Westminster Church of the Nazarene

Navajo Trip Report

Summary Report

June 7-15, 2008

 

 

Report Date: June 25, 2008

 

Project Objectives:

 

1. To provide a short-term, affordable Work & Witness trip for the members of WCON to actively participate in cross-cultural ministry within the United States.
2. To deliver a Proclaimer (http://www.faithcomesbyhearing.com/proclaimer) to the leadership of the Chilchinbeto Church of the Nazarene to be used in evangelistic outreach and discipling.
3. To deliver good used clothing to be distributed by the Chilchinbeto Church to those in need on the reservation.
4. To assist with planned construction projects on the property belonging to Chilchinbeto Church of the Nazarene.
5. To reach out to the children and families of Chilchinbeto and the surrounding area by providing a Vacation Bible School and adult revival services nightly.
6. To inspire the church leadership to mentor and disciple others by providing an evangelistic class on mentoring.
7. To fellowship with and work alongside the youth and adult teams from Denver First Church.

 

Team Members: (10 member team)

·         Jenny Anderson: VBS leader and painting crew

·         Beth Bennett: Painting crew, construction support and

     cooking assistant

·         Chase Bennett: Team support

·         Noel Bennett: Construction team leader

·         Gale Green: Construction crew member

·         Arlene Heffner: Team cook

·         Colt Heffner: Team support

·         Janette Mikatich: Team Chaplain, evangelism team and

     construction support

·         Bob Pohl: Painting crew team leader

·         Jim Sandoval: Construction crew member

 

Team Member Testimonies:

    †   After working on the Navajo Shoebox ministry I felt pulled to serve more in this area. I was blessed to be able to attend part of the Navajo Nation Work & Witness trip and could realy feel the Lord working in the hearts of the many Navajo children that participated in the Vacation Bible School program. I sensed their love for Jesus growing throughout the week as I heard them sing for him. I look forward to being part of this ministry in the future.

Beth Bennett

 

†  The whole experience was terrific! It gave me some experiences with things that I hadn't done before like getting to know the Navajo people, learning how to make Indian fry bread and learning about some of the native plants. It was also a special time with my grandson, for whom this was his very first missions trip. Colt was really impressed and he came back talking about everything from the work he did to the people he met. He already asked if he could go again next year and he's now learning the Navajo language on tapes!

Arlene Heffner

 

†   WOW! The dream of a lifetime (a mission trip) was fulfilled in my 75^th year as a caravan of four passenger vans and two covered trailers headed south to the Navajo Nation in northwest Arizona and the little town of Chilchinbeto. All week long we worked in bright sun under brilliant blue skies on our varied projects. It was such a blessing to work with young and old alike. As I lay in my sleeping bag I thought of the Lord’s word that says every tribe on earth will be represented around the throne of God on that Great Day, including our Navajo brethren. PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME!!!

Bob Pohl

 

Project Highlights:

·         Completed framing and hung drywall in future dormitory and classroom building.

·         Replaced roof on church building and fellowship wing.

·         Drove to remote areas to invite children and families to Vacation Bible School (VBS) and evening revival services.

·         Provided transportation for children to attend VBS.

·         Held five night adult revival services.

·         Conducted four nights of VBS with over 75 children in attendance.

·         Fellowshipped with our Navajo brothers and sisters and our brothers and sisters from Denver First Church.

·         Presented The Proclaimer (http://www.faithcomesbyhearing.com/proclaimer) to the leadership of the church and provided training in its use.

·         Provided needy families with clothing.