Tel: 928-659-4201
One Mission Lane, Rock Point, AZ 86545
Website: www.nelm.org
Fax: (928) 659-4255
October, 2016 (the beginning of a new year for the Navajo people)
Greetings from Navajo Lutheran Mission and School,
The signs of fall are everywhere evident here on the high plains desert. The leaves on the campus cottonwood trees
are just beginning to turn and the roses continue to blossom. One can visit a fair every weekend (our school’s Miss
Navajo Princess, Cailean Williams, will ride the NCPA float in the Shiprock Fair Parade) and revival tents dot the landscape. Cooler temperatures and the prayed for rain beckon young and old outside to share stories and exchange the
season’s bounty of fruits and vegetables.
The stationary buses and quiet playground of summer has given way to the perpetual motion of kids studying, playing, enjoying healthy meals and cheering on the Cross Country and Volleyball teams. Monday assembly and Friday
Chapel has become the conduit for learning the ‘fundamentals’ of faith and life. Currently, the theme is the Lord’s
Prayer, explored through song, dance (the Texas two-step!) and Luther’s small catechism.
The start of a new school year has also been a mix of emotions as we have said goodbye to dedicated teachers and
staff and welcomed new, energetic team members. We continue the search for
certified kindergarten and computer lab teachers, a CDL qualified bus driver,
and other part-time or substitute staff positions. These changes are stepping
stones toward a two-year goal of a 100% certified teaching staff and affirm the
Mission’s responsibility and cooperative role as an employer helping to support
a sustainable local economy.
Without generous supporters like you, fall at the Mission could look very different. But because you are faithful, the Mission IS the ray of hope in this small
town. You are a player in the Mission’s long history of listening and sharing life
with our Navajo neighbors. Together we have a unique perspective that fortifies
our desire to serve this community where we are most needed. This is the Mission that love built and we draw our strength and effectiveness from partners
like you who share a common vision for justice, peace and change.
I am writing to encourage you to deepen your financial commitment to Navajo Lutheran Mission and Navajo Christian
Preparatory Academy. This is the opportune time to invest in the lives of children, families and the elderly who wait
longingly to receive the promises of God – the restoring, reconciling love that endures and can overcome the complexities and ambiguities of living Navajo.
Here are some simple ideas with HUGE impact:
1. It’s easy to make a sustaining contribution of $10, $25, $100 or more by clicking the ‘give a gift today’ button on
our website at www.nelm.org to set up a recurring monthly donation from your bank of credit card. Or call the
Mission Manager, Lea Begay, at 928-659-4201. She will set up the process for you. This is the best practice Parker
and I have found to insure our donation is regular and timely.
2. Hozho Café has continued to grow, serving 175 FREE meals each week to hungry homeless and elderly. The dream
is to expand to HOZHO MARKETPLACE, a co-op style food resourcing program for the entire community! In
partnership with local food producers and donations of non-perishable foods like pasta, rice, canned meats and
vegetables – we CAN do it! A generous donor has provided the ‘seed money’ and has agreed to match every dollar
you contribute up to $4000. Why not double your money to help turn a food desert into a cornucopia of plenty?
Just put ‘Hozho’ on the memo line of your check or in the comment box online.
Did you know…
… over half of Navajo children and adults living in the Rock Point community need
assistance to buy food NOW. With the help of generous donors and partnership with
ELCA and other grant providers, Navajo Lutheran Mission IS doing its part and we CAN
end hunger! Food insecurity is not acceptable here or anywhere across the globe.
3. Three years ago, Navajo Christian Preparatory Academy finished the year with an operating deficit of nearly
$70,000. Thanks to AZ residents contributing their state income tax to the Arizona Christian School Tax Organization and the generosity of individual donors and congregations throughout the country, the 2016-17 school year is
estimated to end with a $35,000 deficit. If everyone who receives this letter will contribute just $17.50 – deficit
spending will disappear. Double that donation to $35.00 and every teacher will have curriculum for every subject. Triple it to $52.50 and every student will have their own books and learning tools.
4. Visitors and volunteers to the Mission make up most of the workforce for building and land use maintenance and
construction. Parker Adelman, Facilities Coordinator, goes about collecting input from the staff and community,
determining cost-effective solutions, drawing plans and putting together material lists. The end result is a Project
List published monthly. Projects range from $250.00-$3,000. Some projects require skilled labor and others just
need a willing attitude. Some churches raise the funds AND send a team to complete the project. Some choose to
fund the project for another group to manage. Check out the list at www.nelm.org or call Lea, the Mission Manager, for more information.
Did you know…
…The Navajo Nation has denied Rock Point Chapter’s request for home modification
assistance for physically challenged residents. Twenty-two elderly women (most live
alone) are awaiting the construction of a ramp to their front door. Parker’s design is
easily assembled and requires no more than a day to construct at a cost of $1500.00
each.
As you can guess, the mountain of ‘opportunity’ is ever-present and the challenges are not just difficult to overcome,
but sometimes heart-breaking. Healthcare, access to clean water, availability of electricity to every household or a
‘legal’ place to bury family members and loved ones – these are just a few of the every-day hurdles for the Navajo
people.
On behalf of the Navajo people and staff of the Mission, I want to personally thank you for committing to the Mission
community and for walking this journey with us. Together we are accomplishing more than anyone thought possible. Through your financial gifts, prayers, and volunteer assistance we are transforming lives and creating a new
language of sustainable community.
Sending our love and prayers,
Kate Adelman, Executive Director
Navajo Lutheran Mission Center for Development
[email protected]
480-694-5197 cell
928-659-4201 office
P.S. Navajo Lutheran Mission Board of Directors: Chair Alice
Natale, Todd Tande, Thomas Hoehner, Roger Benally (Navajo), and Peter Rose-Kamprath, Cheralina James (Navajo),
Bobby Yazzie (Navajo), Marilyn Kinne, Richard Wolf, and
George Keiser.