I landed in Albuquerque this past Thursday to lead my first project of the summer on the Navajo Nation.  I left behind a husband, 3 children, a daughter-in-law, a brand new 2 week old granddaughter, a mom who lives with us, an aunt and uncle that are a big part of our lives, a dog and a cat.  As soon as I stepped into the terminal the thoughts came...(Satan of course)..."What are you doing here?  You're alone again!  You can't even make a dent in the needs on the Reservation!" 

 

On sheer obedience I retrieved my luggage, rented my car and began to drive west.  Two hours later I stopped at an Indian Souvenir shop for a rest break.  As soon as I got in the door I noticed Christian music playing over the intercom.  I asked the Navajo lady working in the store if she was Christian.  "Yes I am." she replied as her face lite up.  "Are you?" she asked me.  As I affirmed that I was, we began to talk about Jesus.  She shared her testimony of her families struggle with alcoholism and how God immediately delivered her from her addictions when she was saved. 

 

She continued on, telling me how her brothers and sisters weren't saved and how she struggled with that.  She also told me that she was separated from her husband because of his drinking and then she began to ask me questions about who did I think God wanted to be saved and why.  I was able to share scripture with her and encourage her to not stop praying for her family.  Then she asked me about my testimony and I was able to share with her how God had delivered me from my fears. 

 

When Elsie Yellowhorse and I finished our conversation a half an hour later and I walked out of that store, new thoughts came into my head...(God of course)...and I knew why I was there.....to share Jesus with American Indians, the participants of the project I would be leading and anyone else that God brought across my path. 

 

People ask me all the time if I miss my family when I'm gone.....and the answer is "Yes, I do."  But, God has called me to this ministry as Ministry Coordinator of American Indian Discipleship with Adventures In Missions and He knows and meets my every need.  God knew I needed affirmation and encouragement and He used Elsie Yellowhorse to do it.  And then, as further affirmation, He used me to encourage her.  As God is taking care of my every need when I am on the Rez, He is doing the same for my family at home.  To God  Be The Glory!  "And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:19