Christ arose... and So Has Virginia

As I write, it's Easter - Resurrection Sunday! I love to preach any time, any place. But there's something special about presenting the gospel on Easter.

Which is why Bro. Mark Chandler didn't have to twist my arm too hard in getting me to preach for him as he and his family took some vacation. I quickly accepted his invitation, agreeing to spend the day in Gallup, with First Indian Baptist Church.

Worship was great! Karen, the kids, and I even learned a couple of new hymns in Navajo. You'd have to ask the congregation what they thought of the message, but the invitation was wonderful. Several people came forward for prayer: three for their family as they grieve the death of a brother; two confessing sin, rededicating their lives to the Lord. God was clearly at work as people expressed needs and others prayed for them.

As we closed the invitation, I made one final gospel appeal. "We may be closing the service," I said, "but this doesn't mean your opportunity to receive Christ is over. We're about to pray, then share a meal together. So, if at anytime you want to speak about trusting your life to Jesus Christ, just come to me and say, 'Jim, I need Jesus.'"

Well, after the potluck, just as I was saying goodbye, Virginia approached me. "Jim, I need Jesus." That's all she needed to say. I called one of the women from the church to join me. We found a corner. And I shared the gospel with Virginia. Right then and there she trusted Christ as her personal Lord and Savior.

So this Easter we commemorate two resurrrections: Christ's, through whom we have salvation, and Virginia, who placed her faith in Him, thus gaining hers.

Pray for Virginia as she begins her new life in Christ. Pray for Beverly, Renee, and the women of First Indian as they minister to her. Pray for Pastor Mark Chandler as he leads the church. And pray for me, as I seek to encourage and resource them, that Christ would be glorified among the Navajo people in Gallup.

To His Glory!

Bro. Jim

Update on Crownpoint Area and Nahodishgish

In a previous post I mentioned an area where God is opening the door for ministry, just west of Crownpoint. The community is Nahodishgish, in the Navajo Nation. God is moving there in such a way that the people are asking for a church.

I knew when I began this assignment that church planting would be a priority, but I was thinking of places where we saw the need. In most of these places, people aren’t lining up asking us to come in. But at Nahodishgish, this is what’s happening.

It began as I was following up with a family to whom I was introduced back in November. A relationship with them led to an invitation to a chapter meeting, where I sought approval to bring in a summer mission team. Well, when the people voted on my request they went far beyind granting approval. They asked if we could open the abandoned church building in the chapter. As is stands now, they intend on approaching the current leaseholder about reopening the church. If they cannot do it, then the people want the chapter to reclaim the property and make it available to our association.

Nothing is guaranteed yet, but God is clearly at work here. We will know more after the team's work this summer. Still, pray for this community. Pray that God would deliver this church building to us for a new church start. Pray also for Him to raise up someone to sheperd this new congregation in His name.

To His Glory!
Jim