2015 Frances Liu
Frances with a Precious Navajo Friend
July 2015 marked the third year that my husband and I, along with our four boys, joined the PaLM’s Navajo short-term mission trip to the Navajo Reservation in Arizona. Like the previous two years, it is a trip that God has used to touch our hearts, to see His awesome creation, to know God better, to understand more of my role as His child, and to bless others and be blessed. It is also a precious experience where my family can serve God together, grow spiritually and our boys learn to serve God independently while working closely with others.
It is a huge spiritual warfare.
There is no doubt that the Navajo people need Christ. They need Christ to fill, satisfy and comfort their wandering hearts. They need Christ’s saving grace to heal their brokenness. This beautiful Navajo land is a spiritual warfare battleground. There are very few churches and ministers around. Some Navajo friends have spiral downward in their life journey. Many children come from broken families. It is a land and people without hope, and only Christ can restore their lives. They are like flocks of sheep with no shepherd, wandering around by themselves.
Serve and grow together
I’m very thankful that my family can serve together on this trip. My boys are greatly blessed working with the Navajo people. I still remembered well how worried and uneasy they felt when we decided to go the first year. But since then, after every trip, they return home praying that God would bring them back to the Arizona Reservation next year.
As a mother, I saw my kids’ character developed while they served the Lord. To my surprise, I even discover how independent they can be. With every trip, they have been maturing. At first, they served by cleaning the tables and sweeping the floor. This year, some taught and others assisted in VBS classes. They learned to lead devotion and coordinate with others in performing a simple task like preparing VBS snacks. They learned to care for the Navajo children and be their good friends. They also learned to work with other team members in serving the ministry. My 15-year-old had his very first experience encouraging a Navajo friend by sharing Bible verses during a conversation. My sons have matured in their faith and can now leave their comfort zone to serve God independently and joyfully.
To serve and be blessed in His might
Devoted Christians often experience this: we serve God thinking that we are giving when in fact, we are the ones greatly blessed. Joining the Navajo trips is like that. The difference is that the blessing we received is on a much larger scale. I went giving what little I can to my Lord, but he richly poured down His grace on me. To me, God sent healings, comforts, and encouragements. I have come to know some precious team members and Pastor Howard is a treasured gift from Him. On the Navajo trips, God’s almighty hand and His wondrous Creation tell me that He is such a great, great God, the Creator, and the Sovereign King. I realized how little I am; I am humbled and comforted by His greatness
Words will not suffice to tell you and express all the amazing things and feelings we experienced on the Navajo trips. Yes, to me it feels like many years because this journey is filled richly with grace. Yet, it was only two springs ago when our family joined this trip to experience God’s abundant grace and blessings deeply.
It is a huge spiritual warfare.
There is no doubt that the Navajo people need Christ. They need Christ to fill, satisfy and comfort their wandering hearts. They need Christ’s saving grace to heal their brokenness. This beautiful Navajo land is a spiritual warfare battleground. There are very few churches and ministers around. Some Navajo friends have spiral downward in their life journey. Many children come from broken families. It is a land and people without hope, and only Christ can restore their lives. They are like flocks of sheep with no shepherd, wandering around by themselves.
Serve and grow together
I’m very thankful that my family can serve together on this trip. My boys are greatly blessed working with the Navajo people. I still remembered well how worried and uneasy they felt when we decided to go the first year. But since then, after every trip, they return home praying that God would bring them back to the Arizona Reservation next year.
As a mother, I saw my kids’ character developed while they served the Lord. To my surprise, I even discover how independent they can be. With every trip, they have been maturing. At first, they served by cleaning the tables and sweeping the floor. This year, some taught and others assisted in VBS classes. They learned to lead devotion and coordinate with others in performing a simple task like preparing VBS snacks. They learned to care for the Navajo children and be their good friends. They also learned to work with other team members in serving the ministry. My 15-year-old had his very first experience encouraging a Navajo friend by sharing Bible verses during a conversation. My sons have matured in their faith and can now leave their comfort zone to serve God independently and joyfully.
To serve and be blessed in His might
Devoted Christians often experience this: we serve God thinking that we are giving when in fact, we are the ones greatly blessed. Joining the Navajo trips is like that. The difference is that the blessing we received is on a much larger scale. I went giving what little I can to my Lord, but he richly poured down His grace on me. To me, God sent healings, comforts, and encouragements. I have come to know some precious team members and Pastor Howard is a treasured gift from Him. On the Navajo trips, God’s almighty hand and His wondrous Creation tell me that He is such a great, great God, the Creator, and the Sovereign King. I realized how little I am; I am humbled and comforted by His greatness
Words will not suffice to tell you and express all the amazing things and feelings we experienced on the Navajo trips. Yes, to me it feels like many years because this journey is filled richly with grace. Yet, it was only two springs ago when our family joined this trip to experience God’s abundant grace and blessings deeply.
