Spring 2017 Volume 11, Number 1. Two Decades in Navajoland

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1 NavajoN e i g h b o r s Spring 2017 Volume 11, Number 1 Two Decades in Navajoland

2 Your connections to Navajo Ministries Keep connected to what s happening at Navajo Ministries, the Four Corners Home for Children and KNMI Vertical Radio electronically through the following: Navajo Ministries Facebook Four Corners Home for Children Facebook KNMI Vertical Radio Facebook Twitter Pinterest Planned Giving a Great Way to Help We appreciate everyone who supports Navajo Ministries. Without current giving we could not continue to provide hope and restoration to Navajo children and many others. Some of our supporters, in addition to their current giving, have made commitments to planned, or deferred, giving. These are donors who would like to give more to help in our outreach to children and families but they have limited resources. They cannot afford to increase their current giving or it could jeopardize their own needs. An alternative is to give a future gift when they pass on, no longer needing their resources to sustain themselves. Some of those planned gifts can include bequests, life insurance, and charitable remainder trusts, among others. Please consider contacting Navajo Ministries today to talk to one of our planned giving specialists to see if one of these charitable giving strategies will benefit you and Navajo Ministries. Call or , or nmi@navajoministries.org. Thank You! Our official name is Navajo Ministries, Inc. and our federal tax ID number is

3 Navajon e i g h b o r s Spring 2017 Volume 11, Number 1 Mission Statement Navajo Ministries helps the people we serve through programs that instill hope, restoration and Christian values. Editor Eric Fisher Graphic Designer Hannah Rodden publisher Navajo Neighbors is owned and published by Navajo Ministries Inc., and is published two times a year and distributed approximately every six months. Postmaster send address changes to Navajo Neighbors, PO Box 1230, Farmington, New Mexico contact information Navajo Ministries 2103 West Main Street PO Box 1230 Farmington, New Mexico Phone Fax nmi@navajoministries.org Web site About Navajo Ministries Navajo Ministries was established in 1953 for the purpose of caring for dependent children, regardless of race, religion or national origin, and for printing and distributing Navajo tracts and hymnals. The ministry has expanded over the years to include: a non-commercial Christian radio station, KNMI Vertical Radio 88.9 FM and Navajo Nation Outreach, providing spiritual, emotional and material encouragement to those living in Navajoland. When a donor expresses a preference as to the use of donated funds, Navajo Ministries will make every effort to honor their request and in most cases this is done in exact compliance with the donor s wishes. However, the Board of Directors, in ensuring that Navajo Ministries carries out its exempt purposes required by law and effectively uses available funds, accepts the responsibility of applying funds in accordance with objectives of the ministry. Views and opinions expressed in Navajo Neighbors by those interviewed are not necessarily those of Navajo Ministries. Navajo Ministries is a Charter Member in good standing with ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability). Some images used provided by Freepik.com and designed by Balasoiu contents 4 FROM THE PRESIDENT Everyone Needs a Helping Hand 5 NEWS AND VIEWS 6 Cover Story Robert and Rose Tso: Obedient to Serve the Navajo 10 four corners home for children A Community of Generosity 11 Learning Center After-School Program Sees Success, Fun 12 NEWS AND VIEWS Continued Eubank Counseling Center update The Electronic Age Comes with Challenges 13 Navajo Nation Outreach Communicating and Connecting God s Love 14 knmi vertical radio Two Important Faces for the Vertical Family 15 living memorials In Remembrance Letter From The Editor Dear Readers, Welcome to the Spring 2017 issue of Navajo Neighbors, a twice-annual publication that highlights what God is doing throughout the Navajo Nation and here at Navajo Ministries. It is our privilege to be able to share these interesting stories with you in this full-color magazine that is completely produced in-house by our talented staff. This issue includes a cover story on Robert and Rose Tso, who came to the Shiprock area in the 1990s to serve the Navajo people with the hope and saving grace of Jesus. This impressive couple leads Victory Life Church in Shiprock and has been involved in a variety of partnerships, including from as far away as Israel. I m sure you ll enjoy reading about how God has used Robert and Rose to minister to the Navajo people for more than two decades. Other stories in this issue include: - An update on the generous local community that helps in many ways at the Four Corners Home for Children. - The Learning Center s After-School Program continues to provide educational support for children from kindergarten through high school. - Christmas Connections again served hundreds of families in need in the Navajo Nation. And, there is much more inside these pages of the Spring edition of Navajo Neighbors. Enjoy and always feel free to stop by and visit us at 2103 West Main Street in Farmington, New Mexico. God Bless and thank you for your support, Eric Fisher Navajo Ministries President and Editor

