Stories of Courage, Change, and Hope

“Stop that Jesus stuff or we’ll shoot him out of you,” the two men shouted.

She looked at her husband, then at her son. The anger in their faces was real it had been real for a long time. The guns were real—close enough that there would be no mistake. She knew they meant what they were shouting.

She was a strong Indian mother and wife, she was not afraid. The reservation is tough, no room for fear.

In a calm, gentle voice she replied, “Go ahead. Shoot me. I’ll go to heaven, and you’ll go to prison.”

The silence was loud.

Slowly, the weapons were lowered.

It took time. It took prayer.

But today, I rejoice as I watch this same husband and wife sitting together, praising God and singing old-time gospel songs.

As the years passed, in-laws and even outlaws came to know Christ.

One woman’s quiet courage changed an entire family line.

She was just a teenager when her future was decided for her.

“You will be a bride next week,” she was told.

She begged her mother and aunties to change their minds, but preparations were already underway—sheep were being butchered, herbs gathered, her new moccasins were made by her uncle.

Traditions followed to ensure a “happy union.”

Afraid and silent, she did what culture demanded. She was a child – she had no power over the adults. Besides that, the grooms family will give her parents five sheep and 2 horses.

Years passed.

She became a mother, then a grandmother. Through it all, her strength carried her forward.

She made sure every child and grandchild succeeded in school. She proudly showed me photos—graduation after graduation.

Military service was highly honored.

“I want my children and grandchildren to choose their own path,” she said.

“Education means freedom.”

A wonderful team came from Pennsylvania to host a week of Vacation Bible School.

“We just want to be a blessing,” they said. “Maybe we can help with repairs on a few homes.”

They arrived with saws, hammers and nails, wow what a blessing!

That small idea grew quickly.

Families received electricity for the first time. Faulty wiring was repaired. Plumbing leaks were fixed. Roofs stopped leaking under fresh tar paper.

Indian children watched from a distance.

As they watched… they learned.

They grew up, took classes, gained skills.

Today, those same children are helping elderly neighbors with home repairs across the reservation.

One simple act of service turned into a lasting legacy.

Others haul winter wood supply to the elderly.

You make all these changes possible you are here with us through prayer.

Teachers often share their list of classroom needs with us.

Children arrive at school without socks or underwear. Many wear clothes that don’t fit—hand-me-downs with missing buttons, zippers that don’t zip.

With your help, we are able to shop for these children, restoring dignity one outfit at a time.

These children are thrilled over all you send.

She was born and raised on the Navajo reservation.

She learned all the bad behaviors until they led her to prison.

Her prison cell became her Bible School.

The day she left prison she said “the best thing that ever happened to me was I went to prison and found Jesus.”

Twelve family members have since received salvation.

She took all the classes offered. She now has a good job and reaches out to others, like she used to feel, lost and lonely.

The Bible tells us that Jesus is the Bread of Life.

Life tastes better with Jesus.

Thank you for walking with us, praying with us, and being part of what God is doing on the reservation.

Your love continues to change lives.

Love beyond measure,

Sylvia and Sylvia