2019 Allison Eng
Allison with Daylia
I’ve never been on a missions trip before, and coming into 2019, the idea of missions constantly filled my mind. I had just returned from Intervarsity’s Urbana Conference, which emphasizes global missions and teaches college students how to be a witness on their campus and to the world. So maybe it was just an “Urbana high” and I figured I would probably forget about it after a month or two. But even after time passed, I still felt the Lord telling me to go and take a step of faith. I remembered this trip and saw the application and considered applying, but was unsure of how I wanted to spend my summer. I missed the deadline and told myself, “Maybe next year.” But the application re-opened and I felt that was God’s way of telling me to go, and I’m so glad to have answered His call.
God’s love, faithfulness, and protection were on full display throughout the trip. We had learned that the higher elevation can trigger asthma and that was one of my main concerns. Even though I haven’t had an attack since I was a child, I was worried it might act up in the new environment. Praise God though, my asthma didn’t give me any problems, and I was able to play sports, run, hike and give piggyback rides to the kids. As the Lord lifted this burden off of my shoulders, I was able to focus more on the Navajo people.
The Navajo welcomed us with open arms. I won’t forget the children’s faces when they were coming out of the vans – their faces of excitement and joy as if they were being reunited with family. During VBS, I was a teacher for the 4th-5th graders and they were all very open in sharing their personal stories. Through our discussions, I was able to see the seeds that were already planted and was thankful to God for allowing me to help those seeds grow. By making crafts, playing games, teaching Bible lessons and simply just eating meals together, we were able to share Christ’s love with the Navajo.
One memorable moment was Sunday worship. While worship at Urbana was awesome, worship in this small church felt just as amazing. It really felt as if God’s spirit was moving within the church, out the windows, and around Little Black Spot Mountain. It was amazing singing with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ and I pray that God was able to open the hearts of the Navajo that were there that day.
I’m so grateful I answered the Lord’s call to go out to the Navajo Reservation. I was able to see the beauty of God’s creation, not only during the canyon trips, but also during our worship times, VBS days, and in our interactions and relationships with the Navajo.
God’s love, faithfulness, and protection were on full display throughout the trip. We had learned that the higher elevation can trigger asthma and that was one of my main concerns. Even though I haven’t had an attack since I was a child, I was worried it might act up in the new environment. Praise God though, my asthma didn’t give me any problems, and I was able to play sports, run, hike and give piggyback rides to the kids. As the Lord lifted this burden off of my shoulders, I was able to focus more on the Navajo people.
The Navajo welcomed us with open arms. I won’t forget the children’s faces when they were coming out of the vans – their faces of excitement and joy as if they were being reunited with family. During VBS, I was a teacher for the 4th-5th graders and they were all very open in sharing their personal stories. Through our discussions, I was able to see the seeds that were already planted and was thankful to God for allowing me to help those seeds grow. By making crafts, playing games, teaching Bible lessons and simply just eating meals together, we were able to share Christ’s love with the Navajo.
One memorable moment was Sunday worship. While worship at Urbana was awesome, worship in this small church felt just as amazing. It really felt as if God’s spirit was moving within the church, out the windows, and around Little Black Spot Mountain. It was amazing singing with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ and I pray that God was able to open the hearts of the Navajo that were there that day.
I’m so grateful I answered the Lord’s call to go out to the Navajo Reservation. I was able to see the beauty of God’s creation, not only during the canyon trips, but also during our worship times, VBS days, and in our interactions and relationships with the Navajo.
2019 Jason Lau
Jason with Brandon Yazzie
This was my first short-term missions trip and I absolutely will not forget what I experienced and learned. I could see how God blessed me mightily because prior to going, I was hesitant about my plans for the summer. Despite my worries, God found a way for me to join the team and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to go and meet everyone on the trip. I also learned that when I put God first, He will provide. Prior to this trip, I had never had to fundraise before. In doing so, God blew me away with the number of people who supported me financially and in prayer!
When we arrived on the Reservation, the Navajos welcomed us like long lost friends. I noticed an especially strong bond between the Navajo and those team members who had been on this trip one, or more times, before. This bond nurtured their relationship as well as facilitated their spiritual conversations.
