Therefore, encourage one another and build
each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
I Thessalonians 5:
11
Dear Friends,
This portion of the group worked on a building project. |
A group providing wonderful encouragement for us here at
Hilltop just returned to Pennsylvania. A week ago weeds had overtaken the
playgrounds. Roofs had leaks. Ramps were warped and stairs lacked handrails. We
looked around the school and sighed, “School starts in ten days, and this is
impossible.”
The Nehemiah Project: building a dorm for work teams and retreats. |
Here it is a week later. Weeds are hacked down, roofs
repaired and leaks stopped. The classrooms are decorated, clean, and orderly.
Ramps are restored. Books are organized and extra texts are stowed. The crew
worked cheerfully and incredibly hard. Teachers can now sit behind their desks
and start composing schedules and lesson plans for Wednesday.
This progress was encouraging beyond words to us as a
staff. And we are incredibly grateful.
The classroom is almost ready to go! |
As we sent them off, we encouraged them to pray for us here at Hilltop and WIM, to read the blog, and to think about coming back. WIM has opportunities for work groups to stay for a week, individuals could work as summer interns, or young teachers might even apply to do student teaching here.
We were also encouraged by a group representing five churches in the Dallas area who hauled a couple of tons of clothing and food to give away to needy families here on the Rez through the church and radio station. We had great joy taking them on a tour of the school and telling them stories about God’s work in various Navajo families.
Churches from Texas brought clothing and food. |
We are also encouraged by answered prayer. Our Hilltop staff is ready to go for the first semester. Though we don’t have full time administration, we do have people to help and give advice. Mr. Tiger will continue as a consultant while he works to raise his support so he can be involved in WIM full-time again. Pastor Eugene (Bucks County, PA) is encouraging his people to pray faithfully for our ministries. Yes, finances are a part of it, but the main and more powerful resource is prayer to the Almighty God.
Join me in savoring these words written by a member of the group on a card of encouragement:
Welcome to Hilltop! We pray that God will give you the grace each day that will enable you to serve and teach and love well. Blessings to you as you serve.
2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me,
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my
power is made perfect in weakness.”
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Rock, AZ 86515