The Desert Wind

2006-08-14T15:12:00.000-06:00

The Sounds of Summer . . .

. . . were hammers banging away, paint brushes swishing, tractors grading, van loads of children arriving, Christ-centered skits, children laughing, playing and praying--adults too! For it to have been an 'off-summer' because of work teams being diverted to the Katrina castastrophe and folks saving their money for travel to General Conference in Miami, it was quite a busy summer here!
Once again, God sent His best and Navajo Brethren in Christ Mission, The Overcomers Program, Nizhoni Christian Academy, First Nations Gathering and the surrounding community are reaping the blessings these wonderful teams shared with us. I always let the teams know right up front that Diane and I along with the staff of NBICM could not possibly accomplish, alone, what has been accomplished with the help each team brings our way. More relationships have been built; commitments to Christ have been strengthened; pressing needs have been met for some of the locals in our community; the general appearance of the mission has been made more appealing; buildings have been rearranged for more practical use and we are all more encouraged because people from east to west sacrificed their time, talents, treasure and comforts to help reach the Navajo People with the love of Jesus! Whether they participated in the much-needed manual labor or in direct ministry to the People, each one has become an important part of this outreach.

Our deepest gratitude goes to:

- Zion BIC

- The Gaspard Family Integrity Ministries

(see more below)

- Evangel Assembly of God

-His Glorius Presence Church

-Jemison Valley & Three Springs Ministries

-Green Grove BIC

Check out their awesome link:
click here

- Pathway BIC

-New Hope Church

We were also blessed by those who joined us for either an extended period of time or just for a special event. Our thanks to Tyler, Terry, Jennifer, Megan, Kara, Tabi, Diana, Mary & Page! Sorry, some photos just aren't available.

What a grand summer! Now, we are preparing for the Overcomers Program which begins August 28th. Pray for the men and staff. Pray especially for Ralph & Bonnie Yoder who are gradually moving into the managerial position of the Overcomers.

Diane and I are preparing our schedule for our upcoming trip in January and February. If your church is interested in having us present the ministries of Navajo BIC Mission and the opportunities available, contact our office.

Blessings!!!
Duane

2006-06-28T09:37:00.000-06:00

No Summer Slump Here!

Summer's here and Navajo BIC Mission is abuzz with activity! We started early with Zion coming in March. Kara Smucker from the Amherst Community BIC Church and Tabi Bundenthal from the Fairview BIC Church were with us to help clean, renovate, paint and reorganize our Community Center pantry. They also helped with various other tasks around the mission.

Kara & Tabi

Then the Gaspard family--Integrity Ministries--from Louisiana arrived in June. They came with tools for ministry and tools for some old fashioned hard work. They averaged 35 children at the day camp. They also worked on the Mini-conference Center painting and getting the ladies restroom ready for finishing. They laid brick for a new post on the front porch of the superintendent's house.

The Gaspard Family
Integrity Ministries

We held the Huerfano Area All Church Fellowship Campmeeting June 11th through the fifteenth. We had about 20 kids, ten teens plus a good number of adults for this event. Kimbeto Valley BIC and First Nations joined together one evening and served a meal to everyone there.

Next came Evangel Assembly of God from Camp Springs, Maryland. This was their second year with us and they averaged 65 kids each day. On the Thursday evening they were here, they put together a family night with fireworks and there was about 100 people in attendance. They did some much needed work in the gym restrooms and on the playground. (sorry, no pics)

At the time of this writing, the Adventures in Missions team is here from His Glorious Presence Church in Elkton, Maryland. They are averaging around 63 kids per day so far.

As the summer rolls on I'll have more updates and more pictures of these great teams and the wonderful work they are doing here. Your prayers for these teams and the work they are doing is greatly appreciated!

Blessings!!!
Duane

2006-04-26T22:00:00.000-06:00

Zion BIC, Abilene, Kansas
Thanks Folks!

A group of thirteen adults and children traveled to the Navajo Mission over spring break (March 2006) from the Zion Brethren in Christ congregation, Abilene, Kansas. For several in the group, it was a return visit bringing back good memories of time spent at the mission over 30 years ago. For others, it was a totally new experience.

