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| Hilltop Students |
I started this letter on the way home from Iowa, but technology
failed, and I lost the unsaved documents and photos, which was basically all of
it. I had written about the feeling of traveling home—seeing the fields and
familiar buildings, and enjoying the changes in the church, school, and town.
But truly, what makes any place ‘home’ is the relationships. We treasure the
meals, snacks, and conversations we had with you all. You have been a great
encouragement to us. Thank you for your generosity, interest, and support of
our ministry here among the Navajo. We enjoyed catching up with you and your
families and ministries also. God is Good.
Jesus was all about relationships. He could have preached to
masses, but He chose to pour His life into His close companions; so we also are
intentionally making this a part of what we do. In I Thessalonians 2:5-12, we
have Paul’s pattern to follow. At parent conferences this week, when Parent C
says they are sending their child to participate in a traditional ceremony to
protect him, I listen and don’t assert authority (6). She is probably as torn
and mixed up as her child. When Parent L relates that she is overwhelmed with
all she has to do, I want to be gentle and tender with her (7). I am thinking about a tangible way to help her
with the burden. When Grandma T (the guardian) relates her own hospital stay
and health issues, I want to show affection and let her know that she is dear
to me (8). When Parent J hesitates to pray with me, I encourage him that we
want to relieve their burdens and not add more (9). So, as the conferences went
on, I found myself exhorting and encouraging the parents (11). Some are
Christian believers, and many are close to trusting Jesus as Roger and I share
our vision of a life of hope for their children.
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| Navajo Nation Offices in Window Rock |
Well, that was our week. Thankfully, a group from Kansas has
been here all week. They were very helpful in our classrooms as well as with a
construction job on the Western Indian Ministries Campus. The Lord knew who we
needed for this week. In class, we’re working on the Easter Program and
focusing on the Final Week of the life of our Lord. We’ll need wisdom when
presenting the crucifixion lessons. Many movie clips are available, but our
kids are just little children, and some of these clips might be too graphic for
them.
The temperatures are on the rise, and, like you, we’ll soon
be tackling the weeds. Enjoy each season as God brings it into your life.