During the Vacation Bible School sessions at Dzit Da Zhini Bible Church, I taught my junior high students about the wonders of Jesus. My students, who were Draven, Silas, D’Andro, and Jayden prayed together for rain due to the drought they were experiencing, protection from the heat, and the struggles in their lives. On the last day, we shared an emotional last meal at the mission compound and I got the chance to pray with many of the Navajos about their lives, spirituality, and their land. Through all this, I really saw how much God loves the Navajo people.
Now that I am home, I miss seeing the friends I made at Little Black Spot Mountain. We still keep in touch and continue to grow our relationships.
When we arrived on the Reservation, the Navajos welcomed us like long lost friends. I noticed an especially strong bond between the Navajo and those team members who had been on this trip one, or more times, before. This bond nurtured their relationship as well as facilitated their spiritual conversations.
During the Vacation Bible School sessions at Dzit Da Zhini Bible Church, I taught my junior high students about the wonders of Jesus. My students, who were Draven, Silas, D’Andro, and Jayden prayed together for rain due to the drought they were experiencing, protection from the heat, and the struggles in their lives. On the last day, we shared an emotional last meal at the mission compound and I got the chance to pray with many of the Navajos about their lives, spirituality, and their land. Through all this, I really saw how much God loves the Navajo people.
Now that I am home, I miss seeing the friends I made at Little Black Spot Mountain. We still keep in touch and continue to grow our relationships.
2018 Richard Choy
Richard and his wife, Edwina
I was a single young man in 1992 when I last participated on a Navajo short-term missions trip. That year was PaLM’s inaugural trip to the Reservation. Prior to 1992, I had gone to the Reservation two previous times with my home church, The New York Chinese Baptist Church. In 2018 our family sensed God’s call to go as a family. After much prayer, my wife Edwina and two sons: Ethan and Samuel, answered God’s call to serve as a family on this meaningful adventure!
Personally, I had a few apprehensions about going this time around. I was (much) older and less in physical shape; I also had a few spiritual concerns occupying my thoughts. But by God’s grace, I was able to find enough energy to meet each day’s challenges; it was like riding a bike, you don’t forget! Plus, I was able to sort out my issues and reaffirm my faith in God during the trip.
This “vacation with a purpose” was my first time participating on a Vacation Bible School for Adults – it was tough work as I was out of my element. My previous 3 commitments were participating on work projects where I helped re-shingle a roof (1992), re-point a stone wall (1991) and pour a concrete sidewalk (1990). My current responsibilities included assembling the day’s teaching materials along with the associated craft of the day. It was challenging but comfortable, a rewarding experience contributing and working with others advancing God’s mission.
As I surveyed the surroundings at Navajo Gospel Mission compound I could see that much had changed in 25 years; the hot desert sun had taken its toll on the building structures. The building I had originally bunked in was dilapidated and no longer able to serve as a resting place after a long day’s hard work; I miss those gang toilet stalls without doors, LOL! Our current sleeping accommodations, which included a private bathroom and door, were much more refined.
Upon seeing Mattie’s home, my memory flashed back to my previous trips when large evening crowds gathered for an old-fashioned tent meeting. After so many years I finally saw a physically established church building with a supporting open field house nearby; it was wonderful to see the structures being used for God’s purposes during our extended week there!
This annual PaLM short-term mission trip has been a consistent commitment for both its assembled team of volunteers and the Navajo people. I witnessed God’s blessings while I was there; large turnouts of young and old guests gathering comfortably together for fellowship as brothers and sisters in Christ. The region suffers from a severe drought but there were brief rain showers every day; sprinkles to heavy rains greeted us during our extended stay. In the evening when there was a clear sky, ideal conditions arose to see millions of stars above. And lastly, the three vans and one SUV rode over rough unpaved dirt roads for hundreds of miles but we never got one flat for the entire missions trip!
I’m pleased to see this missions trip encouraging entire families to participate on the trip. It gives the current and next generation opportunities to experience and learn together what is needed to serve God in his mission field.
In summary, this year’s short-term mission trip definitely added a few new memories to the old ones – new friends, new feelings and new thoughts. I pray God’s ministry and outreach for the Navajo people continue strong for the indefinite future with PaLM leading the way.
