“The Aspen are found growing naturally in the wild at higher elevations on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation. They are unique in that they share a common root system. When one Aspen is hurting and in need of resources the healthy trees within the root system will send needed nutrients its’ way."I've had the privilege of working with short-term missions teams for 12 years now. The first year I was actually apart of the visiting team. And honestly, that was the year that changed my life (see
http://ronaym.blogspot.com/2009/02/beautiful-collision.html for more). Short-Term trips are interesting to me. I'm convinced that they are a vital to AYM but even more vital to the life of a believer. First, let me tell you some of the amazing ways that these teams have resourced us throughout this year. This year we have partnered with teams from all over the US, some of them include: Illinois State Student Fellowship, Northern Arizona Student Fellowship (Flagstaff, AZ), Saddleback Community Church (Lake Forest, CA), Living Water Church (Elk Grove, CA), Creekside Christian Church (Jacksonville, FL), Sherwood Oaks Christian Church (Bloomington, IN), Zion Lutheran Church (Clear Lake, IA), Coulter Road Baptist Church (Amarillo, TX), Central Church of Christ (Spartanburg, SC), First Christian Church (Walnut Grove, MO), Rock Ministries (Camarillo, CA), and Grace Church (Laguna Niguel, CA). Because of these teams we were able to do things like: painting houses in the community, special outreach events, Kids Clubs, redecorating the youth center, putting up lights on our basketball court, lots of landscaping, repainting the basketball court, painting the front of our building, putting in a volleyball court, and much more! These are things that we just couldn't do without help! I hope that each one of the leaders from these churches are reading this...without exception, these guys came in and truly partnered with us to serve and accomplish the mission set before them. And they each did it with a huge servant's heart! The rez is such a difficult environment to work. I know that teams don't always walk away with the feeling that they've made an impact for the Kingdom, but let me tell you....they have. Honestly, even our staff rarely get to see fruits...sometimes even after years of service. But we persevere, serve, pray, and trust that God is working through us and in others.
We had the illustration at the top of this article drawn because it is beautiful symbolism of the body of Christ. United, loving, sharing, connected, growing, unselfish, living in community, being as one - or as the Apache would say “daľaάzhį’”. I love the truth stated in James 3, envy and selfish ambition create disorder and evil practices, however, the wise among us show Godly wisdom by living a good life and by deeds done in humility that comes from this wisdom. And, this wisdom that comes from heaven is “pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
We recognize that our partnerships are Divinely inspired and are vital to us as we work throughout the year to “empower Apache youth to impact the world”. We are all a part of this community. Thank you for recognizing resources that you have in your life that can bring health to those in need, and more importantly….thank you for making a movement to DO something for those in need. We know that ultimately we serve Jesus Himself when we serve the “least” of this world (Mathew 25). We do these things with His love and for Him alone. For we know that apart from Him we can do nothing, but when we remain in Him we will bear much fruit (John 15:5). To Him be praised!
