Lead Pastors & CEO
COO
Gus & Terry Craven Bio
Pastor Gus Craven, an enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota Sioux Tribe from the Pine Ridge Reservation, and his wife, Pastor Terry, have faithfully dedicated their lives to ministry and community service since 1997. Both are graduates of Trinity Bible College and hold ministerial credentials with the Assemblies of God. Their journey in ministry began with ten years of pastoral leadership at All Nations Church on the Rosebud Reservation before answering God’s call to Wanblee, South Dakota, where they founded Eagle Nest Life Center (ENLC) in 2008.
Under their leadership, ENLC has grown into far more than a church. While it remains a vibrant place of worship through weekly services and Bible studies, it has also become a cornerstone of community transformation. The ministry provides youth programs, family events, block parties, holiday celebrations, life-skills training, and wellness opportunities that meet both practical and spiritual needs. Through these efforts, ENLC creates a welcoming environment where individuals and families can find hope, encouragement, and support.
Their vision extends beyond the walls of the church through Craven Ministries, a multifaceted outreach that includes Glory Ranch, Glory Ranch Publishing, Craven Construction, and Forged in Fire Gym. Each ministry initiative is designed to strengthen the community by offering opportunities for spiritual growth, personal development, and meaningful connection. Glory Ranch, in particular, has become a gathering place for rodeo camps, archery programs, leadership development, and large-scale community events such as the Harvest Festival and Live Nativity.
Pastor Gus also serves as an active member of the Oglala Lakota Ministerial Coalition, where he is passionate about mentoring and equipping Native leaders for ministry while honoring the rich heritage, culture, and traditions of the Lakota people. Pastor Terry has written a children’s book series “Rodney the Rooster” of which the second publication is coming soon! Together, Gus and Terry exemplify a ministry that reaches beyond traditional boundaries—meeting people where they are, investing in future generations, and sharing the love of Christ through both word and action. Their lifelong commitment continues to bring faith, hope, practical resources, and lasting impact to the reservation communities they serve and beyond.
Kelli Craven Bio
Dr. Kelli Craven is a doctoral-prepared Nurse Practitioner who holds triple board certifications in Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and Critical Care. As a traveling healthcare provider, she serves patients in hospitals across the United States, bringing compassionate, high-quality care to diverse communities. Beyond her medical career, Dr. Craven is deeply committed to the mission of Craven Ministries, where she partners with her parents in the daily operations and long-term vision of the organization.
Having faithfully served in ministry since 1997, Dr. Craven has contributed in numerous capacities, including youth prison outreach, church ministries, Vacation Bible School, worship leadership, and community service initiatives. Most recently, she launched Forged in Fire Gym, an outreach designed to promote physical, mental, and spiritual wellness while building meaningful relationships within the community. Combining her expertise as a healthcare provider with her gifts in leadership and administration, Dr. Craven works alongside her parents to expand the ministry’s impact and ensure its vision continues to thrive for future generations.
We offer vital support and life-skills training for Native Americans on the reservation, empowering individuals and families to build a brighter future through faith-based initiatives and community-driven programs.
Our work is guided by core beliefs that shape every aspect of our ministry. We are committed to living out these principles in service to God and our community.
We believe in the transformative power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and its ability to bring hope, healing, and redemption to all.
We are called to serve others with compassion, reflecting Christ’s love through practical acts of kindness and support.
We foster a strong sense of community, creating a supportive family where individuals can grow in faith and find belonging.
Our ministries are the heart of our outreach, each one planted to grow hope and cultivate change within the community. Explore the different ways we serve.
Community Outreaches
Block parties, VBS, and Holiday Meals.
Bible Study
A fellowship and bible study group for all.
Christian Veterinary Services
Providing care for animals in the community each Fall and Spring.
LEGO Building
A creative way to teach valuable life skills to youth.
Glory Ranch is where faith and the cowboy way of life intersect. We use horsemanship and ranch activities to teach, mentor, and share the Gospel.
Harvest Festival
An annual fall celebration for the entire community.
Glory Riders Rodeo Bible Camp
Combining rodeo skills with biblical teachings.
Current needs: Horses, tack, feed, farrier services, and a covered/indoor arena to continue this ministry year-round.
Looking for a great opportunities for your church group to do practical ministry?
Contact our Directors.
A safe and supportive space for those seeking freedom from addiction. We host Celebrate Recovery (CR) meetings. Times and dates TBD.
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Our gym is a place for physical and spiritual strengthening. We need new equipment to better serve our community.
Sharing stories of faith and fun. Our book series starts with “Rodney the Rooster,” with a second book currently in process with the publisher.
SACRED RISE INITIATIVE HAPPENING NOW! GET INVOLVED! WE WOULD LOVE TO CONNECT WITH YOU AND YOUR CHURCH TO FURTHER GOD’S KINGDOM!
PHASE 1 – FORGED IN FIRE GYM OPEN AT ENLC
PHASE 2 – CABINS AT THE GLORY RANCH FOR CAMPERS/KIDS CAMPS
PHASE 3 – DELICIOUS FOOD COMING SOON
PHASE 4 – ARENA & LEGO BUILDING
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Kelli Craven
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Kelli Craven2026-05-10 02:43:012026-06-19 07:40:48June 24th Service
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cravenministry2025-09-30 16:55:442025-10-16 21:49:53Join Us for Sunday Church…
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cravenministry2025-09-30 16:50:592026-06-09 14:28:02Sacred Rise Service
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cravenministry2025-09-30 16:48:412026-08-24 03:44:21Current Newsletter
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cravenministry2025-09-30 16:45:292026-01-31 05:18:04Good Friday Fun Run/Walk April 3, 2026Your generous support empowers us to continue our mission. Every donation, big or small, makes a profound impact on the lives we serve. Craven Ministries is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
1 available with a donation of $10 or more
Various sizes available Adult S – 3XL
Craven Ministries T-shirt available in XL (on hand), special order any other size. T-shirt color is white with black logo only.
Please email us for your purchase to include name, address, and phone number. Purchase through pay pal. Thank you for supporting our ministry!
$75: T-Shirt and “Rodney the Rooster” Book
$100: Hoodie & “Rodney the Rooster” Book
$125: T-Shirt, Hat, and “Rodney the Rooster” Book
For $400 quarterly, you can sponsor one of our beloved ministry horses. Your support covers veterinary costs, tack, farrier services, and feed.
Make a one-time or recurring donation securely through PayPal. Donations may also be mailed to the following address.
Gus and Terry Craven
PO Box 341
Wanblee, SD 57577