Hebrews 6:10 God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them. (NIV)
"And Did You Know...." 12/17/2011 ....Silent Night (In Zuni) Delokk'yana dehlinaye Dek'winna, la:k de'chi Wiha ts'ana hol chawo'anna Isk'on de'chi dek'ohannaye. Jesus Christ chawo'a --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "And One To Grow On..." "For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and a glory to your people Israel" Prayer of praise by Simeon in Luke 2:30-32 Blessings as you prepare for your Christmas worship and time with family and friends soon, Roger
"Did You Know..." 1/1/2011
...that the Navajo Nation is becoming more and more concerned about Rez dogs? On December 8, 2010 a 55 year old Navajo man was walking through the small Navajo community of Sundance, just east of Gallup and Rehoboth, NM. He stumbled and tripped. A pack of hungry Rez dogs were nearby and jumped him. He was mauled badly and died a short time later at the Indian Health Service hospital in Gallup. Many people on the reservations love to get cute little puppies, but grow tired of them as they get older, and just turn them out. Everyday we see fresh "road-kills" on every road going in and out of Gallup from the surrounding Navajo communities because of dogs becoming unwanted and neglected. Rez dogs then go on the prowl looking for trash and rubbish. As dog packs grow in size and turn half feral, they begin to starve and revert back to pack instinct looking for easy prey or carrion decaying along the road. The population of Rez dogs continues to grow because the majority of dog owners choose not to or can't afford spaying or neutering. The area news covered this unfortunate Navajo man's death and called for action. The sheriff's department and Animal Control staff went into Sundance last week and captured several dozen of the free-roaming Rez dogs in Sundance. Dozens more got away. Officers said they might have to come back for another sweep in the near future. Many people are asking "why wait?", and "what about all the other reservation villages with similar or worse problems?". We smile when we hear terms like Rez cars, and Rez dogs, and so on...but with Rez dogs it seems it can at times become life threatening. Not so cute anymore......and a minority of reservation residents are saying enough is enough. We shall in the near future see if anyone else is listening or not. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "And One To Grow On...."
I have had unbelieving friends in the past ask me why I believe in Jesus. They ask how can I prove that Jesus actually walked the earth. I say its easy to acknowledge he came and walked among citizens of this planet. I would usually ask them "Hey, what's the year's date?". They smirk and say..."Oh yeah...huh! 2011." It was roughly 2011 years ago that the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have many other "proofs" that Jesus came, died, and rose again. The Julian calendar is just one of many, many proofs of Jesus being on the planet just over 2,000 years ago. He has left his impact and imprint on everything, ....everywhere...forevermore.
"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, sent from the father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14
Our calendars changing every year reminds us of a truth that we already know in our hearts of faith, and from our understanding of God's Word. Jesus came! And, as his chosen, we know why he came. Pass the Good News about that to everyone we touch as we turn the calendar page once again. Have a blessed and meaningful 2011! Happy New Year, Roger
"Did You Know..." 12/25/2010
...that the Zuni season of fasting called Diishkwii (spelling?) is is "full-bloom". I was in the village today and saw that all businesses are closed. gas stations, stores, everything. Signs do not say its Christmas Eve, they say its Diishkwii. They can eat nothing with meat or fat in it. Fruits and veggies only. This is in preparation for the Night Dances to begin soon, asking the spirits once again for weather and other blessings. I talked to a Christian last week who said it is not a coincidence that Disshwki is observed at the same time the Christians celebrate the birth of Christ. It is an answer by the Zunis to the Catholic conquerors a few hundred years ago. They want to get the focus off of Christ. I am amazed and disappointed that so many Zuni Christians still observe Diishkwi. May they someday be totally following Christ and Christ alone. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "And One To Grow On..."
"For to us a child is born, to us a child is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace". Isaiah 9:6
Be safe and blessed this celebration season, Roger
"Did You Know....?" 12/10/2010
...that there are still some tribes and/or reservations in the USA that still do not have a church among their people? I have a friend that I used to belong in the same mission with years ago who now ministers on a reservation in Nevada. The tribe on that reservation numbers less than a thousand members, and is a branch of the Shoshone people. My friend has Bible studies going at their home, and has a good testimony in the community. It is the hope of my friends that they will eventually get some help to start the first church on this reservation sometime in the near future with the contacts and relationships they have built there.