A highlight was attending and participating in a traditional Sunday afternoon Native American worship service. It helped us understand that people of other cultures and backgrounds can worship the same God we do, only in a different way.

Our main project for the week was doing finish work in one of the buildings that was once used as a classroom and converting it into a mini-conference center. The ceiling and walls were textured and painted and lights, cabinets and countertops were also installed. Several ladies helped in cleaning and organizing the clothing center and gym kitchen. The kids helped paint, mix drywall mud and address mailings at the office, so everyone had something to do.

The perfect ending to our trip was traveling by van to Chaco Canyon, where we had a guided tour among the Pueblo Ruins, followed by a picnic lunch, and a four mile hike along the rocks to view some petroglyphs.

As a group, we gained a better appreciation for what the staff at the mission are doing in the Overcomers Program and other ministries, as well as their vision for the future. We were thankful to the Lord for this opportunity to serve, for the people who supported us and for the many blessings we received during our stay at the mission.

Submitted by Brian Lady, Zion BIC Church, Abilene, Kansas

Editor's Note:
Because of the commitment of churches and groups like Zion BIC, we were able to hold our annual board meeting in the new conference center. It's not completely finished but it was a wonderful place to hold our meeting!

Our deepest gratitude goes to the groups who have helped us make Navajo Mission an outreach that our community can enjoy. The people of our area are much more comfortable in visiting the mission and are glad to see the many improvements taking place. More teams will be here this summer as God continues to send His best!

Blessings!!!
Duane

2006-04-18T13:07:00.000-06:00

Nizhoni Christian Academy

Nizhoni Christian Academy is approaching its second year of operation. This has been a successful year with nine students, ages 8-13 (after birthdays, 9-14.) There are three boys and six girls. The grade limitation is first through eighth.

The volunteer teacher is Mrs. Virginia Lee. Mrs. Marilyn Hoover assisted as a monitor three mornings a week during the fall semester while she and her husband were house parents for the Overcomers. During the spring semester, Mrs. Nancy Meece has volunteered three mornings most weeks. We are very grateful for these volunteers. We are also appreciative of the assistance of Mrs. Bonnie Yoder who has been our substitute teacher and set up “Yoder Mart,” our school incentive store. She and her husband Ralph have also helped by supervising the students during lunch recess, allowing Mrs. Lee a much-needed break.

At the beginning of the year each new student was given diagnostic testing and placed in the Accelerated Curriculum Education P.A.C.E.s according to performance levels. This year, the Bible Reading curriculum was added to the five core subjects of Math, English, Word Building (spelling and vocabulary,) Social Studies and Science. Each student must complete at least twelve PA.C.E.s per subject during the year. Three of our students have also taken Literature and Creative Writing as an elective subject.

Other electives are also part of the school day. At the computer, the students have begun Typemaster which introduces and builds typing skills. Mr. Dave Sprinkle comes one week out of each month to teach keyboard lessons. Students also have physical education two days each week.

Mrs. Lee also teaches vocal music and leads the students in two programs--one at Christmas and the other at the end of the year. The students perform songs and scripture memorization for parent and friends and serve refreshments. A musical play will be presented at the year-end program this time followed by the presentation of awards.

Field trips have included a trip to a pumpkin farm, monthly trips to the Farmington Public Library, a picnic and a walk along the river in Berg Park and the Sandia Peak Tramway in Albuquerque.

There is a probability of adding a volunteer teacher/supervisor for the fall of 2006 which would mean opening another learning center and being able to admit more students. The complication is additional classroom space is needed. Other space needs are places to hold chapel, music classes and a separate dining area for lunch.

During one week in June, Mrs. Lee attended the supervisor and administrator's training made available at the School of Tomorrow in Lewisville, Texas. Then in the fall, she was able to attend the ACE Teacher's Convention in Albuquerque for two days. The information gathered was very helpful in raising the standard. When Mr. Jimmy Baker, our southwest representative for ACE, along with another head representative came to visit the school in late winter, they gave positive comments about our school.

