|
 |
UIM International connects with people at many levels and many ways. As we reflect back on 2011 and enter 2012 and beyond, we realize the gospel has wide ranging impact in people's lives. It's truly exciting.
The Native people groups of Canada, United States and Mexico, where UIM missionaries serve, represent a complex of cultures and sub-cultures very much intact, rooted in deeply entrenched tradition as well as impacted by a confluence of political, governmental history as well as cultural dynamics. All this works together to make the challenge of reaching these First People Groups a most challenging task.
UIM connects with young and old, in new and innovative ways as well as familiar tried and tested methods. In this issue of UIM Connection, you will receive a few more snap-shots of the ways and means by which the gospel is being proclaimed, relationships are solidified and local churches are being established.
These are ministries that receive little national attention or wide media acknowlegement, and yet each is known to the Lord and empowered by the Holy Spirit. God is sovereignly at work, and we have the privilege of being stewards of His marvelous grace.
As you are connected with UIM today, remember to pray and seek the Lord on behalf of each area of ministry that is UIM International. People are being changed and transformed by the power of God's grace in Christ Jesus.
Thank you for being a part of the UIM Connection! Please pass the good word along. Feel free to forward this on to your family and friends, and use it to encourage your local church missions program.
I am grateful for your partnership and participation in the gospel!
In Christ Jesus,
Daniel P. Fredericks
UIM Executive Director
 | | Dan Fredericks |
|
|
Generous Giving
Thanks to the generosity of many people in the United States, Christmas gifts were given to adults and children both in Arizona and New Mexico. The Navajo/Hopi Relocation Act forced many Navajos to relocate to the Navajo/Hopi Reservations near Sanders, Arizona, and Ft. Wingate and Thoreau, New Mexico, with the promise of jobs and economic development. Since those things never materialized, many of the people have turned bitter. As a result, large social problems such as family problems, alcoholism, and suicide exist. Poverty is very common.
In Sanders some of the adults were given a turkey and some groceries. Children were given toys; some of them received new jackets and other clothing. Some of the ladies got blankets. Jerry and Linda Yonnie, who faithfully pastor the Líchíí ' Deez' áhí Bible Church in Sanders, delivered the goods, presented the Christmas story, and extended an invitation to each person to receive Christ as his/her personal Savior. Each person was very appreciative of the kindness.
 | | Linda Yonnie delivering donated presents |
At the Ft. Wingate boarding school, Ruth Douglas, Ann Kontz, and Mark and Gina Morris gave out 160 shoe boxes donated by a church in Kansas, full of practical items for each child. More boxes were taken to Alice Largo in Winslow, Arizona, to distribute.
A different church in Kansas sent 65 of the same type of boxes, a church from California sent some new coats, and a gentleman from Southwest Colorado continues to bring donations of coats, clothing, and toys to the
 | | Gina Morris and young girl |
Morrises to distribute throughout the Mariano Lake and Thoreau, New Mexico, communities. (Mark is the senior pastor at the Mariano Lake Community Church, and this Christmas his daughter Rachel directed the Sunday School Christmas play, so that many of the children were able to experience the true story of Christmas.)
Annually, a church from Osborne, California, comes to Broken Arrow Bible Ranch to organize a distribution for 25 Native churches in the Gallup, New Mexico, area. Gifts were also given to the 90 or so people who came to the neighborhood Bible study Christmas dinner at BABR--shoeboxes for the children and youth and boxes of food for each family represented.
None of this could have been done without the generous giving of people like you. We are very thankful for your kindness. May God richly bless you.
|
 |
|
God at Work
Broken Arrow Bible Ranch
There was no heavy snow or extreme cold weather for Broken Arrow Bible Ranch's winter youth retreat in December. But, there was something far more enduring shared those last few days of 2011 to well over 100 campers. It was the message of faith and forgiveness proclaimed not just in chapel but with everything that was done. In a world of disappontment and hurt, the choice of belief based on the promises of God or doubt founded in the lies of Satan can be made. Many were bold to share their story of belief that last day of the retreat because of the hope that lies within them and the desire to encourage others in their faith. Thank you, Lord, for raising up a new generation with a heart for You!
In fact, the number one reason so many of the campers come back to Broken Arrow Bible Ranch is that God is at work here. There are great friends to meet, fun activities, good food, but, in all of it, there is something inescapable. People are having fun doing dishes, changing trash, and even mopping the bathroom floor. "Who is that guy fixing the air-hockey tables? Seems like he was bringing in fire wood last I saw him." "Well, that's Chuck Williams who comes out every summer. He works with Bruce on maintenance and will do anything that needs to be done." Talk about God at work!
You see, God is not just talked about at BABR. He is "God with us" and His Spirit lives in us. He gives us strength. He helps us when we're weak and guides us along life's path. He's everything to us. Our gaze is on the cross, where Jesus died for our sins, and we live for Him in the power of the risen Savior. What good news for a lost and dying world!
|
|
|