This Northern Nevada reservation is not the only one without a church. There are a few reservations within a couple hours or less of Albuquerque, NM. that still do not have a Gospel preaching church on their land, and very few believers among their tribe.
Even with the many churches on Navajo, Apache, Hopi, and other reservations, only about 3 to 5% of all Native Americans are considered saved. There is still much to do! May AIMI and its staff, board, and supporters continue to be a part. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "And One To Grow On...."
There are still many tribes in the USA and North America that need the Light of the Gospel. Around the world, in Asia, South America, and Africa there has been much done to reach every shore, and every country with the Good News, but there are still individual tribes within those boundaries that still need a missionary, and the Word of God in their own tribal languages. Every continent has their share of indigenous tribes unique to their region, with their own tongues, religions, and customs, much as the Native tribes of America do. Jesus told his followers in Matthew that there is one sure sign of when his return would be imminent;
"....what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" Matthew 24:3b
"And this Gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come." Matthew 24:14.
This has not happened yet. even here at "home" there are "nations" (in Scripture, the nations were not as they are today. This "nations" is better described as tribes) that still lack an ongoing, relevant, present Gospel presentation. We know Jesus' return does not have a time that we will know about, but we will know when it is close. And since there are tribes that still need the missionaries to bring the Light, then we still have a ministry to do among the tribal nations here in America as well as around the globe. Be not discouraged. Press on!
"Even so Lord....come quickly!"
Have a good week. Roger
"Did You Know..." 11/19/2010
...that Zuni religion believes in an after-life and a resurrection of the dead, and that the Navajos do not? the Navajo believe that when one touches a dead person they must be cleansed by a medicine man of the "ghost sickness". The dead have two parts of a soul. One part becomes an evil spirit, or a "chiindi". The other part joins with nature. In Zuni the dead soul become spirits who reside in a lake in Arizona. The lake is where the Zunis believe their ancestors came from as creatures with tails and webbed hands and feet. Once they entered this world from the water place below, they lost their tails and webbed features and became Zunis. When they die, they return to their ancestors who reside in the lake always dancing. This "heaven" is called "Dance-hall of the Dead". Each year at Shalako the chosen Zunis dress in the costumes representing these spirits (kokos, or better known as kachinas) and invite them to leave the lake, rejoin the living, and indwell the dancers celebrating Shalako. This holiday asks the Shalakos for blesses throughout the coming year, especially for moisture to ensure fruitful crops and wells. Shalakos are twice the height of average Zuni people, and look like giant birds. They race around the village and dance wherever they go. If they fall, it is a bad omen. Other priests in "raven" costumes act as policemen, and actually whip people who get too close to the Shalako dancers so they can't interfere. Zunis feel very blessed to have their dead ancestors "come dance with them and in them", and welcome them and feel blessed to be "touched" by them. Navajos would think this to be the most horrible thing that could possibly happen, and fear the dead greatly. A hogan where someone died would be forever abandoned. Many will not enter a church because of the funeral wakes that were held there contaminated the church with "ghost sickness". Pregnant ladies and children are to never be near a funeral according to Navajo traditions. This Shalako celebration is a very sacred time to the Zuni, just as Christmas and Easter to the Christians. But it is also a spiritually dark time as spirit worship is open and everywhere. Christians, especially teens, are in the midst of spiritual warfare, and many give in and participate. Shalako begins the week after Thanksgiving, and go all night for about a week. Pray, pray, pray, for the Body of Christ in Zuni to stand strong, and be a light to the lost. I could mention so much more, but I believe there is enough here to get the idea. We need you to cover our backs this Shalako season. We are counting on you to pray. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "And One To Grow On..."
"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:11-12
"...with this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints". Eph. 6:18b
'Nuff Said! Have a blessed Thanksgiving Week! Roger
"And One To Grow On...." 11/09/2010
"All the ends of the world shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations shall worship before You." Psalm 22:27
"I live for souls and for eternity. I want to win some soul to Christ. If you want this and work for it, eternity alone can tell the result." Dwight L. Moody, Evangelists and Moody Bible Institute Founder
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....the latest census numbers for Native Americans?
