By Claudia Loucks, correspondent@qconline.com

Photo: Claudia Loucks / correspondent Zach Saey, left, Kewanee; Anthony Iron Thunder; and Lori Ward, of Walk on Water Ministries, Geneseo, add items to a semi-tractor trailer that will be driven to Standing Rock Indian Reservation in South Dakota, filled with contributions for Mr. Iron Thunder's family, who recently lost their home and possessions in a fire.

GENESEO – No reservations were felt toward helping a family recover from a house fire on a South Dakota Indian reservation.

Bob and Lori Ward of Geneseo, founders of ''Walk on Water Ministries,'' found out about the tragic fire from their house guest, Anthony Iron Thunder, 17, who's attending Geneseo High School this year.

The house belonged to his grandmother, and many of Mr. Iron Thunder's relatives, ranging in age from 9 months to 82 years, lived in the home.

The family has moved into temporary housing, ''but they have nothing,'' Mrs. Ward said. ''We have four beds, but we are hoping people of this community and the surrounding area will reach out to help, with prayers and donations."

''We are hoping the family can rebuild, but for now they need items to help them survive,'' she said. ''The entire area has been hit hard with sub-zero temperatures, and many of the people are in need of outerwear.''

She called it a miracle that the 14 people in the house made it out alive, in minus 30 degree temperatures and no shelter near them, she said.

''They had no coats to wear and nothing to cover their feet,'' Mrs. Ward said.

The Lakota Indian Tribe of that area is helping out as much as possible, but ''it is a relatively poor community,'' she said.

The family belongs to the tribe, and Mr. Iron Thunder's grandmother had stored many of its artifacts and church memorabilia, all of which also were destroyed in the fire.

Although they can't replace these material items, the Wards want to help the family get back on their feet, and partly relieve Mr. Iron Thunder's concerns, Mrs. Ward said.

''Anthony is an outstanding young man who was brave enough to leave family and home for a better education,'' Mrs. Ward said ''While he has been in Geneseo, Anthony looked into attending an Indian boarding school in California because he wanted to learn more about his culture. When completing the school year, he plans to return to the reservation to help teach the younger kids living there.

''We are so proud of him for taking another brave step in fulfilling his dream for his future,'' Mrs. Ward said. ''He has been like a brother to our son, Josh Ward, 17, and we welcomed him into our family with open arms.''

Mr. and Mrs. Ward have spent nearly 30 years ministering to teens, and has taken hundreds of teens and adults on mission trips to the reservation during the last few years.

''We have been very close to Anthony’s family over the years, and we want to do exactly what our mission statement says Walk on Water Ministries is all about -- that we believe the Gospel of Jesus is not just about words, but also actions, Mrs. Ward said.

Mr. Iron Thunder was amazed at the generosity.

''I can’t believe so many people want to help a family they don’t even know,'' he said. ''This will mean so much to my family.''

Mr. Iron Thunder returned home for a visit earlier this week with as many supplies as volunteers were able to collect. He'll return to Geneseo in time to take his final exams.

The Wards also hope to fill a semi-tractor trailer with more household items and supplies to later send to the reservation.

List of supplies being sought. --Outerwear, sizes adult L – 4 XL.

-- Children's new clothing, boys' sizes 2, 3, 4 and 5 toddler; girls' sizes 6-9 months, 12 months, 18-24 months, 3 toddler and 5 toddler.

--New shoes, boys' sizes 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 and 12; girls' sizes 6; ladies' size 9.

--Diapers, sizes 3, 4, 5 and 6.

--Bedding.

--Towels.

--Kitchen utensils.

--Dinnerware.

--Non-perishable food items.

--School supplies, including a computer in working order, if possible.

--Small electric appliances.

--An electric washer and dryer.

--Approximately $1,700 to cover fuel and shipping costs.

Cash contributions can be mailed to Walk on Water Ministries, c/o Bob and Lori Ward, 17623 Ford Road, Geneseo, IL, 61254, or mailed to the Eagle/Archambault Families, c/o the Rev. Tony Grossenburg, St. Bernard’s Parish, P.O. Box 539, McLaughlin, S.D., 57642.

For larger items, call Mrs. Ward at (309) 944-3957 to make drop-off arrangements.