2015 Chi-Kwong Cheung
Chi-Kwong with his daughter Stephanie
In July 2015, my daughter Stephanie and I had the privilege of serving on the PaLM missions trip to the Navajo Reservation. The PaLM missions team provides a small glimpse of the light of the gospel to the Navajo people. During the week, the lessons we taught came from the book of Daniel. I taught the High School young men with another member of the team from my home church John Tsai. John and I had the opportunity to teach these young men that the prophet 'Daniel faced many of the temptations, challenges, and problems that they face as young men and how Daniel obeyed God and was blessed by God. In addition to these lessons, we also presented the gospel to these young men that God sent Jesus into this world to restore their relationship with God that was broken due to sin.
Stephanie and I were greatly blessed to have the opportunity to serve on the PaLM missions trip to the Navajo Reservation. We have many weaknesses and are inexperienced in many ways. Despite that, God used us to bless the Navajo nevertheless. God can use the simplest acts and actions to bring glory to Himself if we do it well and for the right reasons. Examples of such acts and actions include serving a drink to a Navajo visiting us at the compound, sweeping the floor as we prepare for our Navajo guests, moving tables to locations where VBS class will be held, or taking the time to talk with our Navajo friends to let them know we care for them. Each simple act of kindness gives the Navajos the opportunity to see God at work in their lives and this world. These simple acts of kindness are what makes this missions trip so wonderful; for through them God can use any of us to bless others. As God’s Word reminds us, it is the sharing of the gospel and the presentation of God's word that will not return void. We are thankful to God that we had the opportunity to serve in this ministry. To God be the glory.
We are thankful for much that has happened to us after our return from this missions trip. We are thankful to God for our fellow team members who were used by God to co-labor with us and offer us fellowship and encouragement throughout the trip. I thought the team was great, and we thank God that everyone enjoyed serving with one another. We are thankful for those who prayed for us and provided support for us before and during the trip. We are thankful for the hospitality of our Navajo hosts. We are thankful for the PaLM ministry team that organized this trip. We are thankful to God for protecting us and providing for us. It was a great privilege and honor to have served on this missions trip. Thanks be to God for his blessings - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 1:3)
Stephanie and I were greatly blessed to have the opportunity to serve on the PaLM missions trip to the Navajo Reservation. We have many weaknesses and are inexperienced in many ways. Despite that, God used us to bless the Navajo nevertheless. God can use the simplest acts and actions to bring glory to Himself if we do it well and for the right reasons. Examples of such acts and actions include serving a drink to a Navajo visiting us at the compound, sweeping the floor as we prepare for our Navajo guests, moving tables to locations where VBS class will be held, or taking the time to talk with our Navajo friends to let them know we care for them. Each simple act of kindness gives the Navajos the opportunity to see God at work in their lives and this world. These simple acts of kindness are what makes this missions trip so wonderful; for through them God can use any of us to bless others. As God’s Word reminds us, it is the sharing of the gospel and the presentation of God's word that will not return void. We are thankful to God that we had the opportunity to serve in this ministry. To God be the glory.
We are thankful for much that has happened to us after our return from this missions trip. We are thankful to God for our fellow team members who were used by God to co-labor with us and offer us fellowship and encouragement throughout the trip. I thought the team was great, and we thank God that everyone enjoyed serving with one another. We are thankful for those who prayed for us and provided support for us before and during the trip. We are thankful for the hospitality of our Navajo hosts. We are thankful for the PaLM ministry team that organized this trip. We are thankful to God for protecting us and providing for us. It was a great privilege and honor to have served on this missions trip. Thanks be to God for his blessings - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 1:3)
2014 Jack Wang
Jack with Roman
Heavenly Father,
As I reflect upon my 10 days on the Navajo Reservation this summer, there are no words that can describe what I experienced. My heart is overwhelmed by the beauty of this world You have created. As I scroll through the thousands of pictures from Arizona, I see nothing but Your majesty in creation. From the mountain top views of land as far as the eyes can see and the never ending sky, to the smiles on the Navajo children’s faces when riding on a team member’s back, to even the existence of the Little Black Spot Mountain church building, Your glory is shown in it all. God, You are an Almighty Creator. I praise You for every speck of beauty You have placed on the Navajo Reservation, and I praise You for gracing me and the team with the opportunity to witness that beauty on display.
Coming before You, I confess my blindness to the work You have already done in the lives of the Navajo people. Through PaLM and many other missionaries, You have and will continue to lay out a plan of salvation for these people. I confess that before this trip, I lacked in my understanding of the benefits of short-term mission trips. In the 20+ years PaLM, many have had the privilege to go the reservation to experience and be a part of Your ultimate plan to bring all nations and people to You. Many have also returned numerous times and formed lasting bonds with the Navajo people. And it is through those bonds in which Your Gospel is shared. It is a true encouragement to see and hear stories of the Navajo who have grown up coming to PaLM’s VBS, and now returning with their children.