God has given us the call to meet a need in the community. Students need a quality Christian education and are getting it at Nizhoni Christian Academy. We give God the praise for His provision and for all the friends of Navajo BlC Mission who have donated generously, given Christmas gifts, sent cards and letters and prayed for the school. Through you, God has blessed the teacher and students richly.

2006-03-30T17:23:00.000-07:00

They Came From Zion!

And God just continues to send His best! We've had so many good teams come to the mission to help us improve our facilities and each one has given their best. Now, we add Zion BIC Church from Abilene, Kansas to the long list of those who have become a vital part of this outreach.

They accomplished so much in such a short amount of time. They put some beautiful cabinets in, finished the ceiling, painted the interior and put formica on the cabinets and shelf tops. Our new mini-conference center is taking on quite a comfortable feel to it. We plan on putting it to use in April. The plumbing is going in now and should be completed by next week.

Zion also worked in the gym kitchen and snack bar and it looks wonderful! That means a lot to us since First Nations Fellowship is now holding its services there each Sunday at 1:30pm.

The community is pleased to see so much happening here at the mission. We even had one man ask if we would bring the clinic back! What a privilege it is to be a part of this wonderful work, one that has such a great history in this area and is held in high esteem by the people of the community. Thanks so much to the many of you who support this work in prayer, finances, work, ministry and encouragement. God is using each of us to fulfill a vision of which only He can see the fulness.

Blessings!!!
Duane

2006-03-04T10:44:00.000-07:00

The Overcomers
Spring 2006

Our Spring session of the Overcomers Program started February 27th. It's only been one week and this is turning out to be quite a pleasant group. It's a good thing since we're short staffed this session. We only have one Home Living Coordinator couple, Dan & Joyce Long from Hesperas, Colorado. They are fitting right in with the guys and the rest of the staff. I always say, "God sends us His best!"

At this time we have four men with one more to arrive Monday. If you would pray for Harry, Stanley, Patrick, Dennis, Albert and the staff of the Overcomers it would be a real blessing to us. The first couple of weeks are filled with times of getting acquainted, learning the songs, getting used to the schedule and a variety of other things necessary to keep the program running smoothly. We have had to change a few of our policies related to experiences from the last session and it seems they are working out extremely well. It helps to have a group of men who are seriously seeking change in their lives.

And thanks to each of you who provide prayer, support and encouragement to the Overcomers Program. You continue to be a 'living stone' in the house that God is building.

Missions Conference
Quick Update

Just a quick update on our trip to California and the Regional Missions Conference. It was such a blessing to meet so many loving and encouraging people and visit with some of our old friends while there. The conference was wonderful and we had opportunity to see what God is doing in other ministries of the BIC. It seemed quite strange to be on the road for only two weeks instead of our usual six to seven weeks but a lot was accomplished and we are happy to have had the opportunity. We look forward to building on the new relationships we have made.

Blessings!!!
Duane & Diane

2006-01-26T20:39:00.000-07:00

Is It Already 2006?!

It seems strange to be here at the mission during this time of year. Diane and I are usually traveling back east to visit our friends and share in many of the churches and organizations which have become such an vital part of this ministry.

But this year opens up a new and exciting--for us--venture. We will be going to California for the missions conference there and will have opportunity to share about the work here among the Navajo. We're leaving here Monday, January 30th and will be gone for about ten days. We're looking forward to seeing friends and making some new ones too! This year is already off to a great start and it promises to be quite a busy time for us. Our summer project teams are already lined up for day camps and work projects. This year, we'll have our first team in March. That's beginning early!

The Overcomers program begins February 27th and we have already been interviewing men for this session. We have one couple in place for Home Living Coordinators and still need one more couple. Pray for this upcoming session...both staff and men. The system has changed dramatically and it has been difficult to fill the program.

