Dear Friends in Christ,
Spring is blowing into Arizona! The winds at this time of the year get pretty vicious and we're ready for the wind to calm down. Thankfully, our new shingles are holding strong. We're so glad that job is done and appreciate those of you who helped with the cost. We don't normally have any rain until well into July and then the shingles will get their second big test.
At the beginning of April, Janet made a quick trip to the east coast. Our oldest granddaughter, Hannah Holton, was turning 16 years old and the aunts and grandmothers were having a special time together to encourage Hannah to be a godly woman. We wrote out our advice, which will be put into a scrapbook for her to hopefully read and be reminded over the years. We didn't share that with you last month, as we didn't want to spoil what was to be a surprise. It turned out that she found out what was going on ahead of time, but it was still a great time and a good opportunity to minister to our own family. We're glad to hear talk of this becoming a family tradition as each of the girls turn 16.
Late in April, Sam was asked to teach on the Navajo Reservation. The Western Navajo Bible Fellowship (WNBF) ave been holding training sessions for the pastors of their 27 churches on the western half of the Navajo Reservation. This time, the training was in regards to ordination: What is it? Why is it important? How is it done? What is a doctrinal statement and what does it include? . It turned out to be a smaller than expected attendance with only 5 churches represented, due to 2 funerals that were held on the same day. It was decided to repeat the sessions at a future time as they found them quite helpful.
Over the years, our ministry has focused on training Indian Believers to minister to their own people. What a blessing to see Believers growing in their personal walk with Christ and then reaching out to others with the Gospel. What a joy to be a part of the process.
Some of you have been praying with us for pastors that are needed for some of our native churches and have asked us for an up-date: Last month, the church in Peach Springs (Hulapai) called a pastor. Steve and Sherrie DeFord have been serving with our mission in Canada, but problems with their visas have closed that area of ministry to them. As soon as they can sell their home in Canada, they plan to move to Peach Springs and begin working there.
The church in San Carlos (Apache) is still looking for a pastor. Our director, Dave DeFord, has been preaching for them, but they still need a full-time pastor.
(Dave has had a difficult year as he struggled with some severe health problems. Thank you for praying with us for Dave & Becky. He is making a good recovery, but not back to full strength yet.)
The church in Tuba City (Navajo) is once again searching for a pastor as the one they called has been experiencing health issues and has had to resign.
Thank you for your faithful prayers and giving as we minister together for our Lord.
In Christ,
Sam & Janet Grammer