Thank you, Father, for opening my eyes. Through this trip, I have been able to see and be a part of bringing the Message of Your redeeming act of love to the Navajo people. Thank you for also showing me the need for more missionaries not just to the reservation, but across the globe. Coming from NYC, we can be so caught up in rushing to our destinations that we become oblivious to our surroundings. We forget that every person we pass is in need of a Savior and a Redeemer. Abba Father, thank you for bringing me to a place where I was able to live simply for 10 days, without the distractions of the outside world. As I look around and hear about the daily lives of the Navajos, I am amazed by their joy in the simple lifestyle they live. The children find joy in rolling around in dirt. Adults find joy in cooking and hiking. Thank you for using this trip to teach me to be observant, and for reminding me of Your blessings.
So Father, I come before you and lift up the Navajo people. I pray that You would protect their cultures and traditions. As the world becomes more and more appealing, and the worldly temptations become more and more enticing, I pray that You may protect the hearts of the Navajo people. May they daily worship You, their Creator, and not the world around them, Your creation. May they stay focused on You and remain well grounded in Your Word and truths. As it will be another year before PaLM returns, I pray that You may instill in them a thirst for You, a hunger for fellowship, and a desire to study Your Word. I pray that this year’s team and I would take advantage of the advancements in technology on the reservation and persistently pursue a continuing relationships with those we have met and bonded. And lastly, I pray that through the work that we did, the relationships that we have built, and the depth of service and love we have lavished on them, that they may catch a glimpse of You in us and come to know You. Would You grow Little Black Spot Mountain Bible Church into a church that is after Your heart and will. Would You continue to use us to plant and water seeds in the hearts of the Navajos. And I pray that one day, You would raise up a Navajo to lead and pastor Your people, and serve You faithfully throughout the year continuing the work done by PaLM since 1992. Until then, would You continue to give us a heart for the Navajo people and bring us back every year to further deepen our relationships with them and to continue sharing with them Your sweet sweet message of amazing grace and salvation.
I pray all these in Your holy and precious name, Amen.
As I reflect upon my 10 days on the Navajo Reservation this summer, there are no words that can describe what I experienced. My heart is overwhelmed by the beauty of this world You have created. As I scroll through the thousands of pictures from Arizona, I see nothing but Your majesty in creation. From the mountain top views of land as far as the eyes can see and the never ending sky, to the smiles on the Navajo children’s faces when riding on a team member’s back, to even the existence of the Little Black Spot Mountain church building, Your glory is shown in it all. God, You are an Almighty Creator. I praise You for every speck of beauty You have placed on the Navajo Reservation, and I praise You for gracing me and the team with the opportunity to witness that beauty on display.
Coming before You, I confess my blindness to the work You have already done in the lives of the Navajo people. Through PaLM and many other missionaries, You have and will continue to lay out a plan of salvation for these people. I confess that before this trip, I lacked in my understanding of the benefits of short-term mission trips. In the 20+ years PaLM, many have had the privilege to go the reservation to experience and be a part of Your ultimate plan to bring all nations and people to You. Many have also returned numerous times and formed lasting bonds with the Navajo people. And it is through those bonds in which Your Gospel is shared. It is a true encouragement to see and hear stories of the Navajo who have grown up coming to PaLM’s VBS, and now returning with their children.
Thank you, Father, for opening my eyes. Through this trip, I have been able to see and be a part of bringing the Message of Your redeeming act of love to the Navajo people. Thank you for also showing me the need for more missionaries not just to the reservation, but across the globe. Coming from NYC, we can be so caught up in rushing to our destinations that we become oblivious to our surroundings. We forget that every person we pass is in need of a Savior and a Redeemer. Abba Father, thank you for bringing me to a place where I was able to live simply for 10 days, without the distractions of the outside world. As I look around and hear about the daily lives of the Navajos, I am amazed by their joy in the simple lifestyle they live. The children find joy in rolling around in dirt. Adults find joy in cooking and hiking. Thank you for using this trip to teach me to be observant, and for reminding me of Your blessings.
So Father, I come before you and lift up the Navajo people. I pray that You would protect their cultures and traditions. As the world becomes more and more appealing, and the worldly temptations become more and more enticing, I pray that You may protect the hearts of the Navajo people. May they daily worship You, their Creator, and not the world around them, Your creation. May they stay focused on You and remain well grounded in Your Word and truths. As it will be another year before PaLM returns, I pray that You may instill in them a thirst for You, a hunger for fellowship, and a desire to study Your Word. I pray that this year’s team and I would take advantage of the advancements in technology on the reservation and persistently pursue a continuing relationships with those we have met and bonded. And lastly, I pray that through the work that we did, the relationships that we have built, and the depth of service and love we have lavished on them, that they may catch a glimpse of You in us and come to know You. Would You grow Little Black Spot Mountain Bible Church into a church that is after Your heart and will. Would You continue to use us to plant and water seeds in the hearts of the Navajos. And I pray that one day, You would raise up a Navajo to lead and pastor Your people, and serve You faithfully throughout the year continuing the work done by PaLM since 1992. Until then, would You continue to give us a heart for the Navajo people and bring us back every year to further deepen our relationships with them and to continue sharing with them Your sweet sweet message of amazing grace and salvation.