We FINALLY got the printer repaired and a newsletter out. It has a 'Reader's Digest' update of 2005. If you didn't get one in the mail you can get a copy from our website. We still have a few hundred more to mail out and should get them out by the end of the month. We're also asking folks to help us be better stewards in the way we share the news of Navajo BIC Mission. Postage is quite a burden when we mail out thousands of newsletters. So we're asking you to help us reduce our postage by getting the newsletter from our website. You can download it in pdf format, print it and share it with others. But we want to make sure that everyone who wants a newsletter, gets one. So if you or someone you know doesn't get the newsletter and wants one, please let us know so we can make sure their name is on the mailing list. If you can get the newsletter from the website let us know if we can remove your name from the mailout list.

To all our friends out east, 'We miss you!' And to our friends out west, 'We'll see you in a few days!'

Blessings!!!
Duane & Diane

2005-10-25T22:38:00.000-06:00

The RV pads are in!

It just keeps gettin' gooder around here! I know, 'gooder' is not proper english but it's become one of the phrases that expresses the feeling of the great things God is doing at Navajo BIC Mission. We have fought some spiritual battles in the Overcomers Program and we have won because through God, we have the victory! There have been two casualties and we have three men in program now. But we don't consider it a loss, we believe God will work in the lost sheep's life and bring them home sooner or later. He does those kinds of things, you know.

************

A work team made up of folks from the Hesperus Baptist Church, New Hope Church and Durango Baptist Church in Colorado built five RV pads in one day! The ladies painted the kitchen in the two story house and it looks great!

Today, we placed the cattle guard and gate at the entrance so that all we like is the road bed.

What wonderful people God sends our way! And I believe it's because wonderful people pray for the ministries of Navajo Brethren in Christ Mission.

2005-09-27T16:23:00.000-06:00

Taste and see that the Lord is "Incredibly Delicious!"

That is what the 12-member team from Manheim BIC church of Pennyslvania found out in their week (September 10-16) at Navajo BIC Mission.
"We had lots of work to do: canning and freezing of corn, tomatoes, okra, green beans and apples; a van needed an engine and a Suburban needed a new fuel pump; a soon-to-be conference room needed a ceiling," says John Gish, the team's leader. Big jobs call for a huge God. A faithful prayer group and small groups were lifting this all to our Heavenly Father.

Spending time and worshipping with the Navajos was also a major priority. Drum-led worship at Ben and Eunice Stoner's home included Johnny D. and a young man by the name of Ernest. Their voices lifted to God as they played the drums. Some of the team worshipped in Farmington. The message by Pastor Bristow, Navajo worship and a solo by Jim (team member) blessed their time together. Home visits with Ben on Monday afternoon are special memories for four team members.

Wednesday morning the entire team worshipped and sang with five young men known as the Overcomers, because with God's strength they are overcoming addictions from drugs and alcohol. Duane Bristow, mission superintendent, led in a devotional time. The men--only three weeks into the program--drummed, laughed and sang like they had been high school buddies. Building relationships will be foundational in their journey to wholeness.

Wednesday afternoon a shout from the garage signaled an engine installed and running. Praise the Lord! Hallelujahs were heard later in the kitchen as the canning and freezing of who-knows-how-many quarts was finished. By Thursday lunch the conference ceiling was done.

Another project will be finished in October when the curtains made by team member Mary, will be delivered for the Mission Guest House.

A Thursday evening bonfire ended with prayer to thank God for His leading and provision for a totally fantastic week. Only a huge God could take a team of those ranging in age from fifty to 81 year olds and produce such incredible blessings.

We are hungry for more of our God who we are told in Psalm 34:8 is good or "incredibly delicious!"

Submitted by:
Deb Walton

2005-09-17T16:06:00.000-06:00

And you thought I had forgotten--No! Once again things have been happening at a rapid pace. And even with all the new workers we're just now beginning to catch up. To begin...
The Overcomers program started August 29th with five men. We had six but one of the case worker's mother was ill and instructions didn't get passed on, so the sixth man wasn't released from jail. The men you might put on your prayer list are Terrell, Bryan, Alo, Trevor and Johnny. They will be beginning their fourth week Monday and it seems the time is flying by. Each man is taking program seriously and they have learned much in a short time. Each morning, as we begin praise and worship, they sing with enthusiasm and are learning the songs very well. We have been invited to sing at the Governor's Plaza in Santa Fe on the 25th of September. They are actually looking forward to it.

