The Fields Are Ripe for Harvest

Last week I was given a tour of the Crownpoint area by Daniel Clymer and his father, Richard. Daniel pastors at Jemez Pueblo and serves as the Native American Consultant for the Baptist Convention of New Mexico. Thirty years ago Richard served as pastor at Crownpoint. They wished to familiarize me with the area, in the hope of soon beginning a new church there.

Back when Bro. Richard served there, the Crownpoint church was at least as strong as other Native American churches in Western Association. But as often happens among God's people, a series of unfortunate events led to the collapse of the ministry. Today I pray for a new start. Given Crownpoint's size (appx. 3000 population) and role (home to offices for the Eastern Agency of the Navajo Nation), this community is a priority site for new work.

Church planters will tell you that starting a new church anyplace is tough. My observation is that starting one in a Native American community where our previous work has died is even more so. As Henry Blackaby says, it's a God sized task.

But on this visit I saw how God was already at work, making a way for our new church. Bro. Richard introduced me to two sisters whom he baptized three decades before. Still remembering his ministry with them, they welcomed him as if he had never left. More pertinent to my purpose there, they welcomed me. And I learned they they would welcome a Bible study for their community, even hosting it in one of their homes.

There is a long way to go before we have a new church at Crownpoint. God must raise up a church planter who can serve there long-term. And there is more prospect discovery to be done and resources to be found. But God has given us some persons of peace. There is an open door to open hearts. This leaves me with little doubt that, as Jesus said, the fields are ripe for harvest (John 4:35).

Pray for Crownpoint... that God would raise up a church planter... that we would see His provision... and that a new church would emerge there faithfully calling people to faith in our risen Lord.

To His Glory!

Bro. Jim