People wonder how I got involved with Native American ministry. The story goes...
Becky (my wife) and I were planning for the future, to settle down in a small town and to start her medical practice while I would continue to do construction work. That all changed back in 1998. I had been reading a lot of the Bible and also the "Experiencing God" book by Blackaby and King. God was working in our hearts.
We drove out to Arizona to visit my dad and mom in Tucson. After our visit we drove up toward Winslow, AZ, to get on the Interstate-40. On the road to Winslow I prayed to God, "Oh Lord, use me in whatever way You want."
We stopped to get gas in Winslow and as I was waiting in line to pay I noticed 3 to 4 Native American children buying candy and trinkets. I thought that they were adorable. After I paid for the gas, Becky and I got back on the interstate and then it hit me. I started crying about the Native American kids back at the gas station. Becky was driving and she looked over to me and asked, "Are you alright?" I said, "I can't help but to think about those kids!" The Holy Spirit was moving in me and I wept hard. I told Becky, "I have to find out about this!" I don't know whether you call it a burning bush incident, or what, but I know God was moving in my heart.
When we got back to Illinois (where we were living at the time), I called out to the American Indian Christian Mission in Show Low, AZ, to see if we could visit, or work there, for one week. They said, "Sure, come on out!" I fell in love with Native American work while I was there. We sold our house, moved to Show Low, and now I'm doing ministry to the Native American reservations. This was definitely a "God-thing."
In the future I vision a Bible College or courses that are offered out on the reservations. LORD willing, we can see this dream come true. I believe in preparing Native ministers and leaders to reach their communities, and their generation.
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