Pray also for the staff; Al & Marilyn Hoover and Earl & Joan Wolgemuth are our Home Living Coordinators. Ralph & Bonnie Yoder have joined us and are prepping for the Program manager position. Bill & Melvine Parton have also taken quite a load from our shoulders. Bill is a great teacher and Melvine can do just about anything in making this place look good and getting it ready for visitors or teams. Tim & Peggy continue their labors with the animals and grounds and Diane and I, well it seems we just look for new things to do!

Our ninth work team left Friday morning after five days of very hard work. They canned 53 quarts of green beans, 81 quarts of tomatos, 15 quarts of tomato juice and 32 quarts of apple sauce. They froze 26 quarts of green beans, 28 quarts of okra and 135 quarts of corn!

Two of the men worked on vehicles and got our van, which had been sitting for nine months, running. They also repaired the Suburban by replacing the fuel pump.

Others worked on the soon-to-be Mini-Conference Center--got the ceiling in and put us a little closer to completion.

The land has been cleared, the service pole put in and the team from Colorado will begin arriving on the 14th of October to put in five RV pads.

Nizhoni Christian Academy is in full swing with nine students. Marilyn Hoover has been helping Mrs. Lee with the teaching and Ralph and Bill have helped with the kids during rec time.

I've said before and I'll say again--many times probably, "God continues to send His best to us!" Thanks teams and staff! You are, indeed, a blessing from God!

Blessings!!!
Duane

2005-08-08T13:41:00.000-06:00

The Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ Church had an amazing experience at the Navajo Mission this summer. We had Jen Heisey give a summary of our trip and we'll share that with you...

It is Tuesday the 26th of July and my head is still spinning between the 2 hour time difference, the lack of sleep and the absolutely best time in New Mexico one can ever imagine. The trip was a great learning experience for us. I shall attempt to fill everyone in on the beautiful New Mexico trip but words and pictures are hard to describe it.

It all began at a little before 5:00 am on July 16, 2005. Bright eyed and bushy tailed we arrived at the church to pack up the vans. After a short prayer, we were off. On the way to the Philly Airport, we ended up hitting this big dip in the road and got a flat tire (Number 1) on the van that held our luggage. Between the works of the men they were able to put on the spare and we made it to the airport. We boarded the plane and arrived safely in Albuquerque. Most of us picked up our luggage (except for poor Amy who’s was lost) and packed ourselves into 3 rental vans for a 3 hour drive to the Mission where we met our hosts Duane and Diane. We also met the other people that were on the mission. Sharon (who was from Indiana) and helped us whenever needed. Art (with Tom from our group) was in charge of led us in worship most of the nights. John floated between the groups, helping anywhere. Then there was Tim and his wife Peggy. Tim was the “handy-man” on the mission. He kept after the goats and yard work for Duane and Diane.

The next morning we were invited to go to Duane’s church for service. We packed our lunch because there is no real ending time for church. The Navajo believe that it is over when it is over. We got to watch them play a big drum that is the only instrument used. We then handed out fliers to the communities to invite them to the Superhero Camp.

The third day was interesting. This was because first we did not have any running water and electricity. So we had to work around that till about late morning. Then it was the first day of the Construction Crew putting up the barn and the VBS with Superhero Camp. The kids started coming at 10:00am and by 10:30am we had around 65 kids. We never thought we would have that many on the first day. At first all the kids wanted to do was run, be spun around or given piggy back rides. But when we started the skit, they enjoyed the story of David and the faith stones we made in crafts. The Construction Crew by the end of the first day got all the poles in the ground.

The fourth day ran much more smoothly for VBS. We were prepared for the kids. Another good thing that happened was that we had running water all day long! The Construction Crew was moving really fast, already having half of the roof trusses up by the end of the second day of work.

On the fifth day we got our second flat tire (Number 2) of the trip. It was before we went out to pick up the kids. To work around it we had the other vans make second trips to pick up all the kids that came to VBS. We tried another schedule change that would have us ending at 1:00pm instead of at 2:00pm. The kids were disappointed but the rest of us were really tired and were having trouble keeping up with the Energizer Bunny Navajo kids. The Construction Crew was really tired. They were putting on the roof of the barn in 96°F heat. We decided to have an early dinner and cake (Erin’s Birthday Cake that is) and drove over to Angel’s Peak for hiking, devotions, singing, and watching the sunset.

