2012 Warrior Leadership Summit

by Meredith Carpenter

It had been a long week filled with dehydrations, foot injuries, and a great lack of sleep, but sitting in that circle under the lamppost I could feel God’s presence among us. We had brought twelve students to the Warrior Leadership Summit in Missouri, a conference for Native Americans aged 15-30, and my expectations had been exceeded. When the week began I had been the new intern, having spent only a couple weeks on the reservation, and from the first 26 hours on a bus I knew it was going to be a week of new experiences. The conference was a gathering of over six hundred native students with over one hundred tribes represented. We spent six days hearing the truth about the power of God unleashed in our lives, building relationships, and doing a good amount of swimming, snacking, and laughing. The six days we spent in Missouri were life-changing for our students. I watched as they slowly transformed throughout the week. Slowly they became more unified, more responsive to the messages, and more open to us as leaders. On the last day we gathered as a group as we had done each day and we asked the students to confess one thing that they wanted to change when they got back to the reservation. We were amazed at how God was pulling at and fighting for their hearts and their lives. Only six days earlier these students had been closed off and unresponsive. Now I watched as each of them opened up to the group, putting themselves in a position of great vulnerability, confessing what was wrong in their lives that they needed to change. Our students broke down to tears as they spoke of giving in to sexual sin, stealing, and living life for all the wrong things.It was a moment none of us leaders expected, but we were thrilled. This conference had been the push some of our students needed to turn their lives around. As we got back to the reservation we continued to watch our students thrive. They planned events so they could hang out with each other and weeks later still had new life in their eyes. They were changed by the work of God when they were in Missouri, and we watched as these students committed to working hard and to staying strong and unified back in the battlefield that is their home. 

The battle is far from over for our students so we ask that you pray for the twelve that went to WLS, as well as for the impact that they can have on the other students that come to the Kennel. They are full of potential and we a praying that they have a great impact on the reservation. 

This opportunity for our students was made possible in part by donations and sponsorships from supporters like you. We are so grateful for the way that God provides for our students through your prayers and financial support, so from all of our students, thank you! 

2012 Hoops On The Rez

By John Book

Each year, basketball coaches from all across the country come together for something special and exciting. A basketball camp called Hoops on the Rez. In its ninth year, Hoops on the Rez saw its largest number of Apache Youth in its existence, with over 150 Apaches from elementary thru high school. Not only did they enjoy the insights on basketball, but also a daily devotion into Gods Word. Learning valuable lessons such as; winning with a good attitude, the importance of being a good teammate, and finishing strong when things are hard. This years Hoops on the Rez in one word could be described as, amazing!

            However, this year the minds that put together this amazing camp did something a bit different. Each year when we see the students it is sometimes difficult to pick out the ones who really have a passion for the game of basketball, but this year we had a couple of students who the coaches asked to come back for a special "Elite" camp. Which was only for the students who really wanted to work, and put in the time for individual improvement. As a college basketball player myself for three years, I can say from experience that if you want to become a better basketball player, you have to be willing to work on individuals. This consists of dribbling drills, shooting drills, and conditioning drills that you do on your own, or with a partner. They are not easy! Especially when you have seasoned coaches like Jake Deer of Florida Christian College, and Jon Everingham of Dekalb High School at the helm. With the years each of these coaches had, they had plenty of drills to teach the players, as well as put the players through specific drills for there playing spot. These coaches worked the students till they could go no more, but they became better players because of it.

Hoops on the Rez "Elite"

            Though Hoops on the Rez has only been a camp for only nine years, the bonds and the friendships are ones that will last a lifetime. Not only the bonds between the coaches and staff, but also between the staff and the Apache youth. Without a doubt I believe that each staff member, weather basketball coach or just someone that came to help, that has ever been to Hoops can tell you they are still in contact with at least one Apache still on the Rez. If there is something more special than that, I dare you to prove me wrong. The friendships are special, the coaching is special, and Hoops on the Rez is just that, special.

            The entire AYM staff is so appreciative of the sacrifice everyone made to be here this year. Weather if you were from Ohio, Indiana, or Florida, we thank you for being a part of this camp. I hope we can have even more next year, after all it will be the 10th year anniversary of Hoops on the Rez. Now that is Special!!

2012 Summer Missions

Cornerstone Ministries
Pittsburg, PA

by Seth Harkins

Summer is one of the most encouraging times of year for the staff of AYM. Teams come from all over the country to serve with us in Whiteriver and we are able to bless the community in ways that we would be stretched to as a small staff. Working on the rez year round can wear you down and it’s refreshing to see the rez and our ministry through the eyes of those coming for the first time and it’s always a blessing to reunite with those who have come before.

Looking back over this summer we were so blessed by all of the teams we got to work with. We met some amazing people and made some great memories. I want to acknowledge all of those who came and served.

• ·       Cornerstone Ministries – Pittsburgh, PA
• ·       Sherwood Oaks Christian Church – Bloomington, IN
• ·       Native Vision Basketball– Florida and Georgia
• ·       Mountain Christian Church – Joppa, MD
• ·       West Cypress Church– Cypress, CA
• ·       Hoops on the Rez – Indiana, Ohio, Florida
• ·       Lincoln Trail Christian Church– Irvington, KY
• ·       Community Christian Church – Tamarac, FL
• ·       Danville Chinese Bible Church – San Ramon, CA

These 9 teams together left a powerful witness on Whiteriver and the surrounding communities. This summer they completed the following:

• ·       Work projects at three schools, the hospital, children’s shelter, East Fork community center, Paradise Creek Camp, and the Kennel.
• ·       Provided firewood for the children’s shelter
• ·       Put on three, weeklong VBS ‘s in three different neighborhoods
• ·       Ran two basketball camps
• ·       Volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club and two nursing homes
• ·       Created an art mural at the Kennel with our students

A lot was accomplished this summer and our presence was felt throughout the community. Even through small acts we were able to encourage many of those who serve in Whiteriver year round and be a blessing to many who live in the community.

As great as it is to accomplish more work with the additional hands, the most powerful part of teams coming for me personally is the people I get to meet and spend time with. It’s like a summer long family reunion. Although we met many for the first time we had an instant connection that is unique to the body of Christ. That’s the beauty of the Kingdom. We all have experienced the love of Christ and that shared experience binds us in a special way. Not only do we share our relationship with Christ, but God is at work throughout the world building His Kingdom. Having the chance to hear and share with brothers and sisters from all over the country what they have witnessed Him doing is priceless. All of a sudden the work we do throughout the year that feels so small at times seems a lot bigger.  We all serve in different places, but we all serve the same King. There is no greater purpose and no greater joy than being a part of God’s work.

Every summer I’m reminded of how universal our mission is to make disciples. I’m reminded that the hardships we face in ministry are not unique but are shared by brothers and sisters everywhere. I’m also reminded that the joys and the victories we experience are not unique, but they belong to all who are in the arena. No matter how isolated or insignificant our work may seem, each summer I’m encouraged by the truth that everything we do is part of the greatest movement to ever take place. Building the Kingdom and restoring a fallen world to the way things were meant to be.

To all who came; thank you for your hard work, your great attitudes, and for showing the love of Christ not only to our community but to us. It really has been a great summer and I pray that God continues to do amazing things through you wherever he has placed you. I hope we see you again next year.

For those who did not make it out this year, we love ya and hope you can make it out sometime soon.

Thanks to everyone for your constant prayers and support.

Grace and Peace,

Seth