This is an interesting post from Dr. Payne's blog that Doug Clark from ANAM sent. Copy it and file it for newsletter, brochures, websites, etc. to use to inform others about American Indians and their spiritual state concerning a relationship with Christ.
...that Sunday is October 31st..."Halloween" to most of America.
And did you know that some Southwestern tribes are opposed to Halloween just as much as they are opposed to Christianity? The Albuquerque Journal just had an article by reporter Jeff Proctor that had the headline; "Jemez Pueblo permanently bans Halloween tradition."
Some of you might have heard the two Christian ladies at our Discipleship Conference share the lunchtime testimony regarding ritual satanism on their Pueblo recently. Their nephew is being tried for a brutal murder that they claim was satanic in nature, and have seen many signs to back that claim. The tribe and the FBI that investigated the crime dismissed the claims of spiritual evil (of course!). But, with all the focus on this case they felt the last thing they wanted was any more potential cases coming up and bringing more focus on their Pueblo in such a negative light.
So last Wednesday Jemez Pueblo Governor, Joshua Madalena declared that Halloween celebrations, trick-or-treat, and costumes are forbidden at Jemez. He said they need to keep European traditions away and get the people to focus on traditions that are "Jemez" only. he did say that those who still want to dress up and go trick-or-treating could go to Rio Rancho or Albuquerque and do it there (Look out Chad, Ben, and Monty!!). Gov. Madalena also said that Jemez only has one main road through their Pueblo that is badly lighted, so safety for kids is also an issue. Tribal police will be out enforcing the Halloween ban this weekend.
The Jounal story says "Officials (Jemez) acknowledge the tribe's need to exist within Western culture", Madalena said, "But trick-or-treating simply doesn't jibe with ongoing efforts to preserve the indigenous ways."
As Christians, why does this matter to us? We don't believe in Halloween either, and also for spiritual reasons. this caught my eye because the Gospel is treated the same way at Jemez...as an intrusion of Western culture upon the indigenous culture. Monty is working with Native leaders and others to do a Sports clinic at Jemez in June. In the past Christians have also had "laws" brought before ministries to keep them out of Jemez. Pray Monty, his friend Arrow, and others find grace before God and favor with the Jemez Pueblo to bring this outreach to Jemez next summer. Without payer I believe this ministry will be shut down. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "And One To Grow On..."
"This is the verdict; Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of the light because their deeds are evil". John 3:11
Sometimes it seems that the more "light" of God's Gospel we bring in, the more the powers of darkness rise up against us. But isn't it written that that would be so? When Jesus did His ministry in 30 A.D. to 33 A.D., He ran into all sorts of demonic activity. as the light shined brighter, the darkness became more exposed. It couldn't hide. Don't be surprised if we are seeing more in such places as Jemez and other native locations. It might just be that the "light" is exposing to our eyes what has been there all along. And once exposed, it can be defeated and expelled in Jesus' name! the most foolish act among a multitude that demons can do is to make themselves known. When they do, then the Church begins to pray and call upon the name of the Lord. When that happens the powers of darkness lose again. let the Light of Jesus shine. Then be prepared to confront and rescue those that have been in bondage for so long. I've said it before..., but we are blessed to be living quite the adventure by serving in such a time and place as this! To God be the glory!
Have a good week! Roger
"Did You Know...." 10/15/2010
....that the last census before this year reports that the unemployment rate on the Navajo Nation is around 44%? Pray for vocational development programs that will work to arise soon that don't include casinos. Fruitland, NM. between Farmington and Shiprock opens a new Navajo casino this weekend to join the one already outside Gallup, and a couple more near Flagstaff, AZ. and Page, AZ. are planned to open soon. Spiritually, it seems the church in Navajoland is losing more ground as people flock to the casinos to spend monthly checks and church attendances go down and down. San Carlos and other reservations understand this quite well, as they have been fighting the same battles for years now. Stay strong and courageous! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "And One To Grow On...."
