Hello ,

I've just returned from Arizona where I visited the two Navajo Wesleyan churches that are now part of the Pacific Southwest District.  It was so good to see Rev. Ben and Bettie Yazzie and Pastor Darwin and Ann Tsosie and their families again.

I was also blessed to meet with Revs. Tom and Huron Claus in Phoenix.  Tom founded an international Native discipleship and equipping ministry, called CHIEF, in the early 70's.  His son, Huron, is now the director. 

I did not know that these Mohawk leaders have a long history of connection to the Wesleyan Church and Wesleyan Native American Ministries.  In fact, Tom, at the age of 18, preached the very first sermon at the very first Native Wesleyan church.  That church, Sioux Chapel (now called He Sapa New Life Wesleyan Church), was founded in Rapid City, SD in 1948.  Tom fondly recalls that he received his first preaching license from Rev. J. F. Simpson, who was the Dakota District's Superintendent at the time.

I praise the Lord for the Wesleyan Church's 60 year history of ministry among Native Americans.  And I thank Him for the role you play, through your prayer and financial support, in helping us multiply Native believers, leaders and churches throughout the US and Canada.

In Christ,

Rich Avery
Director