There is an undercurrent of change in the Christian church
here in the Navajo Nation. On Sunday we heard the report from the first Navajo
Nation Christian Response Team, and it encouraged us greatly.
Right after the hurricane hit Houston, Navajo Nation
President, Russell Begaye, and the Vice President, Jonathan Nez, visited there
to see what could be done. They reported that at least eight Navajo families
had been affected and were in dire need of help to clear debris and clean up
mold. The President brought his challenge back to the Christian churches on the
Reservation saying, “It’s time for the church to be the Church.”
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| Port Arthur |
Christian Church leaders met, and a Christian Response team
formed. The first one (Team Bluebird) returned a week ago, and Team Two is out
now. Team Three deploys in December. The Bluebirds worked on many homes in Port
Arthur cleaning up and bringing supplies to this devastated area. Team-member
Cindy Harper posted on FaceBook: Port Arthur was flooded during the
storms in southeast Texas. It's been hard to hear the stories of 10 year-old
Orlando who had to walk through the water with his two sisters and mother, or of
Buddy who carried his invalid wife on his back through the water, or about
Doralena whose toddler has asthma, and whose house is probably going to be
condemned. Everyone here has been traumatized. We can smell mold from anywhere
in Port Arthur, especially with the breeze, which normally would be very
welcome. Please continue to pray for the victims of the storms.
One Port Arthur woman said that the people who are coming to
help are Christians, not the government agencies. She is a Traditional Navajo, but she became
interested in what they saying. The team expressed, “This is Jesus loving you
and serving you and carrying out your debris.”
So far 16 Navajo people have been sent out. Chuck Harper, Team
member and Western Indian Ministries director, said, “It is important that the
Navajo Nation be about sending missionaries. It represents a major shift for
them.”
This big step of discipleship helps Navajo believers
encounter the heart of God, which is all about going out and bringing people to
Himself. Going out expands the perspective. Several young Navajos were anxious
about leaving the Reservation. It was a 17-hour drive, and the work promised to
be challenging. One young man declared that he had anxiety and panic attacks,
which God helped him overcome. The Natives learned that they are not the only
ones living in some kind of ‘condition.’
They also discovered community, not just with the folks they
ministered to, but also with each other. Serving together builds community.
They became more thankful for the things they have and for how God provided
what they needed for the trip.
The young men discovered a new purpose or motivation for
their lives. One said, “I realized there was baggage in my life that is keeping
me from doing what I am supposed to be doing.” Another one said he is motivated
to get more education so he can be better equipped to bring people to Christ.
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| 3rd grade made a bean bag carnival for 1st grade. |
They began to realize how large the Great commission is. God
wishes us to go out because the world is full of wandering people, like sheep
without a shepherd. Vice President Nez, who is on Team Two, challenged the
Navajo Nation to serve one another. He said, “I challenge you to help each
other out. I want to say ‘thank you for shining that light,’ and now it is
shining back to the Navajo Nation as well. True self- sufficiency and self-reliance
are shown when we help others.”
We are thankful God has called us to be here for such a time
as this. And we are thankful for you who support us with your prayers and
gifts.
Roger and Sara
Clip of Navajo Nation Response Team Bluebird
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| Library visit |
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| Our playground |
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