NAVAJOLAND by way of GALLUP, NM
It’s Springtime in the Rockies (southern part)
God is always thanked in my prayers for all of you. I continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. -- 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3
Not only those things, but your partnership with me is so important and I thank you for that. Things are happening here so I’d better be busy getting all the news to you!
With God’s gift to me of health, I am full of joy to be allowed to be here to work with Navajo women. As I have often written, I cannot really say how many ladies are in my class on Tuesday nights because some are always there, and others try to come, but something might interfere. I’ll just say we ALL WHO COME have a profitable time learning together about the truths written for us in God’s Word. Their singing of the Navajo hymns is also an inspiration to me and we do a lot of that on OUR NIGHT.
Some of the ladies have difficult lives at home. This is caused by family members who are alcoholics. In spite of that, the Lord does wonders for those who are given the faith and strength to bear up under the problems. Do continue to pray for them. Others show growth in their knowledge of the Word of God. When we read the Navajo Bible, they like to read the verses more than once to be sure they really “get the message.”
Enclosed, please find the brochure from Overcomers In Christ (OIC). Son John works with that organization and expects to develop groups on the Reservation and thus continue work which Rev. Richard Battis developed and served for many years. He does have one OIC group that he started already on Wednesday evenings. He is will be looking for support for that work as the Lord leads and provides.
PLEASE PRAY: for the OIC Retreat to be held at the Broken Arrow Bible Ranch (BABR), 28 miles south of Gallup on the weekend of May 21 to 23. John has organized the speakers and activities, particularly on Saturday. I will play for the singing. Because there will be perhaps four women in attendance, I will teach them separately from the men. That will give more freedom in the sessions. For that task, I have asked for permission from the Navigators at NAVPRESS in Colorado to use (editing it for use with Navajos) a chapter in one of their books, “Maturing in Christ.” The lessons also will include references to OIC materials.
So far, we have received reservations for six people who will be staying for the weekend. Others may register in the next two weeks. BABR charges $50 for each person: 3 days, 2 nights and 6 meals plus snacks. Then there have been five or six who are registered to come only on Saturday for the activities (and meals). This whole weekend is provided by donations because the Navajos come without cost to them. It is a wonderful opportunity to lead some to Christ and encourage others in their personal FIGHT against alcoholism and other temptations.
Perhaps you could help sponsor someone in this way?
I want you know other ways John is involved in the Lord’s work: He has two band ministries. One is for teens to help prevent teen alcoholism. The other band is a trio: Navajo Pastor Betoney, Pastor Hilderman (Community Bible Church), and John. This one is for the purpose of evangelism outreach.
Thank you for YOUR PRAYERS during the last two weeks which have been quite traumatic as I told some of you. Because you asked, here is an update: One family -- Shirley , Georgia and Betty -- were hit by tragedy. Shirley’s husband passed away about a week after Georgia had an operation to remove cancer of the jaw. Georgia’s daughter and family came to the funeral from Phoenix. On the way back, her daughter, husband and son were in an accident. Georgia’s grandson (17 years old) was driving and was killed when the car rolled over. His funeral was in the Phoenix area on Tuesday, the 4th of May. On Sunday, May 9th, Shirley and Betty were in church and expressed thanks for all the prayers for their support and comfort. God is giving His grace in their time of need. The “girls” did say that Georgia (who has had her jaws WIRED together for healing) will be glad to be able, when the time is right, to CHEW again! The family is a loving Christian family and God has blessed all through it.
Your Friend in Christ and in His love,
Harriet Butler
P.O Box 5312,
Gallup, NM 87305
OIC RETREAT, 05-21 to 23, 2010: HAPPY & SAD NEWS
We had six overnighters and seven others who were only there for the Saturday Meetings.
The Friday night meeting was well-received – an open meeting which showed how appreciative the “campers” were to be there. Many praised God for delivery from the use of alcohol. Someone picked up a guitar and they sang their PRAISES.