Personally, I had a few apprehensions about going this time around. I was (much) older and less in physical shape; I also had a few spiritual concerns occupying my thoughts. But by God’s grace, I was able to find enough energy to meet each day’s challenges; it was like riding a bike, you don’t forget! Plus, I was able to sort out my issues and reaffirm my faith in God during the trip.
This “vacation with a purpose” was my first time participating on a Vacation Bible School for Adults – it was tough work as I was out of my element. My previous 3 commitments were participating on work projects where I helped re-shingle a roof (1992), re-point a stone wall (1991) and pour a concrete sidewalk (1990). My current responsibilities included assembling the day’s teaching materials along with the associated craft of the day. It was challenging but comfortable, a rewarding experience contributing and working with others advancing God’s mission.
As I surveyed the surroundings at Navajo Gospel Mission compound I could see that much had changed in 25 years; the hot desert sun had taken its toll on the building structures. The building I had originally bunked in was dilapidated and no longer able to serve as a resting place after a long day’s hard work; I miss those gang toilet stalls without doors, LOL! Our current sleeping accommodations, which included a private bathroom and door, were much more refined.
Upon seeing Mattie’s home, my memory flashed back to my previous trips when large evening crowds gathered for an old-fashioned tent meeting. After so many years I finally saw a physically established church building with a supporting open field house nearby; it was wonderful to see the structures being used for God’s purposes during our extended week there!
This annual PaLM short-term mission trip has been a consistent commitment for both its assembled team of volunteers and the Navajo people. I witnessed God’s blessings while I was there; large turnouts of young and old guests gathering comfortably together for fellowship as brothers and sisters in Christ. The region suffers from a severe drought but there were brief rain showers every day; sprinkles to heavy rains greeted us during our extended stay. In the evening when there was a clear sky, ideal conditions arose to see millions of stars above. And lastly, the three vans and one SUV rode over rough unpaved dirt roads for hundreds of miles but we never got one flat for the entire missions trip!
I’m pleased to see this missions trip encouraging entire families to participate on the trip. It gives the current and next generation opportunities to experience and learn together what is needed to serve God in his mission field.
In summary, this year’s short-term mission trip definitely added a few new memories to the old ones – new friends, new feelings and new thoughts. I pray God’s ministry and outreach for the Navajo people continue strong for the indefinite future with PaLM leading the way.
2017 David Lopez
David (left) with Daniel
This trip was my first missions trip ever. I didn't have any high expectations, or had prepared my mind to be seeking God at every moment. All I wanted was to go with an open heart and allow God to use me. I wasn't even particularly fond of kids.
The 10 days we spent on the reservation seemingly flew by faster than the flight we took out there. Upon my return home, I came to realize the importance of love in our lives. The children on the reservation were all so eager to receive love and affection from our team. I was overwhelmed by their energy and hunger for attention. Love is something God us and to be able to share that love with the Navajo children was nothing short of a blessing. They all had different backgrounds, but their similar response to love suggested to me that love may have been lacking in their homes. God's love is indeed an inherent necessity of ours as humans here on earth. I asked one girl what she was looking forward to most this summer. Her response was for our missions team to arrive and spend time with her. The desire for love and affection broke my heart as I reflected at home.
I also met a mother on the reservation. I learned from her how important it is to plant seeds in the lives of others. This VBS ministry has been going on for 26 years and it is safe to say that fruit has been produced. This mother attended PaLM's first VBS 26 years ago, and now her entire family is also a recipient of this ministry. In fact, I myself am a product of a VBS outreach when I was a young student. If it weren't for ministries like this one, I may have never found Jesus and I firmly believe in the power of planting seeds through VBS.
I've been inspired to not view this trip as just a trip, but rather a relationship building mission. It would give me so much joy to see more families come back in 26 years and have God's kingdom multiply exponentially.
The 10 days we spent on the reservation seemingly flew by faster than the flight we took out there. Upon my return home, I came to realize the importance of love in our lives. The children on the reservation were all so eager to receive love and affection from our team. I was overwhelmed by their energy and hunger for attention. Love is something God us and to be able to share that love with the Navajo children was nothing short of a blessing. They all had different backgrounds, but their similar response to love suggested to me that love may have been lacking in their homes. God's love is indeed an inherent necessity of ours as humans here on earth. I asked one girl what she was looking forward to most this summer. Her response was for our missions team to arrive and spend time with her. The desire for love and affection broke my heart as I reflected at home.
