As I write, we are in the midest of the silmultaneous revival effort with our Native American congregations. Fifty-one churches from Louisiana have come to assist Indian churches in New Mexico with intentional evangelistic efforts. As of the close of Wednesday's activities, there have been 21 professions of faith. With most revivals running through Thursday, and several teams working through next weekend, I trust that the final report will have even more to rejoice about.
But what excites me most are the long-term partnerships emerging between churches. Congregations are partnering for more than this week. Many of the Louisiana churches are committing to return, with some committing to three or more years of joint ministry. This is an answer to prayer.
Why are these partnerships so crucial? Because this mission field is not as ripe a field as others. There are some places where the foundation of the gospel has been laid, and groups will work to see many come to faith. But out here this is not often the case. Oh, the gospel has been present for more than 100 years. And we have reached a share of the population so that they are serving our Lord through many congregations. Still, the best estimate from the Baptist Convention of New Mexico is that 95% of the persons in the four counties I serve are lost. And most of them are absolutely committed to their present way of life.
Our team from First Baptist Church, Sulfur, Louisiana, discovered this reality first hand. Last week, while serving in Nahodishgish (see previous posts), they were well received by members of the church I am starting. In fact, they were well received by the entire community. Even the Chapter Coordinator gave them an open door for ministry. But he also spoke clearly about how he preferrs his traditional beliefs. As he explained, his mother was a Christian, and he supports the community having a healthy church; but, as for himself, he will not turn his back on the traditional Navajo beliefs of his father.
I can't tell you how many Navajo I have met who feel as he does. They know the gospel, and they like what it teaches; but, in the end, they reject it. This is the prevalent mindset in most of the Navajo communities we serve.
Can our Lord soften such hearts? Absolutely! But my observation is that it takes time. Before a great harvest is seen, we must invest years in building relationships, earning trust, and demonstrating Christ-like love through service. Many don't have the patience for such. They want to come, reap whatever harvest is ready, and move out. But for genuine revival and awakening to take place out here, we must take the time to work the field.
I personally believe this to be true across the country, not just in Indian country (I'll save that rant for another post). Everyone loves the harvest, but many have grown impatient with sowing and watering. And don't get me wrong. I long for days of great harvest. But, as I read scripture, I see that the harvest is promised to those who persevere in preparing for it: "Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up," (Gal. 6:9).
So, while I rejoice in the fruit born this week, I am especially grateful for those who have given themselves to sowing, watering, and everything else. With you I eagerly anticipate the harvest yet to come through our faithfulness.
To His Glory!
Bro. Jim
But what excites me most are the long-term partnerships emerging between churches. Congregations are partnering for more than this week. Many of the Louisiana churches are committing to return, with some committing to three or more years of joint ministry. This is an answer to prayer.
Why are these partnerships so crucial? Because this mission field is not as ripe a field as others. There are some places where the foundation of the gospel has been laid, and groups will work to see many come to faith. But out here this is not often the case. Oh, the gospel has been present for more than 100 years. And we have reached a share of the population so that they are serving our Lord through many congregations. Still, the best estimate from the Baptist Convention of New Mexico is that 95% of the persons in the four counties I serve are lost. And most of them are absolutely committed to their present way of life.
Our team from First Baptist Church, Sulfur, Louisiana, discovered this reality first hand. Last week, while serving in Nahodishgish (see previous posts), they were well received by members of the church I am starting. In fact, they were well received by the entire community. Even the Chapter Coordinator gave them an open door for ministry. But he also spoke clearly about how he preferrs his traditional beliefs. As he explained, his mother was a Christian, and he supports the community having a healthy church; but, as for himself, he will not turn his back on the traditional Navajo beliefs of his father.
I can't tell you how many Navajo I have met who feel as he does. They know the gospel, and they like what it teaches; but, in the end, they reject it. This is the prevalent mindset in most of the Navajo communities we serve.
Can our Lord soften such hearts? Absolutely! But my observation is that it takes time. Before a great harvest is seen, we must invest years in building relationships, earning trust, and demonstrating Christ-like love through service. Many don't have the patience for such. They want to come, reap whatever harvest is ready, and move out. But for genuine revival and awakening to take place out here, we must take the time to work the field.
I personally believe this to be true across the country, not just in Indian country (I'll save that rant for another post). Everyone loves the harvest, but many have grown impatient with sowing and watering. And don't get me wrong. I long for days of great harvest. But, as I read scripture, I see that the harvest is promised to those who persevere in preparing for it: "Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up," (Gal. 6:9).
So, while I rejoice in the fruit born this week, I am especially grateful for those who have given themselves to sowing, watering, and everything else. With you I eagerly anticipate the harvest yet to come through our faithfulness.
To His Glory!
Bro. Jim
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