I pray all these in Your holy and precious name, Amen.
2014 Jessie Chung
Jessie giving Duran a piggyback!
This summer I went to the Navajo Reservation in Arizona where my worries were cast far out of reach. I dedicated my time to something completely new and immersed myself in a different culture and community.
We woke up early in the morning; the sky painted in a peachy pink color. Rolls of clouds hung in the midst of the crisp air, casting shadows that ran before the sunrise. We hiked a small hill behind the compound where we lived and situated ourselves on the high rocks to watch as the sun slowly peeked above the horizon. The skies were in multicolor changing from a well-blended ombre color gradient of red-orange to light blue. A small moon hung low in the horizon in the backdrop of the fast-fading dark purple night. The earth was calm and quiet. I could hear in the distance, dogs barking and cows mooing. These are moments I never get to enjoy living in a bustling city. There I must fight my way through the crowd just to catch a bus and train for work every morning. Opportunities to pause and enjoy God's natural creation never come. Now I can say to myself, "I can't believe I am here. I am so glad I came."
Rising up early in Arizona is a much easier thing to do than pulling myself up for work in NYC. Each morning began in the most beautiful and perfect way. As I entered the kitchen, my fellow teammates, who had gathered for breakfast and morning fellowship, greeted me. After breakfast, we moved into a time of praise, prayers and sharing. I reminisce with much fondness these mornings in Arizona. But what I missed most about our trip were the times I spent with my teammates. Everyone pitched in cooking and cleaning. We sincerely enjoyed one another as we prepared lessons, played games and joked with each other.
It was a miracle that I had come on this trip. I never imagined that I would go on a missions trip. I never saw myself as having much to offer. I lacked leadership experience in church, did not have any musical talents, and my faith was small. I saw myself as the last person in line to go on any missions trip, but God has other plans for me. After Pastor Howard had shared about the trip at our church, I could not stop thinking about it. Contemplating until the last hour, I finally submitted to God and completed an application. It was a huge step for me, for a person who has a fear of making commitments. And so that was how God placed me outside of my comfort zone and stretched me in ways I could never have imagined.
On a typical day, we loaded the vans with our teaching materials and headed out in the early morning. One by one the Navajo children came. We played games and worked on crafts until lunchtime. After filling our stomachs, we praised the Lord together and then broke off into age-related groups for VBS. My partner and I led 2nd and 3rd grade. We had ice breaker games and the lesson, followed by questions and prayer every day. There were eight students in our class. I asked God to give me wisdom and use me as his vessel to deliver his message to the children. To my surprise, not only did they answer my questions, but they, in turned, asked me questions such as, "Why did God let his son die?" And, without any prompting from me, they faithfully memorized their bible verses. I was greatly encouraged especially since this was my first experience teaching VBS. The Navajo kids lifted me up even though it was I who was supposed to lift them up.
I am grateful to God for putting me through these new challenges. I enjoyed myself in the process, especially when all the children were endearing and joyful. Besides fellowshipping with the children, I spent my time getting to know the adults. From the conversations we had, I learned the worries and struggles they face - finishing school, getting into a college, finding a job, staying out of alcohol or substance abuse, and avoiding bullying. Sometimes it saddens me that I couldn't help them to get out of those situations but this has built my faith as I pray to God to guide them and lead them through those tough moments. I also pray that they will seek comfort in God's love. I hope they received God's love that I shared with them during this mission trip.
We woke up early in the morning; the sky painted in a peachy pink color. Rolls of clouds hung in the midst of the crisp air, casting shadows that ran before the sunrise. We hiked a small hill behind the compound where we lived and situated ourselves on the high rocks to watch as the sun slowly peeked above the horizon. The skies were in multicolor changing from a well-blended ombre color gradient of red-orange to light blue. A small moon hung low in the horizon in the backdrop of the fast-fading dark purple night. The earth was calm and quiet. I could hear in the distance, dogs barking and cows mooing. These are moments I never get to enjoy living in a bustling city. There I must fight my way through the crowd just to catch a bus and train for work every morning. Opportunities to pause and enjoy God's natural creation never come. Now I can say to myself, "I can't believe I am here. I am so glad I came."