Thursday was the last working day for the Construction Crew and for VBS. The Construction Crew finished the barn by evening which was beautiful. For the last day of VBS we did the Jesus story. The kids all watched the skit and did salvation bracelets and different types of crosses which they enjoyed very much. When it was time to leave we were sad to say goodbye. We had for dinner that night Navajo tacos. Some native women came and made them for us. For dessert we took the left over fried bread and put powdered sugar on them for funnel cakes. It was delicious. By the way Arts’ van had a flat tire which made it Number 3 for the trip.

Friday was our first day of sightseeing. We decided to go to Canyon de Chelly which was in Arizona (about a 4 hour drive from the mission). We stopped half way to see Four Corners. When we got to Canyon de Chelly we stopped at the over looks to take pictures. We went down the White House Trail to the bottom of the canyon to see the ruins in the wall.

The morning of the last day of sightseeing some of us (who did not want to sleep in) went to Chaco Canyon to watch the sun rise and to hike through the canyon. It was very refreshing and beautiful. We then went to Crow Canyon to see the Petroglyphs carved into the canyon wall. It was amazing to see that. When we got back Duane said thank you to us and prayed for our safety going home.

The last morning we were sad to say goodbye to our friends but we had an easy and loud (no one was quiet!) flight home. Even though several things seemed to go wrong, our trip was successful. We had more children at the VBS than any other time that summer and the pole barn was successfully built and already being used. Even though we do not know the long term impact of our trip, we do know that the children were very interested in the stories of Esther, Moses, David and Jesus. It prompted some very personal and insightful questions from the Navajo children. We are thankful to our church congregation and to everyone at the mission for your support and prayers to enable us to leave what will hopefully be a lasting impression on the Navajo community (and in our own lives).

