April 27

Dear Friends,

Because of a persistent cough and larynx infection, I’m on voice rest this weekend, and you wouldn’t believe how difficult this is. Oh, sure, it’s easy not to say the loving words, but out fly the rebukes and remarks that are best left unsaid. It’s rather amusing (?) to hear Roger carry on both sides of the conversation. What does dear James say about the tongue? It’s such a little thing, but it gets us in big trouble when it reveals what is really inside. Ouch.

President-elect Russell Begaye

I have lots of random thoughts this week, some of which will spill over into the sequel. Monday we celebrate Navajo Nation Sovereignty Day. Some people would be surprised to know that there are several sovereign nations within the borders of the United States. Last week, Russell Begaye easily beat a former two-term Navajo Nation President to win the Presidential election. Russell Begaye, is a Christian. We will keep praying that through his leadership, the Dine (the People) will know that Jesus is the answer to their social woes. The Inauguration will be May 12^th.

With the warmer weather, the critters and stink bugs are starting to appear. These are the big, black desert stink bugs (Pinacate Beetles, darkling or clown beetles). When they are bothered, they stop and do a headstand as a warning. Further harassment brings a stink bomb emitted from the insect’s rear end. Yes, you can smell it. One girl told me that the stink bugs make medicine. I was incredulous, so I checked the source of all truth -- the Internet. And sure enough: “A teaspoon of stinkbug urine is used to cure thrush or prevent bedwetting. And it can also be used to heal measles and chickenpox. Since snakes fear stink bugs, stink bugs can also be used as snake repellent.” And here’s another warning for you: “Don’t throw stinkbugs into the fire or you will get a rash or sores.”

The Mission Organization Teen Mission finds the most out-of-way, rural, hard-places-to-live for their boot camps. They are looking for a location to train Navajo teens and others. Apparently the worst is the best. We had to laugh because they chose our site in Tse Bonito. So Western Indian Ministries will be making a proposal to work with the Teen Mission Organization.  As you might know, the original Teen Mission training facility is in Florida. It is a primitive camp with realistic conditions that campers might find on the mission field. Young missionaries learn teamwork and unity on the obstacle course and take classes in things such as Bible, music, construction, evangelism, and survival skills. This year at least 45 teams will be going to 30 countries to share Christ through disaster relief, sports, drama, and construction projects.

T* keeps me on my toes with the most interesting questions. Here’s one of his latest: Why are girls so bouncy?” When he asked, I looked around, and there they were, a group of young ladies bouncing. What would you have said?

Thank you for your gifts and prayers.

Until Soon...