Archives for 2012

YWAMers in Native Ministry gather in Flagstaff

November 15, 2012 by admin Leave a Comment

This Fall, YWAMers in Native Ministry from across the US gathered at YWAM Tribalwinds in Flagstaff, Arizona. As a group we visited one of the Hopi communities,

presented protocol gifts and expressed publicly our sorrow for sins, injustices, and shortcomings of the distant and recent past. We were also able to share that we desire to be among them and serve in the attitude and humility of Jesus. Many of the traditional elders present had tears in their eyes. Although their traditions have many, sometimes hidden hints pointing to Jesus, they have often not been recognized and accepted by non-native sent-ones. The gospel therefore always had the air of something foreign for Native people and its transforming power was never able to find deep roots.

We were treated to traditional Hopi delicacies, such as blue corn dishes, spices, meats, and of course deserts. We are learning more and more that we are not called to just present the message of Jesus but also to seek connection, even permission from local elders and leaders. One of our leaders shared that when he did that in a Native community, he was told that in over one hundred years of missionary presence in the community, never had any official introduction been made or permission sought. Our friend was commended for being the first Christian who had ever done so. He also was told that he would enjoy the blessing and protection of the village leader in case of misunderstandings.

Merrill Sequi, Hopi, leading us in worship — Merrill (Mayo) Sequi, Hopi

One of our greatest joys was the participation of Native people from the Hopi and Navajo Nation, who just recently had completed their Discipleship Training Program (DTS). Despite the mistakes we as non-natives have made, they expressed their interest to work together in reaching more Native people. We blessed and covenanted with each other to labor together in the Spirit of Jesus and to be there for one another. Our Native friends than did something that deeply touched and humbled us. They felt led to wash our “non-native feet”. Everything within us cried out: “No, it is us who need to wash your feet.” As a sign of forgiveness, despite centuries of injustices, paternalism, and misunderstandings, our co-workers wanted to show their love in this tangible way. It was a deep, emotionally and spiritually touching time for us. (You can see more pictures of the conference here)

Not to be served but to serve

August 6, 2012 by admin 1 Comment

A team of 74 young people and adults descended upon Kamiah during the last week of July to serve and share the love of Jesus with members of the Kamiah and Lapwai community. They were invited by YWAM Native Ministries, the Nez Perce Indian Churches and the Wa-A’Yas and Pinewaus Community Centers.

Lapwai-BBall-Camp-2012 — Lapwai Basketball Camp 2012

During their time here they conducted services at three of the Nez Perce Indian Congregations. Several of the young team members shared their hope stories, encouraging others to do the same. Pastor of Student Ministries and Coach Shon Tenkley and team members also led the ninth annual free Basketball and Kid’s Camp’s offered at the tribal Community Centers in Kamiah and Lapwai with over 130 participating young people. Over the years, team members have established many friendships with young community members. Thanks to Facebook, many stay in touch during the year, eagerly looking forward to the teams return every summer.

Kamiah-BBall — Kamiah Basketball Camp 2012

Adults and team members also worked hard serving in practical ways. They mowed and cleaned cemeteries, repaired leaky roofs, helped out at the Emergency Food Outreach and Loving Hands Thrift Store, cut down brush, split wood for Elders, washed windows, cleaned houses, helped bring in hay for an injured animal lover, etc.

While here, the team enjoys cooling off and swimming at the Rock. They spent time every day worshiping and praying together, sharing their struggles and joys, affirming and serving each other. Although tired at the end of the week, team members share with us how much fun it was to be here, which is also evident in the fact that many of the young people return year after year, proving that they are following their Master, who said that he did not come to be served but to serve.

Maverick Flying Car

August 6, 2012 by admin 3 Comments

Steve Saint (Son of Nate Saint) of I-TEC drove the road-legal flying car from Florida to Oshkosh, probably the largest Air-show in the world to exhibit its capabilities. Since then the FAA has also issued the Maverick a S-LSA aircraft airworthiness certificate. I-TEC hopes to be in production by EAA Oshkosh 2011.

As Steve shares in the short video, the Maverick Flying Car was developed to primarily serve humanitarian and mission applications.

For updates on the development of the Maverick, visit here.

Saint Patrick’s true Legacy

March 17, 2012 by admin Leave a Comment

Who was this guy, often comically depicted in commercials and advertisements wearing a green hat, smoking a long-stemmed pipe and shown with a four leafed clover next to a pot of gold? The holiday honoring him, which is celebrated again in a few days with parades of people dressed and even a river died in green. For many people Saint Patrick is only a mythical figure, maybe ranking with another “jolly good fellow” dressing in red.

But there was a real Saint Patrick! He was born around A.D. 390 to a middle-class Christian family in Roman Britain. When he was a teenager, marauding Irish raiders attacked his home, captured him and took him to Ireland where he was sold to a landowner as a slave. During his long and lonely existence, he prayed constantly and then felt himself surrounded by the love of God. In this harsh setting, Patrick’s life was transformed through faith in Jesus Christ. He eventually escaped, returned to Britain and became a priest and later a bishop. Then thirty years after Patrick fled Ireland, he had the strange sense that God was calling him to return to Ireland as a missionary.

The Irish of the fifth century were known throughout Europe as unusually violent, barbaric people, who frequently practiced human sacrifice. By returning to Ireland, Patrick understood that dangers awaited him. He wrote:

“I am ready to be murdered, betrayed, enslaved—whatever may come my way. But I am not afraid of any of these things because of the promises of heaven; for I have put myself in the hands of God Almighty.”

Patrick devoted 30 years of his life to these “warrior children” so that they might ‘seize the everlasting kingdom of God’ with all the energy and intensity they had devoted to enslaving and killing each others. His genuine love for the Irish was evident in his writings. He constantly was concerned for his people, not just for their spiritual but also their physical welfare.

Patrick’s missionary work succeeded beyond his dreams. Countless people gave their lives to Christ and as a result Irish society was transformed. Within Patrick’s lifetime or soon after his death the Irish slave trade came to a halt and other forms of violence such as murder and tribal warfare decreased. His followers lived faithful, courageous and generous lives, showing that the sword was not the only instrument for structuring a society.

Patrick’s life shows that God can dramatically transform an entire bloodthirsty and warlike culture such as fifth-century Ireland through the obedience and the sacrifice of a single person.

I hope we can re-capture the real meaning of why Saint Patrick is to be honored. His life and legacy can give us hope that our society can be transformed as well. That is if you and I, having received new life through Jesus Christ are willing to serve God and our neighbor with the same abandon and dedication.

Archives for 2012

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