"Did You Know...." 10/1/2010
...that if lightening strikes near a traditional Navajo that they feel cursed and must have a medicine man do a Lightening Way ceremony over them to heal them (not sure yet what Apaches believe about this, but it might be similar);
But, if a traditional Zuni is hit or has a near-miss by lightening this gives them the blessing to become a medicine man, called a Bone Presser. A Bone Presser is supposed to be able to rub an arrow or other object over a sore spot and diagnose the cause of the pain. Then he will press his hand over the area pressing hard and "set the problem straight again" while repeating Zuni traditional prayers. I asked around Zuni to see if this was still a common practice, of which some of the Christian Zunis said yes, and even some of their relatives were Bone Pressers. They said their relatives make lots of money doing the ceremonies too, and like acupuncture, for some reason it seems to help, even if it's only in their minds or temporary. Bone Pressers are help in high esteem. I learn something new almost every week out here......pray these Natives and those you minister to turn from animism and continue to hear about Jesus' saving grace and believe.
Many of our staff are still under-supported...some very much so. It is my duty to inform you that if you continue to be in that situation that I must ask you to leave your work temporarily and make support raising a priority so you can more fully do the mission work you are called to. If under 60% for 3 months in a row, then you are required 'to hit the trail" raising support. If anywhere from 61% to 99%, support raising is still part of your weekly routine, which includes praying, letter writing, updating websites, and making speaking contacts for the near future. maybe even hosting visitors and work teams. Raising support may not be what you are called out here to do, but unless we do it, we can't get around to doing what we were called out here to do. Don't give up, and don't get lazy. It is ongoing. keep in mind that maintaining present supporter relations is also key. they need to know they are valuable team-mates with you in this work, and what you do is an extension of what they are doing through you. keep them informed, and pray for them as they pray for you. If you are unsupported, then anywhere from 5 to 20 percent of you 40 hour work week should be invested in newsletters, e-mails, prayer, visits, phone calls, etc. to supporters and potential supporters. Make it a priority. And for those of you at 100+ %, remember that it takes maintenance and care of your support partners to keep them knowing they are needed and appreciated.
The following scripture and quote should be a reminder and a comfort for us.
"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:19
"God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply." J. Hudson Taylor, pioneer missionary to China
Have a blessed week, Roger
"Did You Know...." 9/25/2010
...that those who seek to bring Indian religious symbolism into that Church use the following argument; "Your Christianity and the Indian Way are like two railroad tracks. They both head in the same direction. If you look to the horizon, the tracks come together. We are both on the same track, trying to get to Heaven. You Christians go by the Jesus Way and we go by the Indian Way." well..., just one of the problems with that picture is, when you get to the horizon the two tracks are just as far apart as ever. Though they may look as if they join up and become one, it is only an illusion. In reality, they will always be separate. The same goes for when we try to syncretize another faith to Christianity to make them "one". Practices and form may vary, but only as long as the differences do not conflict or contradict Biblical doctrine. There is only one Savior, and His name is Jesus. And the Word of God is His only manual to live by. Now and then I will continue to bring more thoughts on this whole argument of contextualization verses syncretism.
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When visiting college campuses I love to ask mission students where they feel a burden to serve, and why? Seldom do they have an answer.... at least not yet. I know some of our staff have a burning desire to see Native Americans come to Christ. Why? Too many "Indian" movie or fictional books? Well, God will use many ways to lay a burden on our hearts, and I know one pioneer missionary lady to the Navajos a half century ago was led to come here after reading 'The Last of the Mohicans'. She went on to have a 50+ missionary career among the Navajo, leading and discipling many. My son Rob also called me recently to inform me that one of his college dormitory friends that had lunch with me in April just recently decided to answer a call to do mission ministry among the Ojibwa tribe in Minnesota. Rob's friend said he felt an incredible burden for reaching Native Americans after our lunch conversation. Once again...God gives a burden for certain people groups in many ways. The Jewish Apostle Paul in the Scriptures often mentions his desire to see Gentiles from various countries come to the Lord during his missionary travels. I realize that not everyone gets their God-given burden by the same method, at the same time, or for similar reasons. Each of our callings are unique. But somewhere along the line I hope each of you feel that Native America is exactly where you are supposed to be, at this time, in this area, and willing to lay down your life if necessary to see more Indian neighbors in God's Kingdom. When you come to that realization it is a blessed feeling to have it.
