WLS+AZ Missions - Update #2
What a gorgeous Thursday! Not only was the weather finally agreeable (vs. being humid, tornado warnings and flood warnings) so I was able to go canoeing on the lake, but God was continuing to deepen my knowledge and heart for the Native Americans and the impact and realizing the importance of this conference upon their community. Over 150 tribes gathered here to listen to messages, worship and develop connections, almost similar to our own FCBC camp. Some traveled over a few days, even weeks (e.g. Alaskans), to attend. Because many were not-yet believers, the content was basic, but put in the context of their culture it was so enlightening! What a rare opportunity and privilege we had to spend an entire week living and eating with the Navajo and to have a small glimpse of their struggles and hopes.Jared and I roomed with 6 Navajo males, who have all attended our VBS, ranging in ages from 15 to 30. Even with eons of small group leading experience, I was intimidated on the first night because they were rowdier than any other grade I've had at FCBC (except for Danny Orh and Keenan Tong's grade <grin>), but despite their rough exteriors and lack of Christian upbringing, they shared fairly openly during "life circles", or cabin times, and spontaneous one-on-ones while waiting in line for food or trekking back and forth to and from our dorms. By the end of the week, we were laughing at and with one another and genuinely treasured the camaraderie we had built.
- Hearing wild, whooping war cries during a blackout
- Swapping late night skinwalker/demon stories
- Sitting on a rocking chair enjoying the view of the lake and being educated about Ric Flair and WWF from one of the Navajo
- Listening to the genuine joy and repentance of a man who found God at WLS but was struggling with alcoholism and abusing his wife
- Screaming fanatically and proudly over one of the Navajo youth who was performing at the annual talent show
Navajo 101 lessons, reinforced and new:
- Suicide is a sad epidemic in a majority of Native American communities.
- They are a very spiritual people and have a special connection to and appreciation of creation.
- The story of the flood is also included in the history of some tribes, further proving we are all descendants of Noah.
- Satanists are uniting across the world to crash and counteract the work of Christian gatherings and movements (e.g. there was at least one at WLS praying against us).
- Medicine men are to maintain harmony between the people and the spirit world which the Natives believe needs to be appeased, but then the medicine men can be so bound by these evil spirits that if they reveal their demonic sources their family's lives and health can be at stake.
- We should NOT be turning to or dabbling with any other source (e.g. witchcraft, elements, ancestral worship, etc) than God Himself.
- The missionaries and leaders like Faith are so faithful but lonely in their toil of love; they desperately need our prayers, encouragement and assistance.
Deacon Candidate Spencer Sun
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