed in the culture of the Crow and as outsiders had no choice but to patiently listen and watch the ways of their new neighbors. Entering the local Crow churches as friends and neighbors, they taught Sunday School, led prayer groups, helped with music, and through it all, relationships were building: relationships that remain strong and continue to deepen today, nearly twenty years later.

After a time, the financial pressures led the family to move to Dayton, Wyoming, with both Ralph and Virginia finding employment in Sheridan, Wyoming.  Their hearts were still attached to the Crow people and they knew their work was not finished, but it was in God's hands. After several years, a Sheridan ministry gave them the opportunity to return to the Crow Reservation with directions to develop ministry as the Lord led them. So in June, 1996, Sure Foundation Family Ministry was birthed. The strong relationships allowed them to enter into the summer activities of the Reservation and SFFM has been building ever since.

With Ralph’s sudden death in 2002, Virginia was faced with a major decision. Sure Foundation Family Ministry was a team affair, every trip, every meeting, every decision was done as a team. Despite her loss, she knew that God would lead her through her heart. When a wedding invitation came, she knew she had to be there, when a baby dedication invitation came, she had to go. Some days she just had to be with friends who were also grieving the loss of a father figure. Gradually, the Bible studies began again, a retreat was planned, and with the help of family and friends, Virginia stepped into the leadership of Sure Foundation Family Ministry. Today Sure Foundation Family Ministry is entering into projects bigger and more far reaching than ever. Of course, Virginia can’t handle those things alone, and so the Lord has brought friends from her local Sheridan, Wyoming, church and various parts of the country to step in with willing hearts. SFFM is still growing and expanding . . . God is still directing, leading, and moving His people to be His hands and feet! We praise Him in all things and give Him all the glory!