"I will open up the Sudan to the Gospel or die trying." Rowland Bingham, missionary to Africa
"I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. That is why I am so eager to preach the Gospel also to you who are in Rome." Paul of Tarsus, missionary to Europe in Romans 1:14-15
Have a good week, Roger
"Did You Know..." 9/18/2010
.....the difference between syncretism and sanctification of Indian culture (contextualization)? According to Adrian Jacobs, a respected Native missionary, syncretism is "the attempted reconciliation or union of different or opposing principles, practices, or parties as in philosophy or religion, especially opposing doctrines of certain religions.". Jacob's believes that syncretism is wrong, but sanctifying Indian cultures is good. Sanctifying the culture means setting apart something or someone for God's intended purpose. Every culture has good, godly elements, or bad, evil elements. Be wise! Here are some 'good" Indian cultural elements that Jacobs says needs to stay and that AIMI missionaries need to be on the look-out for; - Respect for elders - Care & respect of God's creation/earth - Importance of extended family - Thanksgiving to God for all His blessings (and not just once a year) - Putting people before possessions and programs ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "And One To Grow On..."
"For a great and effective door has been opened to me, and there are many adversaries." 1st Cor. 16:9
"If we are going to wait until every possible hindrance has been removed before we do a work for the Lord, we will never attempt to do anything." T.J. Bach
Remember Who we work for. He is the Overcomer of obstacles. The waters of the Jordan River did not part until the priests carrying the Ark got their feet wet first! May we at AIMI experience wet feet for Him as we go forward.
"Did You Know..." 9/11/2010
...that the Navajo word for a cedar tree is gaad, and sounds like our English word for God. I do not know of the original source of the following story, but in my time in Navajoland I have seen it make it's rounds; The early missionaries to Navajoland had a time realizing that when they told the Navajos that they only worship God that there was a misunderstanding at first. Gradually they convinced the Navajos that the Christians do not worship gaad, but God and His Son. That seemed to be taken care of, until Christmas came around. When navajos were invited to visit the missionary families to see their decorations for the celebration of the birth of God's Son, what did they see/ Well...a decorated gaad!!! Needless to say, that caused no end to confusion, and many hours of explanations to refute an apparent contradiction. Most Navajos now have Christmas trees, decorations, and other Christmas celebrations, whether they worship Christ or not. And most Navajos understand at least some English and know the difference between God and gaad. But as missionaries we still must be concerned to make sure our Gospel message is clear, understood, and not showing any contradictions or inconsistencies. "Study up" on the word, teaching methodology, and cultural understanding early and often. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "And One To Grow On...."
"How shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written; "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!" Rom. 10:14-15
"If people are lost outside of Christ, and if faith in Jesus Christ is the only avenue of redemption, what could possibly be a higher priority than spreading the Gospel as far as we can as fast as we can?" David Shibley, missionary author
"Did You Know..." 8/22/2010
...that "Operation World" now claims that its research shows that 75% of the Native American population in America now lives in Urban settings? And that less than 5% of Native Americans consider themselves Christians. And did you also know that according to 10098 studies they did that 10.7 million indigenous people live in Mexico and 2.5 million live in the USA? I'm sure those figures are much higher today, but those numbers show LOTS of missions ministry still needs to be done right here in North America! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "And One To Grow On..."