4 from the president Everyone Needs a Helping Hand When it comes to living life, we all need a special helping hand along the way. I love the photo on this page of two of the smaller children at the Four Corners Home for Children here at Navajo Ministries. Both of these little ones are about 2 years of age, and they are already helping each other with a hand, or in this case, a push to get started. Our biggest helping hand, of course, comes from God. He is always there to lead us in the right direction, even when we get off track at times. Here at Navajo Ministries, Jesus has always been our perfect example. He calls us to help those in need, especially the most vulnerable among us. Since 1953, hundreds of children of all ages have come to us from situations of abuse and neglect. Our entire staff works daily toward our mission to help instill hope, restoration and Christian values in all we do. It is amazing to see children who have been removed from traumatic circumstances learn to trust and actually live in safety and security. Some of the simplest joys we have serving here are seeing young children playing with a big smile on their faces. And, yes, laughter is often heard when they kick a ball, ride a bike or help each other on the playground. More than 30 staff members are called to give those helping hands for these precious children each day. From full-time houseparents, childcare assistants and other staff support roles, children who have seen darkness in their young lives are able to live in the light. Some are with us for a short time, while others have grown up on the Navajo Ministries campus for years. They are the heartbeat of this ministry. We continue to be so thankful for friends like you who help with prayers and financial support. People both locally and throughout the country are vital partners in our calling to help children and many others through the Four Corners Home for Children, KNMI Vertical Radio and Navajo Nation Outreach programs. Helping hands Where would we be without them? Thankfully, we re working together to help make our corner of the world better, even when times are difficult. God gives us one day at a time, and let s remember to rejoice and be glad in it! God Bless, Eric Fisher, President 4 N a v a j o n e i g h b o r s

5 news and views Boys Place at Mathcounts County Competition Congratulations to both Taylor Benally and Connor Anderson, who placed third at the San Juan County Mathcounts competition in February. The boys, who are both middle-school honor roll students, qualified for the State Mathcounts competition later in the year. Their houseparents are Cliff and Kristine Young. Jeffreys Move to New Roles at Navajo Ministries Navajo Ministries is pleased to announce that Randall Jeffrey has been promoted to Campus and Development Manager. Randall and his wife Rolanda first served as houseparents from before they transitioned to new roles as Campus Coordinator and Ministry Cook. While houseparents, they cared for 43 children ranging in age from babies to teens. Navajo Ministries has been our home for nearly five years. It is a joy and an honor to serve God here every day. I am excited to be in this new position with new responsibilities, but even more I am excited to see where God takes this ministry tomorrow and beyond, Randall said. In addition to Campus Manager duties, Randall will now head the Development Department, which focuses on public relations, fundraising and electronic media. He also is the mid-days voice on Vertical Radio, FM Rolanda has also moved to her new role as Projects Assistant, helping in a variety of departments throughout Navajo Ministries. Both Randall and Rolanda have served Navajo Ministries well since 2012 and we re happy to see them gain more experience in new areas, Navajo Ministries President Eric Fisher said. It s amazing to see how God uses people here to fulfill our mission to help instill hope, restoration and Christian values. Children Give Back at Life Care Center Led by houseparent Kristine Young s direction, the children from the Four Corners Home for Children performed a service project just before Christmas at Life Care Center in Farmington (picture below). Kristine led the children and some staff members in a variety of Christmas carols for the residents. The children also were able to spend some social time with the people at Life Care, helping to put a smile on their faces. Great job by all involved! N a v a j o n e i g h b o r s 5

