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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