I also met a mother on the reservation. I learned from her how important it is to plant seeds in the lives of others. This VBS ministry has been going on for 26 years and it is safe to say that fruit has been produced. This mother attended PaLM's first VBS 26 years ago, and now her entire family is also a recipient of this ministry. In fact, I myself am a product of a VBS outreach when I was a young student. If it weren't for ministries like this one, I may have never found Jesus and I firmly believe in the power of planting seeds through VBS.
I've been inspired to not view this trip as just a trip, but rather a relationship building mission. It would give me so much joy to see more families come back in 26 years and have God's kingdom multiply exponentially.
2017 Daniel Chin
Daniel with Janelle and Pam
This summer was my third year going back to the Navajo reservation on PaLM's STM trip. On the first two years of this trip, I was assigned the task of teaching the junior high school boys which was in my comfort zone. But this year, I was given the unenviable task of teaching the high school and college guys. Confession: in previous years, I had avoided the seemingly intimidating older guys because (1) they usually responded to my questions with one word answers or with a nod and (2) because they were/are double my size. I had grown comfortable with the familiar routines of my first two years and was not very welcoming of this new change. After being challenged to interact with the older guys more, I eventually came to realize that my presence alone benefitted our relationship more than my futile efforts to start a conversation to fill the silence. Once those walls were broken down, conversations with them flowed like water - which is something I honestly could not have imagined happening my first two years on this trip.
This year’s trip was also unique because my college friend, David Lopez, joined the team. He ended up being my co-teacher for the high school and college guys. This worked out really well because we had previously done ministry together on campus. In truth, the entire team collaborated well to accomplish our mission at hand. It's always a blessing to be part of a team comprised of kids that exhibited a dynamic faith and adults with invaluable experiences. Regardless of age, everyone passionately loved and served our Navajo friends this summer. I encourage everyone reading this to pray for the Navajo and consider coming out to Arizona on a future trip.
This year’s trip was also unique because my college friend, David Lopez, joined the team. He ended up being my co-teacher for the high school and college guys. This worked out really well because we had previously done ministry together on campus. In truth, the entire team collaborated well to accomplish our mission at hand. It's always a blessing to be part of a team comprised of kids that exhibited a dynamic faith and adults with invaluable experiences. Regardless of age, everyone passionately loved and served our Navajo friends this summer. I encourage everyone reading this to pray for the Navajo and consider coming out to Arizona on a future trip.
2016 Nicole Cheng
Nicole standing next to Neva with LaShannon holding Serah.
In July of 2016, I went on my third Short Term Missions Trip to the Navajo Reservation in Arizona. As always, I came back to New York City a different person. Each year, I go on this trip with one goal in mind: to spread the Good News. Every time, I am blessed, as God gives me so much more -- giving me the gift of friendship and fellowship with AZ STM team members and the Navajo people.
It’s difficult to verbalize just how big of an impact the AZ STM trips have had on my life. After having gone on the trip multiple times, I have seen God move in the hearts of the Navajo, and also in me. The relationships that we form with the Navajos are sparked through Christ, and as we get closer to one another, we get closer to God. We forge indescribable bonds with each other when we pray and sing praises to God together. We feel so much love for the Navajo people because the Lord shows us how to love. The Lord teaches us how to approach people with big, open hearts.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to go on the STM trip year after year. I love watching the Navajo kids grow with the grace and joy of God within them. There is an incomparable kind of happiness when watching your brothers and sisters in Christ learn about the Lord’s Word, whether it be through fun skits or through VBS lessons.
While God’s work is apparent in the Navajo people, what might be overlooked is how God’s work is changing us. After the trips, I have felt changes in my own spirituality. I have developed a servant attitude, as I now have a feel for what it is like to serve as a missionary. My heart has grown fonder for my fellow brothers and sisters, after having my eyes opened by how much love that we, the Navajos, and God have.