2005-07-30T22:04:00.000-06:00

A NEW MEXICO/PENNSYLVANIA
CROSS CULTURAL ADVENTURE

Our trip began June 14, 2005. Twenty one teens (grades 9 through 12) and five leaders from Manor Brethren in Christ Church in Lancaster PA boarded a plane that morning and set their sights on Black Water Springs, New Mexico. For the next fifteen days our lives would be
spent on the Navajo Indian reservation ministering at the Solid Rock Pentecostal Church. Our host family was Joe and Marlene Yazzie. Marlene is pastor of the church. They have five children (Melissa, Jodie, Titus, Jolene and Lisa). Our living conditions were rather rustic, sleeping in tents, using an outhouse, no running water or refrigeration and cooking on two small camp burners.
But God was good--as Mark 10:27 says “With man this is impossible, but not with God, all things are possible with God.” We knew God had a plan for our team for those two weeks. Seeds were planted among many Navajo children through five days of VBS and we did have the opportunity to minister to several adults. We experienced nights of spiritual battle and found out first hand what intercessory prayer was about. We persevered and grew closer to God and each other during those two weeks.
The beauty of New Mexico is the beautiful sky, fabulous sunsets, no humidity when the temperature reaches 90 degrees and the many, many rock formations scattered all over the reservation. The wind, the dirt roads and many miles to the paved roads and civilization were the hardest things to get use to.
The Navajo Brethren in Christ mission was where we spent every third day showering. We had the opportunity to get to know Duane and Diane Bristow, head of the mission. What special people they are. I pray God's blessing on them for devoting their lives to serving Him and the people of New Mexico.
Our team took a great liking to Lisa, Jolene and Jodie Yazzie. Lisa and Jolene spent almost every day with us (their house was located a few feet from the church and our tents.) Their ages are four and six. Jodie, who is fifteen, would spend time with our group as well. We could always find her in the background but you could tell she enjoyed being with us. Several of the girls on the team spent time with her, talking and getting to know her (my daughter Nicole being one of the girls.)
Nicole came up with the idea that we should fly Jodie to Pennsylvania for a few weeks after we returned home from New Mexico. Three days after we returned to PA I found myself on the phone with a travel agent making the arrangements for Jodie to visit (of course she had her parents permission.) Two weeks after we returned from New Mexico we were once again driving to the airport to pick up a very special friend. Jodie has very rarely been off the reservation so you can imagine how overwhelmed she must have been on her arrival in PA. I noticed her looking out the car window as we traveled along the four lane highways, passing the plush green trees and grass and I was wondering what she was thinking.
She spent the next two weeks living with us, sleeping on a queen-size bed by herself, sharing a bedroom with Nicole. We wanted to treat her like a queen and spoil her rotten.
Although her home is in the United States, I often thought when I was in New Mexico how it looked and felt like we were in the country of Mexico. I would find myself asking her, "do you have this at home" or "did you ever see this before?" Some of the things she experienced for the first time in her life while in PA were milk shakes, corn on the cob and Chinese food.
She would tell you we speak very fast in PA and that we have a lot of sweet things to eat.
I believe she really liked our green scenery. She took many pictures of outdoor life like cows grazing in a nearby field or pictures of corn fields. She told me one of her highlights while visiting Pennsylvania was the night we took her into Lancaster City to see a minor league baseball game. The brand new stadium was built this past Spring so it was the first time we visited the stadium as well. It was exciting and fun.
We wanted this to be a trip of a lifetime for Jodie. We want her to know the opportunities she has in her lifetime. Jodie has a sweet, gentle spirit and our prayer is that she will know the God we know and love Him with all her heart, soul and mind and that she will seek to have that personal relationship with Him.
The morning we packed Jodie up and took her to the airport for her return to New Mexico was very difficult. Tears were shed. I promised her we would bring her back to Pennsylvania next summer. She looked at me and said “For a month, next time!” We will miss Jodie and treasure all the memories we made and look forward to many more in the years ahead.
I have learned so much from my experience in New Mexico. I will not take for granted how I can drive in my car and within minutes be at a gas station or school or grocery store or laundry mat. On the reservation you often have to drive for hours to get to these places. Our summer days are filled with swimming, fishing, sports activities and the like. But in New Mexico the kids are totally bored, looking for things to do. But many of them know no other life. And I know God has a plan for their lives just as much as he has a plan for my life.
Another thing I learned from New Mexico is to be more patient. We are so time driven in PA. Every minute of our day revolves around the numbers on a clock. The people of New Mexico are not on a strict time schedule so are more relaxed in their daily activities and plans. We sometimes need to slow down and enjoy the moment instead of being concerned about what is up next in our lives.
I leave this promise to my many friends in New Mexico and to that one special girl we got to know the summer of 2005, who will always hold a very special place in our hearts today and through eternity. “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11

Blessings,
Sallie Burkholder

2005-07-24T21:15:00.000-06:00

Boy! Is it quiet around here! The Elizabethtown team left early this morning bringing this summer's mission/work teams to a grand finale. It was a rapid-fire eight weeks for Diane and me but well worth it for all that was accomplished. The community is still talking about all the activities we had going from one week to the next and wanted to know what we had going this week. Needless to say, they were somewhat disappointed when they found out that's all for this summer :-(
Somewhere in the recesses of our minds we see the need for a summer program. Make it a matter of prayer with us.

Now, we prepare for the Overcomers Program. Here's some good news: Ralph & Bonnie Yoder will be arriving sometime in August to help with the program. You have been praying with us for a program manager and instructors. We consider them an answer to prayer. And we also consider William & Melvine Parton a part of the answer. They will be arriving near the first week of August. Add to that, Jon Dixon from Spring of Hope has been with us for about a month along with Art Hull and they have been helping in everything from trimming trees to painting to helping the teams with whatever was needed. God has just blessed us abundantly!

Would you begin praying with us now for the men God has lined up for this session? I have interviews to do in the next few weeks and staff training. I believe this session marks the beginning of a new direction for the Overcomers Program. As successful as the program has been over the last seven years, I believe it will begin to reach more men--and possibly women also--and make more of an impact on this community than we could ever have imagined. God is doing a new thing here and it's a blessing and great privilege to be a part of it.