Rising up early in Arizona is a much easier thing to do than pulling myself up for work in NYC. Each morning began in the most beautiful and perfect way. As I entered the kitchen, my fellow teammates, who had gathered for breakfast and morning fellowship, greeted me. After breakfast, we moved into a time of praise, prayers and sharing. I reminisce with much fondness these mornings in Arizona. But what I missed most about our trip were the times I spent with my teammates. Everyone pitched in cooking and cleaning. We sincerely enjoyed one another as we prepared lessons, played games and joked with each other.
It was a miracle that I had come on this trip. I never imagined that I would go on a missions trip. I never saw myself as having much to offer. I lacked leadership experience in church, did not have any musical talents, and my faith was small. I saw myself as the last person in line to go on any missions trip, but God has other plans for me. After Pastor Howard had shared about the trip at our church, I could not stop thinking about it. Contemplating until the last hour, I finally submitted to God and completed an application. It was a huge step for me, for a person who has a fear of making commitments. And so that was how God placed me outside of my comfort zone and stretched me in ways I could never have imagined.
On a typical day, we loaded the vans with our teaching materials and headed out in the early morning. One by one the Navajo children came. We played games and worked on crafts until lunchtime. After filling our stomachs, we praised the Lord together and then broke off into age-related groups for VBS. My partner and I led 2nd and 3rd grade. We had ice breaker games and the lesson, followed by questions and prayer every day. There were eight students in our class. I asked God to give me wisdom and use me as his vessel to deliver his message to the children. To my surprise, not only did they answer my questions, but they, in turned, asked me questions such as, "Why did God let his son die?" And, without any prompting from me, they faithfully memorized their bible verses. I was greatly encouraged especially since this was my first experience teaching VBS. The Navajo kids lifted me up even though it was I who was supposed to lift them up.
I am grateful to God for putting me through these new challenges. I enjoyed myself in the process, especially when all the children were endearing and joyful. Besides fellowshipping with the children, I spent my time getting to know the adults. From the conversations we had, I learned the worries and struggles they face - finishing school, getting into a college, finding a job, staying out of alcohol or substance abuse, and avoiding bullying. Sometimes it saddens me that I couldn't help them to get out of those situations but this has built my faith as I pray to God to guide them and lead them through those tough moments. I also pray that they will seek comfort in God's love. I hope they received God's love that I shared with them during this mission trip.
2013 Billy Seah
Billy & Fiona with Dan & Draven
Humbling, awesome, fantastic, rewarding, “I would like to go back next year!” …. Words just do not do justice to the incredible 10 days out at the Navajo Reservation.
It is abundantly clear that God loves this wonderful group of people in this desolate piece of earth. Coming back to New York, one can’t help but feel almost embarrassed by the abundance that we have in our lives compared to the Navajos. Most things are available to us at a stone’s throw, be it groceries, a quick sandwich from a deli, supplies, etc.. Our Navajo friends are used to living with the closest grocery store perhaps an hour’s drive away. Yet, they live through life with a calm resoluteness and a simple smile.
Whilst most of our kids spend their time fingering away with game consoles or texting with each other on their latest electronic gear, the Navajo kids gave us a refreshing reminder that the best play ground exists in God’s very creations around us. We saw these kids climb effortlessly up trees, roll their bodies over soil, throw handfuls of mud lumps (in lieu of snow balls) at each other or simply jump into a mud-water puddle for the fun of it. For them, seeing rain that shower upon this barren land one or two weeks in a year is a rich heavenly blessing in itself.
The Navajos suffer from the same worldly plight that threatens to enslave us. The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life weighs heavily on our Navajo friends as much as they do on us city dwellers. Kids are introduced to drugs in school. Many young adults fall to the temptation of temporary highs from alcohol. Families suffer from broken marriages. One young kid when asked about her father nonchalantly answered, “my daddy does not come home because he lives in the prison.” On the last day of our stay, several of the women’s farewell wishes to us were that we remember them regularly in our prayers; that God continue to bring the willing-hearted to share the gospel and His love with them and to embrace their people. “We need your prayers!” they implored.
Many Navajo adults seek for jobs in the city. The city promises the beginning of improving one’s life. A city job promises financial security, improvement of living conditions, a climb up the social status, etc.. During the 10 days in the Navajo reservation, I had the opportunity to befriend a college kid, Marcus Yazzie in my VBS class. When I asked what he wishes to do after he graduates from college, whether he plans to look for a job in the city, Marcus’ prompt answer was that he wishes to work and live in his Navajo homeland. Marcus is presently studying anthropology. He says that much of the Navajo and Indian culture had been studied and written by non-natives. He wishes to add his perspective as a native Indian to the study of the Navajo and Indian culture. I could definitely feel the pride and love for his people that exuded from that answer. Marcus was the oldest in my VBS class (for high school boys) and had been the most knowledgeable when it came to the subjects that were discussed during the VBS. He had attended many VBS programs over the years and I cannot help but reflect on how God had used PaLM’s ministry in shaping this young man’s life.
