February 2

Snow Day!!

The flakes stopped swirling, giving way to crisp air and bright sun. Every teacher joins us in rejoicing!

Dear Friends,

We had a tremendous time at the SRS (Support Raising Solutions) Seminar on Thursday and Friday. We met dozens of missionaries involved in many ministries-- both stateside and foreign-- who are seeing God’s hand moving powerfully in individuals, families, and cultures. We came home blessed and encouraged. Thank you for your prayers that this would be a good conference for us.

This is the third Sunday that our church, Community Bible Church in Tse Bonito, has worshipped in Hilltop’s cafeteria rather than in its own building.

In mid-January, water began seeping from one of the upstairs pipes. It eventually burst and flowed through the entire south side of the building, dampening walls and ceilings and inundating the carpet in the sanctuary. The stench warned of potential mold.

The church has been inspected for structural and mold problems, but the results are not in. In fact, the initial set of mold tests was “lost,” and has to be repeated. The Insurance company will not make any steps towards settling, thus hanging up progress towards replacements and repairs. Some problems remain invisible. Meanwhile, volunteers and professionals are cleaning out and dehumidifying the building.

The situation is sad, distressing, and overwhelming. We are praying that God continues to work all things together for the good of His people.

Our church situation is an indication of the Spiritual Warfare that assails God’s work on the Rez. In addition, Western Indian Ministries is lending its Lucero building to another area church that was ruined by arson a few months ago. Navajo Bible Church will have to totally rebuild.

The Lucero Building, where they worship now, normally provides the housing for the work teams that come to WIM in the spring and summer. Plan A was to have Navajo Bible meet at Community Bible Church for an afternoon service in the spring, but without a plan B, Navajo Bible could become a “homeless” church starting mid-March. Only our Father can see the answer to that situation right now.

Churches across the Reservations are plagued by physical problems. But even more troubling are some of the other concerns:

Pastors are discouraged because there are few workers.

People hear the Bible messages, but continue to do their own thing (such as participate in traditional ceremonies, use peyote, and disregard Jesus’s teachings.)

People see the church as a social occasion, enjoying the food and fellowship, but maintaining a shallow relationship with the Lord Jesus.

Churches are regularly vandalized.

We appreciate you and your prayers. We are strengthened to know that the impossible is possible with God (Luke 18:27).

Love,

Roger and Sara

Blog: everettnavajo.blogspot.com

Support: Western Indian Ministries: http://www.westernindian.org/donate2/

P.O. Box 9090, Window Rock, AZ 86515