January 28

We didn’t expect to be attending another funeral so soon, but last weekend we joined 200 others in bidding farewell to the father of one of our third graders.

RS was only 36 when he passed away from cancer. He graduated from 8^th grade from Hilltop Christian School, and his son attends here. Hilltop made a difference in RS's life, so much so that he insisted that his son attend here despite a 30 minute commute.  About a month ago as he was getting weaker, he asked John, the former principal of HCS and a friend, to do the eulogy. John shared stories with friends and family honoring the character and faith of RS as a young man.

RS was struggling with the disease two years ago when I had his son in first grade. He was taking treatments then and was doing his best to bless his son by participating in his activities such as coaching his little league team and holding his family together with his gentle leadership.

The family is a mixture of Christians and traditional Navajo. RS trusted only Jesus even though friends and family members insisted that he call in the Medicine Man. 

RS wanted John to give the Eulogy because he knew that John would present the gospel of Jesus clearly, which he did. The pastor also extended an invitation for people to receive Jesus, and eleven people raised their hands. We could hear their murmuring as they repeated the words of the pastor’s prayer leading them to confession of sin and acceptance of Jesus Christ as their Savior.

One of the songs Roland chose was 10,000 Reasons by Matt Redman

Playing a walk-about (drum)

Bless the Lord oh my soul
Oh my soul, Worship His Holy name
Sing like never before, Oh my soul
I'll worship Your Holy name

Verse 3) And on that day When my strength is failing
The end draws near, And my time has come
Still my soul will Sing Your praise unending
Ten thousand years And then forevermore

I can visualize RS there with Jesus singing like never before and worshipping God.

The service lasted two hours, followed by the viewing, the procession to the graveside and the graveside service. In typical Navajo fashion, speeches were extended and emotions were not hidden.

The children in the class wept together because of their friend’s loss and sadness.  They encouraged him that he would see his dad again. Pray especially for wisdom for the teacher as he works with this young man. We realize that each day we have with these children is a gift. We pray that we will make each day count for the Lord, drawing these children (and families) to a faith in Christ like RS displayed to his family and coworkers.

Please also pray for Western Indian Ministries. We’ve had a major plumbing issue in the main offices, and the leaders ask for wisdom and resources on how to proceed.

Snow on the Window Rock

January 2018

It seems that Dickens was right: the best of times can also be the worst of times.

Last week we were privileged to attend a sadly-joyful event: the memorial service of a precious saint. Larry Harper, father of Western Indian Ministries’ current director Chuck, passed away in December after six decades of service in and around the Navajo Nation.

We knew Larry as a gentle, hospitable person. Others told of his involvement in numerous capacities at WIM including Bible School teacher, pastor, mission director, and radio manager. It was under his direction that the mission established three Christian Radio stations.

Navajo Nation Vice President Jonathan Nez reminded us that because of Mr. Harper, we have Navajo pastors on the Rez shepherding the flock. Larry exuded hope, which encouraged his family, the community, and the Nation. Nez said the Navajo and the Hopi Nations are grateful for what Larry has done for the people.

Chuck Harper inserted a brief note that he’s heard Larry pray for the Navajo Nation leadership for 50 years, and V.P. Nez is an answer to that prayer.

The many testimonies of Larry’s integrity, ingenuity, thrift, gratitude, and hospitality touched our hearts, but I was most impressed by the choir composed of fifty+ Navajos who were blessed and changed by Larry’s fervor to talk about Jesus with everyone he met. They sang “No Dark Valley” and “Satisfied” in Navajo.

Hallelujah! I have found Him—Whom my soul so long has craved!

Jesus satisfies my longings; Thro’ His blood I now am saved. (chorus of Satisfied)

We want to honor Larry by faithfully continuing the service he began here and by exhibiting the character qualities he lived.  Larry’s last words were, “Thank you; you’re doing a good job.” And he has been greeted by Jesus with the same words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

On Friday tragedy struck a family from our church. Their house burnt to the ground. Thank the Lord they all escaped safely, but they have lost everything. Right now they are crammed into their mother’s home, but you can imagine their feelings of devastation and loss. In times like these, the Lord brings out the unity and love of the body of Christ. The church is helping as they are able. One of the missionaries here, Emily, has set up a “Go Fund Me” page:  https://www.gofundme.com/6g2t4-house-fire-relief where you can see the photos of the damage. Pray for the Christensen family: Mark, Antoinette, and their six children.

We pray you have a blessed New Year.

Photos:

*We had a great time at the Grand Canyon.

*Standing at the Code Talker’s Memorial by the Window Rock.

*We are blessed to have known Larry Harper, pioneer missionary on the Navajo Nation.

*The second grade loves the new curtains in their classroom.

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 9090, Window Rock, AZ 86515

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