Today, we are headed out to Hopiland. It’s my first visit. The reservation is located about 90 miles north of our Flagstaff base. I am anxious to meet all the people I have been learning about for the last two weeks.
Starting a new missionary job is just like every other job. The first few weeks consist of training, learning, training, learning, training, learning.
Yesterday, I spent the afternoon with our director, Millie, at the Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff learning the history of the many tribes that have inhabited and still inhabit this area. What wondrous people plowed this ground before us. The museum contains displays from and history about the ancient Anasazi (ancestors to the Hopi), the Zuni, Navajo, Hopi and several other indigenous peoples who inherited this earth. It was fascinating. I wish we could have stayed longer.
I also have been studying about the Hopi by watching videos, talking to Millie and her husband Will, and reading Millie’s first book, “Great Eagle Calling,” where she talks about life as missionaries when they first arrived in Hopiland 16 years ago. What progress they have made here! Still, with all their hard work, only a small percentage (2 to 5 percent) know Jesus.
“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.”
This week, three of four full-time staff members are leaving. I will be the only one, besides Will and Millie, on base. One staff worker will return in about a week, stay for three more weeks, and then permanently relocate to a different calling in California.
A couple teams are scheduled to come in during September and October. Their help will be welcomed! Please join us in prayer for new staff members who have wide open hearts for Native America.
In the meantime, we are praying about where my gifting will best fit in around here. In between researching and learning more about the Native people, I have been working on rebuilding the base Web site. Here is what it looks like now: www.tribalwinds.org. I’ll keep you posted on the progress I make during the next few weeks.
I have a list of ministries to check out during the next week. It’s hard to choose just one or two, which will keep me busy and help me grow close to specific groups. There is a women’s shelter at which I can volunteer. I can read and tell Bible stories at one of the local schools for an hour a week. A horse ranch that works with at-risk youth needs volunteer services. I definitely want to call about this because my girls love horses, and I know they would love to help out there on the weekends.
Of course, we will help at church … as soon as we find a home church. The first week, we attended Lamb of God Bible Church, and last Sunday, we went to Harvest Christian Fellowship. This Sunday, we’ll attend Calvary Bible Church, and the week after that, we’ll visit Bible Community Church. I know God will show us where He wants us to be. So far, He’s just directing us to test out the waters in several places. It’s fun to see the many different worship styles and hear different pastors present the Word. I do like to have a church family, though, so I am anxious to get settled in.
In October, I will train for the local prison ministry. Right now, this is where my heart is and what I am looking forward to most of all. Apparently, they only have training days a few times a year. The end of October seems like forever away, but I know God is making me wait for a reason. I have a lot to learn during the next two months.
Plus, the girls are saving money to buy a guinea pig. When we bring it home, that will require special training of its own. J
Blessings to you all!
Korina, Jaynee, Justine
jugglingfire.com 