Blessings!!!
Duane

2005-07-21T13:58:00.000-06:00

Winding it up!

The work team is putting the final touches on the pole barn and the Superheroes team is wrapping up the 'Superheroes of the Bible' camp today. What a wonderful experience this has been for each of us.

There have been literally hundreds of people on the mission grounds the past eight weeks and we've seen quite a few people who said they had not been here in quite a while. I would say we've been very successful in restoring some old relationships; building some new ones and solidifying existing ones. That's the basis of real ministry. I can't help but be excited about what God is doing here. Thanks to each of you for your tremendous encouragement!

I've got some good news I want to share with you about the Overcomers Program and will be bringing that to you in the next few days. Let it simply be said that God answers prayer. But then, you already knew that, didn't you?

Blessings!!!
Duane

2005-07-19T21:00:00.000-06:00

Sometimes, the work goes into the evening. It's been fairly hot the past couple of days but the team has really put in some time. The way it's going the barn could be finished by Wednesday evening.

The 'Superheroes' team has had quite a challenge. They had about eighty kids today. That's the most we've had at any one time. They're learning a lot about ministry to another culture and they're handling themselves very well. I'm sure they would be quick to tell you, ministry is not always easy in this area.

This will be the last of the summer teams and it has been a very successful summer; both in ministry and in the work that has been accomplished here. We have a couple more teams coming in August and September. One will install five RV sites on the upper end of the property-- the first of the major work details envisioned for that part of the mission. The other will probably work on the renovation of the old classroom #2. There's also some painting to be done and when this year ends it will definitely look quite different at Navajo Brethren in Christ Mission! Thanks to your prayers, support and encouragement.

2005-07-18T18:47:00.000-06:00

A lot was accomplished in one day! Elizabethtown BIC woke up to no water. The electricity had lost one phase and it just happened to be the one the pump is on. We hooked the generator up so the team could have water and everything went well. The electricity came back on later in the morning.

The men began their work early on the pole barn. They managed to get all the poles in the ground and will be beginning the roofing and siding tomorrow.

The "Superheroes of the Bible" team started with about sixty kids today. That's the most we've had on a monday. It's looking to be a great week!

One area I forgot to mention was a new fence for the garden. Pastor Shawn Spear and his friend John spent the week replacing the fence for our garden. The rabbits were about to take over but now they can't find their way in :-) Thanks guys!!!

Be sure to tell others about our new Desert Wind weblog! We want everyone to know the great things God is doing in our area. Thanks for your prayers!

Blessings!!!
Duane

2005-07-17T21:38:00.000-06:00

My, what a summer this has been! The last summer team is here from Elizabethtown BIC Church and they will begin their week tomorrow. They are building a pole barn and conducting a "Superheroes of the Bible" camp.

We have had eight teams in this summer and the teams have helped us accomplish quite a bit, both in work and building relationships with the community. We have begun renovation on the old classroom #2. Gary Gaspard and his team started what seemed an impossible task. There's still work to be done but what a great start we're off to;

built 12 picnic tables;
built 11 bunkbeds;

put a new floor in the office;

roofed two buildings (we'll be painting them later this summer;

and the pole barn is going up tomorrow! You can get an up to the minute report from their weblog at: http://etownnavajo.blogspot.com/

One of the very innovative teams was the Adventures in Mission team from Maryland. They came with Al & Diane Galbraith who taught Creation Science. Both young and old alike held the attention of the kids and made quite an impact on their lives.An A+ goes to Manor BIC for courage! They spent about 14 days at one of the churches on the reservation . . . in tents, in rough terrain, in a difficult situation, using outhouses, no electricity, no running water and I didn't hear one complaint!Absolutely all of our teams were awesome! Each one acted with integrity and with the love of Christ. They have helped us build relationships with this community that will last a lifetime! We're blessed! God sent His best!

The Overcomers Program is set to begin August 29th and there's so much to tell you about that and the many other things God has done at Navajo BIC Mission. Time does not allow but I'll have more for you later.

Blessings!!!
Duane & Diane