Most of the kids that we met will be returning to school soon. Many will live in the dorms and will not get to see their parents, or grand-parents. For many, coming to the VBS is a once in a year exposure or reminder that our God loves them. It is my prayer that these lovely kids that we played with, that we piggy-backed, that we laughed with will grow to know of His love. It is also my prayer that God will continue to touch people to go serve on a short term missions trip to the Navajos. May God continue to shower His love on the Navajos!
It is abundantly clear that God loves this wonderful group of people in this desolate piece of earth. Coming back to New York, one can’t help but feel almost embarrassed by the abundance that we have in our lives compared to the Navajos. Most things are available to us at a stone’s throw, be it groceries, a quick sandwich from a deli, supplies, etc.. Our Navajo friends are used to living with the closest grocery store perhaps an hour’s drive away. Yet, they live through life with a calm resoluteness and a simple smile.
Whilst most of our kids spend their time fingering away with game consoles or texting with each other on their latest electronic gear, the Navajo kids gave us a refreshing reminder that the best play ground exists in God’s very creations around us. We saw these kids climb effortlessly up trees, roll their bodies over soil, throw handfuls of mud lumps (in lieu of snow balls) at each other or simply jump into a mud-water puddle for the fun of it. For them, seeing rain that shower upon this barren land one or two weeks in a year is a rich heavenly blessing in itself.
The Navajos suffer from the same worldly plight that threatens to enslave us. The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life weighs heavily on our Navajo friends as much as they do on us city dwellers. Kids are introduced to drugs in school. Many young adults fall to the temptation of temporary highs from alcohol. Families suffer from broken marriages. One young kid when asked about her father nonchalantly answered, “my daddy does not come home because he lives in the prison.” On the last day of our stay, several of the women’s farewell wishes to us were that we remember them regularly in our prayers; that God continue to bring the willing-hearted to share the gospel and His love with them and to embrace their people. “We need your prayers!” they implored.
Many Navajo adults seek for jobs in the city. The city promises the beginning of improving one’s life. A city job promises financial security, improvement of living conditions, a climb up the social status, etc.. During the 10 days in the Navajo reservation, I had the opportunity to befriend a college kid, Marcus Yazzie in my VBS class. When I asked what he wishes to do after he graduates from college, whether he plans to look for a job in the city, Marcus’ prompt answer was that he wishes to work and live in his Navajo homeland. Marcus is presently studying anthropology. He says that much of the Navajo and Indian culture had been studied and written by non-natives. He wishes to add his perspective as a native Indian to the study of the Navajo and Indian culture. I could definitely feel the pride and love for his people that exuded from that answer. Marcus was the oldest in my VBS class (for high school boys) and had been the most knowledgeable when it came to the subjects that were discussed during the VBS. He had attended many VBS programs over the years and I cannot help but reflect on how God had used PaLM’s ministry in shaping this young man’s life.
Most of the kids that we met will be returning to school soon. Many will live in the dorms and will not get to see their parents, or grand-parents. For many, coming to the VBS is a once in a year exposure or reminder that our God loves them. It is my prayer that these lovely kids that we played with, that we piggy-backed, that we laughed with will grow to know of His love. It is also my prayer that God will continue to touch people to go serve on a short term missions trip to the Navajos. May God continue to shower His love on the Navajos!
2013 Marion Tang
When I fully retired in June, 2012, I had all this extra time… but what should I do with the time? I prayed that God would show me how to serve him. It was an answered prayer when Howard made a PaLM STM presentation at my church.
It was amazing how God worked. I have known Howard for over 40 years and knew about his missions trips to Arizona. In all those years, I never gave a thought to joining him, even though I had friends who were going on the STM. Isn’t it ironic that this year, when I finally heard God’s calling, that I knew no one on the STM team, except Howard? I think God wanted me to be totally dependent on Him.
I did not know what to expect. I was just open to whatever God had to show me. What He showed me was a beautiful people.
The Navajo people were a very dignified, gentle, generous, and proud people. I enjoyed the time I spent speaking to the adult women, who shared with me their joys and difficulties. I was deeply touched when they gave me several gifts of their hands. Although, the children did not have much, they were happy. They played with what was around them. They dug in the dirt, building tunnels (much like what U.S. kids would do at the beach); they used their imagination, wielding broken branches as guns and rifles; they climbed and swung from trees, caught lizards, etc. They enjoyed their natural surroundings, all provided by God.