"I have not followed a secret formula in the mighty church growth we are experiencing. There is no question in my mind that what has been done in Korea can be duplicated in every part of the world. The key is prayer." David Yonggi Cho, Modern Day Missionary
"Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority...For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." 1st Timothy 2:1-2
"Did You Know...." 8/1/2010
.......that California has the largest number of Native Americans living in it? One out of every four of the 4.1 million Native Americans in the USA live in CA. or Oklahoma according to the last census in 2000. About 700,000 live in CA. alone. Most Native Americans live in the Western USA, and are mostly urban dwellers. New York City (87,241) and Los Angeles (53,092) have the largest Indian populations. Chicago also has about 46,000 Native Americans at last report. Others in the top are Houston, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Diego, San Antonio, and Detroit. The top 10 states in order with Native populations are California, Oklahoma, Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, New York, Washington, North Carolina, Michigan, and Alaska. According to the 2000 "reported" census, the largest tribes are in order; Cherokee, Navajo, combined Latin American Indians, Choctaw, Lakota bands, Chippewa, Apache bands, Blackfoot, the Iroquois tribes, and the Pueblo tribes. Well over 50% of Native Americans now live in urban settings, yet most Indian ministries still take place on the rural reservations, and by a large margin too. Missions in the coming decade need to restrategize reaching Natives where they are, and most in the city are still largely untouched by the Gospel. Something for AIMI to think about going forward, eh? Presently only Paul and Monty minister in "city" situations. Maybe we need to recruit more urban missionaries to Native America.
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"All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matt. 28:18-20
"The church that does not evangelize will fossilize." Oswald J. Smith
Well said, Mr. Smith. Well said.....!!!!
"Did You Know..." 7/17/2010
...that the broken homes and alcoholism have caused many Native teens to seek acceptance elsewhere besides their homes? They are hungering for acceptance, self-identity, and relationships missing in their culture and homes.
I read recently that there are now 225 documented gangs now on the Navajo reservation alone. I have seen strong eveidence of gangs in Zuni too, and suppose the same can be said about San Carlos. Most are "hybrid" gangs, meaning they are branch affiliates of "national" gangs such as the Crips and the Bloods, among others.
I once talked to Steve Nelson, police captain for the Navajo police who told me that kids are desperate for acceptance, self-identity, and respect, and feel that even if they will probably end up dead or in prison, at least their "homies" would die for them, and they get respect through fear. They believe they have finally found a place to "belong" and something not only to live for, but even to die for.
Shortly after I talked to Captain Nelson, I saw an article in the Gallup Indepenent talking about gangs in Window Rock, AZ. The reporter asked why a gang member felt more attached to the gang than traditionally to his own family and clan. One gang member responded "Because "Navajo" is just my skin. My gang is my family now".
I have seen VBS pictures from San Carlos, as well as other reservations where the kids are flashing "west-side", or some other type of gang symbols. Even in elemenatary schools these kids are aware of and fascinated by the gang lifestyles.
I have had Zuni gang members recently wait outside the door to "jump" some of our youth group that had gotten the gang member's attention somehow, and we had to call the police. One girl was even yelling through the door for me to come out and fight her.
Gangster music pushed by MTV and other music mediums, as well as movies on the subject seem to glamorize the lifestyle for so many Native kids. Captain Nelson said the tribal police cannot keep up. The reservation is too big, the problem is too large, and the Navajo police force is too small to handle the load. (I had a government official tell me once that he saw a report that Window Rock, AZ. on the Navajo Nation had more gang members per capita than any other community in America!) Nelson also said that if churches and schools don't see the need for youth groups, Christian clubs, sports clubs, and other positive type clubs for these kids to find acceptance, respect, and purpose in, then we are going to lose a generation. The problem is nobody wants to spend the time or the money to work with these kids. Our Youth Bible Quiz League has always had teens that wanted to participate, but couldn't fnd adults to invest the time and resources needed to have a team to take part. Our Fellowship of Christian Athletes group in Gallup always had teens from nearby reservation schools ask to help them start an FCA group at their school, but we could never find adults willing to work with them as sponsors. Sad. More than sad...maddening!
The 2000 Census (this year's census will not be available until 2012) indicates that two thirds of the Navajo Nation is under the age of 27; Elementary school age to early 20s are the prime ages for gang recruitment, for both boys and girls. AIMI is doing youth ministry in several locations now. May God bless us to keep these kids doing positive things, and too busy to get involved in destructive things....such as gangs. It takes time, resources, and love. Let's invest all we can and make a difference. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "And One To Grow On..."
"But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord." Numbers 14:21
"What is the need of the hour? It is to believe that our God controls the universe and that when He said "The earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea." He meant it." Dawson Trotman,Navigators Ministry Founder.