Saturday:
The speaker of the morning gave a personal presentation on forgiveness, stressing forgiveness from the Lord and then subsequent forgiveness of those who have “hurt us” in one way or another. God teaches us through Jesus’ ATONEMENT what real forgiveness is.
The Men’s and Ladies’ classes were met with good attitudes of mind and heart. Discussions revealed how each had received Christ as Savior and how they love to read the Word of God in order to live a life of growing up in the knowledge of the Word and in obedience to Him.
The women were given the privilege of sitting in the soft seats of the couches in the “fireplace” room for their class. The men went on the porch for study and fellowship. Suddenly, a man from the Farmington area (actually Bloomfield, NM) -- Wesley Wadoups, slumped down. Paramedics were called, but because of the strong winds, no helicopter could be sent. A “fire-truck ambulance” and regular ambulance with paramedics came from 30 miles away – a slow process. When they arrived they tried to stabilize him. He was given oxygen, but he did not come to. He was driven to the Rehoboth Hospital in Gallup. Diagnosis was given: a massive stroke with brain hemorrhage. The “closest” hospital which could take care of him in his condition was in Flagstaff, AZ. His wife, Helen, was flown to the hospital. Arrangements were made for their son to pick up their vehicle and belongings at Broken Arrow Bible Ranch.
Wes passed away yesterday. Helen’s friend, Marge, just called me about the situation. Marge has been Helen’s counselor and close friend since Helen went into re-hab. She and Wes were alcohol free for five years. They had been married for 40 years. The family is LSD, Mormon. Helen’s opinion does not count so the service is to be led by a Mormon man. Mormons believe God makes babies in heaven and sends the babes to Mormon couples. When they die, they go immediately to Mormon heaven.
Her home address is Helen Wadoups, Box 1603, Bloomfield, NM 87415. (Phone: 1-505-793-0265.)
You may e-mail to me at:
harrietbutler@earthlink.net
or call me 505-863-2101. There is an answering machine -- I hope I keep it “unfull” for you to leave a message.
One more comment: The LIVING demonstration of maturing in Christ” as it is written in Ephesians 4:16 was very evident.
From Christ, the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Helen and Wes were not known by many before the retreat, but all the retreaters plus the BABR staff showed the LOVE OF GOD and full support in prayer for both of them. Our Lord was given honor in the whole reaction to what was happening.
Thank you for your prayers as well as for some who sponsored the Navajos who attended the retreat.
TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
Harriet and John Butler
Report of the Funeral for Wesley Waudoups
May 28, 2010
John and I went to the funeral which was held in Bloomfield, NM. He drove both ways and refused my offers to drive some of the way. We left about 6:30 a.m. Friday morning. It was a L-O-O-O-N G way. We have the distance in the car, but I’m not going out to find it right now.
There was a bit of dread for us to be going to a Latter Days Saints funeral. Apparently the sons’ families still belong to the church. Helen herself became a believer in Christ as her Savior during the time she was in the Rehab program. When we had the meetings last weekend for Overcomers In Christ (OIC) at Broken Arrow Bible Ranch (BABR), the clear Gospel message was given with much prayer for salvation. We do have the assurance that the Holy Spirit uses God’s Word in the hearts of those who hear it, and we trust the Lord that includes Wes. John was with the men when Wes spoke of his faith in God.
There were so many people there that some were left to stand. Some came as far away as Oregon and Idaho. But let me tell you that the Christians were able to dominate and present their faith in Christ through spoken word and hymns (“Amazing Grace” and others) and the Lord was glorified. The best testimonies were from Helen’s Navajo relatives. So we rejoiced. The burial was in the Huerfano Cemetery. Even at the burial, one of Helen’s sisters sang, “How Great Thou Art.” John and I “silently” sang it with her. There was a military contingent with the Navy salute of the guns, and folding of the American flag and presentation of the flag to Helen, etc. The Chaplain honored the Lord in his part of the service. There was no presentation of any Mormon emphasis. We left and headed home with great relief and joy. Our dread had been replaced.
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow.
Yours in Christ,
Harriet Butler
John Butler