Linda Clover Williams speaks of the Goshute Shoshone Nation
I was born at Owylee, Nevada and lived near the Nevada-Utah border on the Ibapah Indian Reservation of my father. My mother’s reservation is two hours northeast of Ibapah and 45 miles south of Salt Lake City.

In 1957, the Bureau of Indian Affairs relocated us to San Francisco, California where life was hard for all of us. My father had a steady job; but like other Indians, he had low esteem of himself and a problem with alcohol. He loved us very much but couldn’t seem to handle this problem.

We survived through that and through the tragedy of my mother dying in 1964. After which, we were placed in a foster home where we started attending a church. This is when my Christianity started. One particular home felt like a real home. It was there that I really felt the love of the Lord, learned about God and who Jesus was.

When my father was released from the hospital, we got to go home with him. A year later my younger brother died, which devastated my father. As a result, he started drinking again. Once again though, we survived. However, I felt a void in my life. When I got married at the age of 18 years old and had three children, I still had that void. Then, in 1973, I turned on the radio and who did I hear but my foster brother. I called him up right away and spoke to him about my problems. He invited me to their church which I started to attend and in April 1974, I gave my heart to the Lord. In 1979 my husband and I separated. In 1980, my father past away. I was devastated. God gave me the strength to hold on, and before he died, I was able to share God’s plan of salvation with him and my father prayed with me to receive Jesus as his Savior. He died peacefully two weeks later.

In 1993 I found myself looking for a job and I called the Indian Mission and spoke to Mr. Wes Williams. He asked me if I was attending a church (at that time I was looking for one) and he invited me to their church where I met Wes and Betty Williams, and many other wonderful people. About this time I had a dream about a tribe of people divided by a large forge. One side had houses and were saying “Linda help us!” The other side was going to harm them. I woke up and thought “what kind of a dream was that”?

A couple of months later I received a telephone call about the Chairman of our tribe wanting to put a Nuclear Waste System on the Skull Valley Reservation. I knew of the reservation but not the people of my relatives. In 1994, I felt it was time to visit and make myself and my God known.

God in their lives was greater. Without seeking God this conflict would destroy our tribe. I shared my testimony with many of my family and passed out literature, tracts and Bibles. I felt like I could make a difference and the Lord wanted me to help, but how. In 1997 I took custody of my four grandchildren. I sought the Lord for much strength and guidance. Wes and Betty were invaluable. They provided the transportation to take us to church services, we gave encouragement to each other in difficult times, and we came to be great friends. Today, my Grandchildren know who God is and have accepted Jesus as their Savior. It is in great measure due to my obedience to God.

When Betty past on to be with the Lord suddenly in October 2000, Wes was overwhelmed. We tried to comfort him in his loss; but in seemed that only the Lord could bring closure to his loss and healing to his heart.

Wes was aware of my burden to help my people and as the time for a decision on the Nuclear Waste System drew near, he was able to offer assistance through the Indian ministry and I was able to attend two tribal meetings.

Our Chairman did not believe that the Nuclear Waste System is a real threat to our land and people. He felt that the money justifies the risk involved whereas some of the other leaders believe that there is a real danger that threatens their health and community life. This thinking violates our tribal values and culture and traditions and my first opportunity to really speak to my tribe about God and placing our hope and future in His hands came October 6 & 7, 2001. It was at a Nuclear Free Great Basin Gathering held on the Skull Valley Reservation. There were several leaders and dignitaries, speakers from the Nuclear Free Organization, along with our newly elected tribal leaders and some of the reservation population. Unlike the other speakers, I focused on the hope and unlimited resources found in an active walk with God. Matthew 6:33 was my test, “First seek ye the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be give unto you.”

I am now one of the missionaries supported by the American Indian Liberation Crusade. With your help of prayers and financial support, we can lead the way to a healed land. Lets bring help to my people and solidarity to my tribe through an active faith in God who has confirmed the vision He gave me years ago. The Lord has also brought closure to Wes Williams’ loss and we now are husband and wife. We share this vision to bring help to the Goshute Shoshone Indians. All the Glory goes to God, Hallelujah!! I told them that II Chronicles 7:14 was also true for the Skull Valley Reservation. .. “If my people, who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”