"Did You Know...?" 7/11/2010
U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan (Dem.) of N. Dakota is chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. He has recently called the rate of youth suicides in Indian Country a crisis that demands urgent attention. The Associated Press on March 27, 2010 reported that suicide rates among U.S. tribes are 70% higher than the rest of the U.S. population. many reservations are hundreds of miles from the closest suicide hotlines and mental health providers. President Obama's new, recent health care package has a comprehensive youth suicide prevention program that would boost mental; health resources throughout Indian Country. We know that most of the counseling and help will be secular and Native religion based. One good thing that is coming out of the Senate efforts is the recognition that suicide is a huge epidemic in the reservations and not getting better. Decades of shame led to silence on the subject that should have been addressed more but was not. Let us not be silent. Let's spread the message of hope that comes through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "And One To Grow On..."
"Then He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men". Matthew 4:19
"There is no such thing as Christian discipleship that is nonevangelistic. According to Jesus Himself, the result of following Him is that we become fishers of men." David Shibley, Missionary
Hey, let's go fishing!!!!
"Did You Know..." 7/1/2010
....Rob and Michelle Nickles are working on a new video to use to promote their ministry with AIMI. They have borrowed some interesting stats that they got from Native Youth Ministry's website, and I share that source and information now with you. Interesting stuff...thanks Rob and Michelle! > There are approximately 4 million Native Americans now in the USA. > That is about 1.5 % of all USA citizens. > There are 550 "recognized" individual tribal groups in the USA alone. > Out of that 550, at least 200 do not have a Christian missionary come to them yet. (I'd love for someone to provide for me a list of that 200!!!! Anyone know where to get it?) > The Navajo Rez is the largest at 27,000 square miles in size and 298,000 in population. > 75% of Navajos are 29 years old or younger, yet only one out of every 100 church have ongoing, yearly children's or youth ministry. Some have VBS only. So, where would you say the needs are? Discipleship, leader training, and reaching the young are high on my list! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "And One To Grow On..."
"What must I do in order to hear God say at last, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Keith Green, Christian musician and writer
When I became a new believer I was introduced to the music and teaching of Keith Green. Keith was a very outspoken advocate for living a holy life for Christ, and examining everyone's own call to missions. Keith and two of his own children were cast into eternity along with another family when his plane he was piloting crashed near their Texas landing strip during the early '80s. Hopefully, Keith was able to hear those exact words, "Well done..." when he met his Lord. i believe he did.
I'd like to zero in on the words, "...good and faithful servant". Faithful doesn't just mean to have faith in someone, or something, but to do something about it. Be faithful and do act on your faith. How? Jesus says it's by serving. In the story of the Ten Bridesmaids in Matthew 25, we see the term, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." How wonderful it will be to hear that from the Lord's lips when it's our turn to face Him. And Jesus knows about servanthood. He cam eto serve, even though He more than anyone deserves to be served! Mark 10:35-45 is one passage that shows the "Jesus Model" of servanthood. (Servanthood Mission, 10:32-34; Servanthood Message, 10:26-45; Servanthood Model, 10:46-52) 1) John and James ask to be given special honor in Heaven 2) Jesus says, "You don't know what you ask for. 3) Jesus had just said to them that it was time for Him to be arrested, given to enemies, mocked, whipped, spit on, killed, and buried (yet, to rise again). 4) He then asked John and James if they were ready to share that cup or baptism of suffering, as He was about to. 5) Then Jesus went on down the road to His ultimate act of servanthood and suffering, serving as He went along.
"For even I, the Son of Man, came not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many". Matthew 10:45
If there is any secret ingredient to true happiness in this life, and joy in our Christian experience, it's to understand fully this passage. It is more blessed to serve than to be served. Shame on the tele-evangelists that preach a prosperity gospel! They rob believer's the joy of sharing in Jesus' cup of suffering that comes from serving at any cost. Jesus told James, John, and the other 12 that they would indeed suffer, but from that comes the blessing. In preparing this devotional I looked up in my Strong's Concordance the number of times servant, or some variation of that word was used in Scripture. Pages, upon pages, and upon even more pages was revealed to me! Seems relevant, eh? As a assistant tennis coach for High Schoolers I often asked the athletes, "How's your serve coming along?". I now ask of us at AIMI, "How's our serve coming along?".