The AZ STM trips are experiences that I will cherish forever; I hope to continue to be able to go on these trips. These trips extend far past the mere two weeks that we spend in Arizona -- we make an impact that lasts so much longer, as we continue to talk to one another through mail and electronic messages. Through the STM trips, I am reminded that, although we are but particles of dust in the wind, through Christ, we are given the strength and the power to move those whom we interact with. I know that God has a plan for PaLM: to minister to the Navajo people and give us insight into what it means to work for the Lord.
It’s difficult to verbalize just how big of an impact the AZ STM trips have had on my life. After having gone on the trip multiple times, I have seen God move in the hearts of the Navajo, and also in me. The relationships that we form with the Navajos are sparked through Christ, and as we get closer to one another, we get closer to God. We forge indescribable bonds with each other when we pray and sing praises to God together. We feel so much love for the Navajo people because the Lord shows us how to love. The Lord teaches us how to approach people with big, open hearts.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to go on the STM trip year after year. I love watching the Navajo kids grow with the grace and joy of God within them. There is an incomparable kind of happiness when watching your brothers and sisters in Christ learn about the Lord’s Word, whether it be through fun skits or through VBS lessons.
While God’s work is apparent in the Navajo people, what might be overlooked is how God’s work is changing us. After the trips, I have felt changes in my own spirituality. I have developed a servant attitude, as I now have a feel for what it is like to serve as a missionary. My heart has grown fonder for my fellow brothers and sisters, after having my eyes opened by how much love that we, the Navajos, and God have.
The AZ STM trips are experiences that I will cherish forever; I hope to continue to be able to go on these trips. These trips extend far past the mere two weeks that we spend in Arizona -- we make an impact that lasts so much longer, as we continue to talk to one another through mail and electronic messages. Through the STM trips, I am reminded that, although we are but particles of dust in the wind, through Christ, we are given the strength and the power to move those whom we interact with. I know that God has a plan for PaLM: to minister to the Navajo people and give us insight into what it means to work for the Lord.
2016 Jin Liu
Jin giving Neva a piggyback ride!
The Navajo have their own government, their own schools, their own towns and cities; but what they do not have is an easy life. Life on the Navajo Reservation is hard. Work is scare. People must often look outside the reservation to find a job. Things that you and I take for granted, like stores and supermarkets, are often hours away. Too frequently, homes are missing one or more parents. Only a few churches exist and those that do, there are few pastors to grow and mentor them. Such is the condition of this particular church that we reach out to each year.
Every year, in July, PaLM sends out a team from the New York/New Jersey region to the Navajo Reservation. On the reservation, we host a Vacation Bible School at the Little Black Spot Mountain Bible Church. During these several days, the team interacts with Navajo families who attend the church. We talk with the adults, play with the kids, and teach both young and old. Although we are there for only a week and a half, God has allowed us to develop close relationships with the Navajo. While we serve to bless the Navajo, we ourselves are blessed and touched by the stories of these people who are so devoted to this church’s growth, willing to walk several miles in the sun to get there.
So in 2017, I implore you to pray and consider coming on this trip to Little Black Spot Mountain. On the trip you will find out more about yourself as you help share the Gospel. I know for certain that for the four times that I went, God has taught me so much, including shaping me from being a shy, introverted person to the bold, friendly person that I am today. He can certainly do the same for you. Pray about it, and if it is the Lord’s will to send you, He will surely make it happen.
Every year, in July, PaLM sends out a team from the New York/New Jersey region to the Navajo Reservation. On the reservation, we host a Vacation Bible School at the Little Black Spot Mountain Bible Church. During these several days, the team interacts with Navajo families who attend the church. We talk with the adults, play with the kids, and teach both young and old. Although we are there for only a week and a half, God has allowed us to develop close relationships with the Navajo. While we serve to bless the Navajo, we ourselves are blessed and touched by the stories of these people who are so devoted to this church’s growth, willing to walk several miles in the sun to get there.
So in 2017, I implore you to pray and consider coming on this trip to Little Black Spot Mountain. On the trip you will find out more about yourself as you help share the Gospel. I know for certain that for the four times that I went, God has taught me so much, including shaping me from being a shy, introverted person to the bold, friendly person that I am today. He can certainly do the same for you. Pray about it, and if it is the Lord’s will to send you, He will surely make it happen.