Many months prior to the missions trip, I discovered that my local library provided free craft workshops. Since the time was near Chinese New Year’s, they introduced us to some of the simpler celebratory hangings (made from red envelopes) that one sees around Chinatown during the week of New Year’s. In retrospect, this was God’s way of preparing me for the trip. Since the Navajo women enjoyed working with their hands and were interested in Chinese culture, Howard thought that it was a good idea to introduce them to Chinese crafts and to give a short history of Chinese New Year. I decided to introduce the Navajo women to making a Chinese lantern, coin, and fish. I saw God’s hand working again, when, through a connection with one of the STM team members, PaLM received a donation of 2000 Chinese red envelopes. And again, on the week of the trip, the mini staplers that I needed for the project were on sale at Staples for 42% off. Each day, the class was full with about 20 adults. Thankfully, my STM team members, Anna and KaMing were available to help out. It was gratifying for me to see the Navajo women’s enthusiasm as they worked on their projects. These projects were well-suited for the women, since they were able to hang and display the works of their hands in their homes.
I also taught a VBS lesson. This was something I did not voluntarily do; I thought I had to teach a lesson (I really just wanted to concentrate on perfecting the Chinese crafts). Since my background was teaching, I knew how much time it took to research, prepare, and present a good lesson. I was not eager to spend all that time. I prayed about the lesson preparation and presentation. My lesson centered on the role of the Holy Spirit. I wrote a preliminary lesson, following some teaching points that we were told to highlight. I looked through some basic Christian books I had at home and prayed about how to present the teaching points. Remembering during the training session that the Navajo tended to be a quiet group, I revised my lesson to allow for easy participation. My point was for them to see how a Navajo guide would be very helpful in showing me, a new person to their reservation, how to live on the rez. Similarly, God had sent us a spiritual guide, the Holy Spirit, to show us, new/young or old/experienced Christians, how to live on earth.
One of the teaching points was that the Holy Spirit reminds us of the Bible’s teachings. I used the passage from Gal 5:16, 19-21 “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy, drunkenness, orgies, and the like.” I was quite content to just have the Navajo read this list and leave it at that. But one of the PaLM committee members suggested that I describe each act. (Oh no! more preparation time). I protested that it would take too long for the time allotted for class. But, in the end, I knew I had to define each act to make the passage more meaningful. After the lesson, several women thanked me for the lesson. One of the adult women said that it was a message that they needed to hear, especially the section on discord, dissensions, and factions. It seemed their pastor had difficulty telling “warring” factions that hating each other was wrong. He was afraid of being accused of taking the side of one clan over another. I guess God used me as His messenger to bring home His truth.
So, if you like serving people and like experiencing new adventures, sign up for the next STM to Arizona and see how God can use the gifts He has given you. You will be blessed, as I was!
It was amazing how God worked. I have known Howard for over 40 years and knew about his missions trips to Arizona. In all those years, I never gave a thought to joining him, even though I had friends who were going on the STM. Isn’t it ironic that this year, when I finally heard God’s calling, that I knew no one on the STM team, except Howard? I think God wanted me to be totally dependent on Him.
I did not know what to expect. I was just open to whatever God had to show me. What He showed me was a beautiful people.
The Navajo people were a very dignified, gentle, generous, and proud people. I enjoyed the time I spent speaking to the adult women, who shared with me their joys and difficulties. I was deeply touched when they gave me several gifts of their hands. Although, the children did not have much, they were happy. They played with what was around them. They dug in the dirt, building tunnels (much like what U.S. kids would do at the beach); they used their imagination, wielding broken branches as guns and rifles; they climbed and swung from trees, caught lizards, etc. They enjoyed their natural surroundings, all provided by God.
Many months prior to the missions trip, I discovered that my local library provided free craft workshops. Since the time was near Chinese New Year’s, they introduced us to some of the simpler celebratory hangings (made from red envelopes) that one sees around Chinatown during the week of New Year’s. In retrospect, this was God’s way of preparing me for the trip. Since the Navajo women enjoyed working with their hands and were interested in Chinese culture, Howard thought that it was a good idea to introduce them to Chinese crafts and to give a short history of Chinese New Year. I decided to introduce the Navajo women to making a Chinese lantern, coin, and fish. I saw God’s hand working again, when, through a connection with one of the STM team members, PaLM received a donation of 2000 Chinese red envelopes. And again, on the week of the trip, the mini staplers that I needed for the project were on sale at Staples for 42% off. Each day, the class was full with about 20 adults. Thankfully, my STM team members, Anna and KaMing were available to help out. It was gratifying for me to see the Navajo women’s enthusiasm as they worked on their projects. These projects were well-suited for the women, since they were able to hang and display the works of their hands in their homes.
I also taught a VBS lesson. This was something I did not voluntarily do; I thought I had to teach a lesson (I really just wanted to concentrate on perfecting the Chinese crafts). Since my background was teaching, I knew how much time it took to research, prepare, and present a good lesson. I was not eager to spend all that time. I prayed about the lesson preparation and presentation. My lesson centered on the role of the Holy Spirit. I wrote a preliminary lesson, following some teaching points that we were told to highlight. I looked through some basic Christian books I had at home and prayed about how to present the teaching points. Remembering during the training session that the Navajo tended to be a quiet group, I revised my lesson to allow for easy participation. My point was for them to see how a Navajo guide would be very helpful in showing me, a new person to their reservation, how to live on the rez. Similarly, God had sent us a spiritual guide, the Holy Spirit, to show us, new/young or old/experienced Christians, how to live on earth.
