Hi Everyone,
I am asking for your prayers again. I have been asked to lead a trip to a Navajo American Indian Reservation. While I am always thrilled to do ministry, this particular assignment comes with much spiritual warfare attached. American Indian Reservations have many forms of false gods, idolotry and all kinds of “spirit” worship. Knowingly walking in the midst of this will be something very new for me.
I will be leading a group of 16 coming from a church in Iowa. As it looks today, I will not only be the leader, I will be the only AIM staff there. YIKES!!!!! So I will be responsible for leading our devotions, worship, planning all of our ministry time as well as preparing meals and debriefing everyone in the evenings. I am overwhelmed thinking about it but humbled that God has chosen me for this time.
American Indian Facts
American Indians are the #1 poverty group in America today. Violence is 5 times the national average on the rez and death from drugs, alcohol, suicide, automobile accidents are a daily occurrence. Many live without running water or electricity
An American Indian Mission Trip is 95-100% relational. American Indians for the most part are resistant to Christianity and many consider it to be “the white man’s religion.” With a history of Christianity being forced on them, only 5-10% of American Indians are Christians today. This stems from the treaty/reservation placement/boarding school era where “white men” forced Christianity on them. Thus building relationships is a must, in order to get to the place where they are open to hearing about Jesus.
I will be gone from March 13-21.
Please pray for me as I begin to prepare myself for this journey. I especially need people to committ to praying for me during my time on the reservation. Prayer coverings are essential.
Thanks love to all of you!
Also, here is some artwork by Native American prisoners. Downright beautifully honest art.
http://aaronhuey.com/blog/?cat=47
Dear Toya,
We will be praying for you! What an awesome opportunity for you and for those who will be backing you in prayer! God will equip you with all that you need and we look forward to hearing what the Lord will do as you minister to the Native Americans…….
Love in Jesus,
Gay & Gary Martin
Toya,
With you preparing the meals, this will be one blessed group. They are going to be lead by a mighty woman of God,
who is well equiped for the battle!!
Will be praying for you as you prepare for this trip……so nice to see you in Gainesville and spend some time catching up……thanks for the ride…..love you!!!!
Will be praying for you very much. Wish I could have time to share some insights for you. What some may think as “false gods” worshipped, many things can very much be correllated with our God and His creation. especially the “many” spirits. God Bless you
Leo – I welcome your insight. Please email and share whatever you may feel is relevant!
An article by people that have documented the poverty Native Americans face in our present day. Intense stuff, friend. If anyone can make a person smile it’s you. Wish I could join ya!
http://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/20/behind-22/