Day 34
While serving at the Southwest Indian Ministry Center this summer I have witnessed wonderful, caring, God-fearing people who do what God is leading them to do to care for Native American people. They work so hard to do good and walk toward hope in Jesus with many who are suffering. One of their biggest obstacles is money.
The camp charges $50 per camper to help cover the actual cost of about $200+. No one is turned away if they can’t pay. During my time here I have seen people who are already serving dig into their pocket and cover the fee for those who don’t have the money.
In the past three years I have been blessed to get to know an older gentlemen with a big heart for God. He works long hours in the hot Arizona sun. On Sundays, he drives 2.5 hours one-way to a small church on a Reservation to deliver the sermon. Next week, he will bring children from his church to camp. This wonderful man will stop at a store before arriving and make sure the campers have what they need.
While being here this summer, the camp has had an air conditioner break in the cafeteria, another in the classroom building, and a third on the 15-passenger van used to transport children to the swimming pool. The repairs are costly. One of the residences on the Reservation where missionaries live while they serve Native youth with disabilities sprung a water leak. At home, no big deal. Here… a three-hour one-way drive to get to the home with an additional one-hour one-way drive to the nearest hardware store. Yet, another missionary takes time to go and fix the problem.
The list could go on and on. People giving of their time and money sacrificially to help bring the Word of God to the wonderful Native people. These people are blessed with joy because of their gift of giving.
2 Corinthians 8:2
They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.