One of the teaching points was that the Holy Spirit reminds us of the Bible’s teachings. I used the passage from Gal 5:16, 19-21 “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy, drunkenness, orgies, and the like.” I was quite content to just have the Navajo read this list and leave it at that. But one of the PaLM committee members suggested that I describe each act. (Oh no! more preparation time). I protested that it would take too long for the time allotted for class. But, in the end, I knew I had to define each act to make the passage more meaningful. After the lesson, several women thanked me for the lesson. One of the adult women said that it was a message that they needed to hear, especially the section on discord, dissensions, and factions. It seemed their pastor had difficulty telling “warring” factions that hating each other was wrong. He was afraid of being accused of taking the side of one clan over another. I guess God used me as His messenger to bring home His truth.
So, if you like serving people and like experiencing new adventures, sign up for the next STM to Arizona and see how God can use the gifts He has given you. You will be blessed, as I was!
2012 Natalie Huang
Natalie, her brother Barry, and a few Navajo friends
Remembering my past years in Arizona made me eager to sign up again. Memories of the dry yet beautiful land and the people who I had fallen in love with kept pushing me to go. When I had finally signed up, I found that I felt less excited to go. Still, when we finally arrived on the Reservation, I was reminded of how much I really care for these people. The differences and surprising similarities of my world and theirs once again amazed me. I instantly reconnected with old friends and got to know new ones. Since this trip was my fourth, I found it easy to get along with the Navajos. When I looked around I saw my teammates struggling in the different environment. It was such an encouragement to see them striving to show God's love to these people. Coming back home to New York, I found myself missing everything about the Navajos. I was truly blessed to be able to help God's people. This trip really taught me to be humble before God, and countless times, my patience was tested. Honestly saying, the trip was stressful, but just being able to fellowship and worship with the Navajos was enough for me to look pass the trials and see the beauty of God's love. Natalie
2011 Joseph Chang
Joseph with Clayton and Wyatt
If one word could describe a short-term mission trip to Little Black Spot Mountain on the Navajo Reservation, it would be “challenge.” As this was my first“leaving my comfort zone” short-term mission experience, it was for me a challenge from God to see if I was willing to follow His lead and hear His voice. Why would missions be considered a challenge? I always wanted to go to Arizona with my sister after hearing her stories from her ten years of experience. Maybe it’s because I knew that during the summer I don’t walk consistently enough to be prepared for the mission. Maybe I didn’t want to write my lessons out because coming up with crafts and relatable questions for junior and senior high school guys were really hard to do. Whatever doubts there were, I accepted God’s challenge to serve both the Navajos and my fellow team members.
God’s challenge didn’t stop with just the training and preparations for the trip. When we arrived in Arizona, both making crafts and teaching the VBS portions posed a challenge to my creativity and patience, respectively. I would say I enjoy doing crafts and occasionally helping one or two people make a craft, but God stretched me to help a group of eight with an age range of three to forty. Then teaching for the first few days with quiet students wasn’t very encouraging but through knowing my identity in Christ and sharing about myself, the class was more open.
One thing I was constantly reminded of during the trip was the fact that “the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son”(Hebrew 12:5-6). God showed His love to me through disciplining me through these trials and also by the actions of the Navajo. As I was supposed to man the Bohnanza (aka the bean game) and teach the rules so that the Navajos and the team could play with each other, God showed me He loved me when the Navajo pretty much said the game had no meaning if I didn’t play with them. This startled me because I didn’t think a game could influence and open people up so that the gospel can be shared. I would look forward to going another year if God calls again despite these challenges. Joseph
God’s challenge didn’t stop with just the training and preparations for the trip. When we arrived in Arizona, both making crafts and teaching the VBS portions posed a challenge to my creativity and patience, respectively. I would say I enjoy doing crafts and occasionally helping one or two people make a craft, but God stretched me to help a group of eight with an age range of three to forty. Then teaching for the first few days with quiet students wasn’t very encouraging but through knowing my identity in Christ and sharing about myself, the class was more open.
One thing I was constantly reminded of during the trip was the fact that “the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son”(Hebrew 12:5-6). God showed His love to me through disciplining me through these trials and also by the actions of the Navajo. As I was supposed to man the Bohnanza (aka the bean game) and teach the rules so that the Navajos and the team could play with each other, God showed me He loved me when the Navajo pretty much said the game had no meaning if I didn’t play with them. This startled me because I didn’t think a game could influence and open people up so that the gospel can be shared. I would look forward to going another year if God calls again despite these challenges. Joseph