September 28 Greetings

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Dear Ones,

Two Fridays ago, Tim and I had the pleasure of driving a truck load of donations to the Navajo Lutheran Mission. We were also able to drop off checks and cash donations that had come in. The Mission School was our Ministry Outreach Partner for August and many of the bags that were donated were full of school supplies and new clothing for the children.

Two lovely young men were waiting to help us unload the truck when we arrived. We put all the donations into one of the apartments in the quad area to be sorted later. Here is a picture of the apartment filled with donations!

We had a chance to visit with Laura in the office about how things were going at the mission. They have 39 children registered in the K-2 classes and the school year is off to a great start.

The weather was perfect and, as usual, the drive up offered spectacular views of amazing mesas, buttes, and spires. The one thing that Tim and I kept saying over and again was how green everything was! This monsoon season has brought much needed moisture to a very dry land. After we left the mission, we headed over to the Goulding Lodge in Monument Valley via Kayenta. It’s only 82 miles from the mission, but technically it’s in Utah! The view from our room at the lodge was breathtaking; this sunrise picture really doesn’t do it justice.

Tim and I spent Saturday morning driving through Monument Valley: first taking in the sites at Mexican Hat to the north, and then the 17-mile loop through Monument Valley proper that is maintained by the Navajo Nation. The day was not too hot, and the clouds added a dash of drama to the spectacular views. We had to wait an hour for our turn to drive into the valley, but the wait was totally worth it! Here are a few pictures. If you haven’t had a chance to visit this natural wonder, the 4-1/2 hour drive from the Quad City area makes it possible to do as a long day trip.

Taking in the stunning rock formations, it made me think of the Israelites in the wilderness. Did they ever look up and see the amazing beauty of the desert, or were they too worn down by the journey and the dust and the hunger and the heat? For as beautiful as the rock formations were in Monument Valley, I could still see that it is not an easy place to live. The Navajo Lutheran Mission website states that the mission is 50 miles to the closest grocery store, that 40% of the houses of the 2000 residents of Rock Point do not have running water and that 60% don’t have internet access.

I am so glad that we at Emmanuel support the ministry that happens at the Navajo Lutheran Mission. The new food pantry is reaching hundreds of people weekly and the new well, that we raised part of money to drill, will greatly improve the lives of many people. Thank you everyone for your generosity; ministry happens even in times of pandemic and uncertainty!

“...and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.”

Matthew 10:42

And as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the Israelites, they looked toward the wilderness, and the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud.

Exodus 16:10

Have a blessed week everyone; I hope to see you this next Sunday: Homecoming! We will be receiving seven new members and celebrating by taking baked goods to our shut-ins so that everyone is included!