Pray for our missionaries on the Navajo Reservation

Bessie and Arnold Betoney have returned home to the Navajo Reservation at Red Lake, Arizona, affectionately termed the "Rez." The Betoneys provide needed Biblical counseling with loving support for the 300,000 people living there.

There has been an ever increasing strain between the Navajo and the U.S. government. Back in the 50's children were extracted from their families and sent to boarding schools to be immersed in American culture and language. There is still resentment for what that did to separate families in a community-based culture. Poor living conditions exist as many still live without electricity or running water. Jobs are hard to find on the reservation or in nearby towns so many have to leave their families to find work. Grandparents are often called upon to raise their grandkids. Drug and alcohol addictions add to the troubles of families. Their superstitious religions only intensify Satan's hold on these people, leaving them paralyzed by fear and shame.

Arnold believes that this honor/shame culture needs to hear the message that Holy God alone is able to save them from the power of Satan, delivering them from fear and shame. God invites them to become exalted sons and daughters of the Almighty Father God. 

Arnold and Bessie remain steadfast in their teaching of the Word against the three major forces:

1. The traditional beliefs of animism that use "singers" and "curers" to perform ceremonies at a price.

2. A new age religion called The Native American Church or Peyotism uses drugs to have communion with spirits.

3. A rising interest in Pentecostalism extremes confuses younger believers.