Navajo Nuggets

August 2025

Dear Friends,

We’ve had a blessed summer visiting our churches and various friends across the states. We are so encouraged by your love and grateful for your prayers and support. School has begun here again on the Colorado Plateau, and we’re back to sowing the seed. As teachers of young people, we often don’t have the privilege of seeing the harvest in these lives. But, we desire to be faithful in teaching these young ones about the love of Jesus and the authority of the Bible.

Some of the seeds bear fruit —30 fold, 60 fold, and even 100 fold.

Let me tell you about Sanford*. He attended Hilltop Christian School when he was in high school, and though he was a bit of a troublemaker, he became a Christian, and his life turned around. When someone becomes a Christian in the Navajo Nation, he might as well kiss goodbye to all family gatherings and holiday parties. Unfortunately, Sanford had cancer as a young father. (His son was in my class.) His family kept badgering him to call the medicine man for prayers and ceremonies. Sanford staunchly refused saying, “I’m not doing that. I’m going forward with the Lord.” He passed away with a strong testimony. Who knows how many of his children and family are following Jesus today because he remained steadfast?

There is Officer*. He attended Hilltop as a teen also. He tells a funny story about an incident that he and other parent of our students was involved in. Officer did well in high school and college and is in law enforcement. He has a strong Christian testimony in his work place. He attributes his success to Jesus’ supplying wisdom and peace and protection in all types of crazy situations. He is a seed that was watered at HCS and is producing more fruit.

Tom* struggled to grow in his Christian walk, until Covid hit. Then his son and wife passed away (along with other family members). Instead of letting the thorns of life choke out his faith, he fell into the arms of Jesus and said, “God, what are you trying to teach me?” One day in a low time, he pulled out his wife’s sermon and devotional notes. (Apparently she was like me, an obsessive note-taker. ) He read and reread and meditated on the notes. God began to change him. Today he leads singing and sometimes gives the sermon at local Navajo churches. Because of his sharing his faith, he is producing abundant fruit.

Willie* also attended HCS before our time here. He admits that by 16, he had a stony heart which basically rejected Christ. He joined the Marines, and wouldn’t you know it, his closest roommates were Christian guys, who reflected Christ-likeness and shared Christ and the Bible at every opportunity. Willie’s heart softened, and he became a believer. He’s stayed true for over 25 years, and now is involved in church leadership and is doing some preaching. HCS teachers didn’t see fruit. The Marines saw the beginning of the seedling. And now we can praise God that many people hear the Word and are prayed for because of Willie.

Mike* attended HCS until 7th grade. He wanted to attend the public school to participate in sports. He said it was scary at first because kids were doing weird things and he didn’t know anyone. But he told us that he has friends now. He reported that he gets to pray for the team before they play and that he is making very good grades. The seeds of the Gospel weren’t consumed by birds when he moved to public school. He has flourished and is bringing Jesus along with him on the basketball court!

The Lord brought the teachers we needed to start this school year, and we’ve even opened up the middle school (6-8) . We are still praying for a full time principal. Dr. 4 comes on campus four days a month, but is always available by e-mail, phone, or text. We are grateful for his direction. We also ask prayers that the playground installation would happen quickly, so the children can enjoy the new equipment. Also pray for me as I am adjusting to being a first-year teacher in my new assignment in middle school. 

Thank you for your prayers. We are moving in new directions and trying new things. The staff is being stretched. Pray for our peace, energy, and teamwork as we plant seeds this year. 

May God bless you abundantly.

Photos:

Crossway helped me set up my classroom. Thank you!

Girls are using their creativity to build a campfire.

The playground equipment has arrived. It is not completely installed.

Enjoying our cool mornings.

Creative Crafts help students learn history

Yellow shirts to honor our Navajo Code Talkers.

* The names have been changed.