May 18

As you might have seen/heard on the news, the new President of the Navajo Nation, Russell Begaye, was inaugurated on May 12, 2015.  Nelson Betoney of Western Indian Ministries interviewed Mr. Begaye and the vice-President Jonathan Nez on our radio station KHAC a week before the inauguration. The interview flowed back and forth between fluent Navajo and English, but I can share with you are some of the quotes I heard in English. We sense a new hopefulness here.

Begaye: The Lord selects a new leader. God is always in control [of the ballots]. We’re His instruments to make a lot of these things come about.

We didn’t know if we would win because you never know how people will vote.

KHAC: What were you thinking as you were hearing the results come in?

Begaye: I was out at the Chapter Houses thanking people for the voting, so at first I wasn’t even in Window Rock listening to the results.

First I was thankful. I was thankful to the Lord for the results that had come in. I wasn’t thinking so much about being President at that time… I wanted the right words as I was going to speak to the people.

I was thinking, “God is in control.” I was thanking the people for turning out for the election. Forty-one thousand voters turned out. For me that [being elected the President] was not a concern right then. God gives you the mind of Christ and the energy and wisdom to do the job. God puts it in you. God is going to be leading out, whatever we do. I was just thanking the people.

KHAC: Have you been inspired by any Bible characters who were in government? Who is your example? Who do you relate to?

Begaye: I think Daniel is a good example. They were in enemy country and [Daniel and his friends] never abandoned their faith. They stood on the foundation of their faith. The [Babylonian] culture tried to bring them into their culture, but they were protected by the Lord. They came out as the smartest people -- standing on the Rock.

We are going to be standing on the Rock during our administration. Jesus is the Cornerstone-- the solid Rock.

Also I think about Josiah who took over the throne at such a young age. It is important to note that when these rulers took their eyes off the Lord, everything kind of collapses on them... The whole nation suffers, not just that king or leader. That is the work of God.

Those leaders had to depend on the Lord. I have to depend on God in the same way.

I have a Daily Bible verse Program into my phone. Today’s Proverb says: “The mind of man makes his plan, but the steps are directed by the Lord.” This is very fitting.

When we were elected, the news went around the world. The world heard from two people [myself and Jonathan Nez] who love the Lord who are going to lead the Navajo Nation. The New York Times and other major newspapers ran the stories.

So, I’m believing that as we keep ourselves in God’s hand, He’ll bless us beyond what you can imagine. It makes us feel humble and grateful. We really rely on prayer warriors.

KHAC: Mr. Nez, were you worried or nervous before the election?

Nez: For us, we slept well and were at peace, because we felt this was the calling of God. God is the One who bestows authority on leaders. You can see that truth in the Bible going back to the time of Samuel. We have been very open about our Christian faith.

KHAC: Some people thought you weren’t going to win at all, but you came up on top.

Nez: Yes, that is a miracle in itself.

KHAC: Share about your family.

Nez: We plan on sending our son, Christopher to Hilltop Christian School. Right now he’s homeschooled. They are always with me. He is seven years old, and he’s been all over the United States at his age. He’s seen Washington D.C., many times. One good thing about homeschooling is that we get to travel together. …We’re moving into our house now and getting situated.  Christopher is already a runner. He runs 5k already. He likes to go exercise with my wife and me.

KHAC: How did you select Mr. Nez as your running mate?

Begaye: It is privilege to have Jonathan Nez as vice-President. He is the best that the nation has ever had. He’s widely experienced as a county supervisor and a counsel delegate. He’s chaired the Budget and Finance Committee.

I asked several different groups as well as my own team who would make a good VP. They all submitted 4-5 names, and Jonathan’s name came in on every list. The Lord just brought us together. We complement each other and make a strong team. He’s young, so he brings a different perspective; but we are unified as we serve together.

Nez: We are working on several projects and continuing some initiatives that I started when I was on the counsel… All of the election was a miracle and a truly humbling experience. I am thinking of that verse in Romans 8:28: “All things work together for good for those who are called for His purpose.” I am looking onward to the next stage of my life as Russell Begaye’s vice-President.

Begaye: We have been asking who wants to help us in our administration and have gotten a lot of response. All the pastors – our pastors are the watchmen standing in the gap- really want to help especially to help build and renovate homes for our people. We are planning to partner with faith-based groups to help each other. We will be looking towards our brothers and sisters in Christ who want to help. We need the help of believers to do the things that our people need.

Begaye: People have told us, “We’re creating a Begaye-Nez prayer circle.” Thank you for your support and your prayers.

KHAC : Pray, all of you across the Navajo Nation, for our new President and vice-President and for the Navajo Nation.