6 By Randall Jeffrey Robert and Rose Tso pastor Victory Life Church in Shiprock, New Mexico. They have been a part of the Shiprock community for over 20 years now, and since coming to the Four Corners region in the 1990s they have been involved in many different areas. Their focus in ministry has even changed several times throughout the past two decades. One thing that has remained the same is their dedication to the Lord. God has used them to transform the lives of countless people in the years they have been in Shiprock. Their eyes, hearts, and ears have remained upon Him; He has led them every step of the way. Being obedient to God and His call on their lives is of utmost importance to Robert and Rose. I prayed to God, Here I am. I will do anything you want; go anywhere you want me to go. And He took it, Rose said. Today they have ties to economic development. There is a food truck that currently sits outside, not too far from the church. This truck not only provides a service to the community, but Victory Life is also able to connect those who they know need a job with the food truck operator. Robert knows that is a little unconventional, but that is often what it takes to see progress. This couple is always open to wherever God is leading them. This really ties us into the community, Robert said. The Start of Service Together Robert received training through another Victory Life Church in San Antonio, Texas in That ministry was founded by a man named Freddy Garcia, who had ties to Nicky Cruz and David Wilkerson. Robert went through their three-year program, which greatly prepared him for the ministry he would lead in Shiprock. The San Antonio church also had a 6 N a v a j o n e i g h b o r s

7 They started out ministering right away to those men and women involved in gangs, and women who were victims of domestic violence. Nearly every night in those early years they would have women and children stay with them. Robert and Rose would feed them, minister to them, and then they would return home when their situation improved. In those early years, Robert also did a lot of jail ministry in the various centers in San Juan County. The Four Corners also has an alcohol and substance abuse problem, with many men and women suffering from alcoholism or drug addiction. Robert spent many days in the late 90s walking around and finding these people. He spent much time walking, talking, and eating with them, simply being their friend. I didn t minister to these guys as a pastor, I went as a friend, he said. To really know what they go through you have to get to know them. You can t find that out by looking at them or by meeting them for a moment. To see within them and to know what they experience, you have to really know them. Robert created relationships to open the door for ministry, and God has used him to be a vessel of change in the lives of many. Most of the men Robert has met here in the Four Corners suffer from an unconventional form of alcoholism. These men aren t addicted to normal alcohol; they re addicted to the likes of mouthwash, rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer and hair spray. This severe addiction is born out of desperation. It s a different kind of addiction that must be tackled in unique ways. In 20 years the environment has somewhat changed. Alcoholism is still just as prevalent, but the growing problem of methamphetamine use in the Four Corners has added more people in need of help. Robert knows exactly what these men are experiencing, because he was addicted to drugs and alcohol when he was Victory Home, which laid the ground work for the home Robert and Rose would later start. Robert was born and raised in Los Angeles, where he lived until he began his classes at Victory Life. Rose is originally from San Antonio, which is where they met at church of all places. They were both attending Victory Life, and God got them together. Soon after they met at the ministry, they were married. Robert then completed his training and became an ordained minister in Directly after, they relocated to Shiprock to work with the Navajo. Robert is Navajo and Rose is of Hispanic descent. Robert and Rose Tso (center) with President of the Navajo Nation at that time, Ben Shelly, and wife Martha at the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, Israel. N a v a j o n e i g h b o r s 7

8 Previous Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly, along with Robert and Rose Tso, presented Ayoub Kara (third from the right) the Deputy Minister to Israel s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, a proclamation of support and friendship between the Navajo Nation and Israel in Jerusalem. younger. God set him free. The church is the only hope for meth addicts and alcoholics. It s only Jesus, Robert said. Rose had a very different life growing up. She did not have a background of dealing with men and women suffering from addiction, but she continually asked God to show her how to minister to them. The more I learned about people s lives, the more I asked God to explain to me the depth of why people do alcohol, she said. Rose and Robert have an extensive awareness of what these men and women suffer from, and why. They both have been given that awareness in different ways, but it has been a great help in ministering to those suffering from addictions. Robert and Rose allow the Holy Spirit to lead them with each individual they meet. Rose is hungry to keep learning more every day. Whenever I teach, I m learning, Rose said. Rose has a different perspective on things and people, having grown up in San Antonio and being Hispanic. 8 N a v a j o n e i g h b o r s I have been so blessed to see things I had never seen before. I love the Navajo people, Rose said. She added she is so glad she has been obedient to follow God and can t imagine being anywhere else. The heart of what they have done for most of the past 20 years is operating the Victory Home, a home they ran for men for over a 15-year span. Men suffering from alcoholism or drug addiction had a place to go. The men would come in; they would receive a place to sleep and live, warm meals every day, and extensive Bible study and counseling. It was a Christ-centered men s home, Robert said. A big part of the program was also prayer and times of praise and worship every day. While at Victory Life the men never left. Day in and day out they lived and slept on the property of the home. They devoured the Word of God and were able to live without the influence of negative outside pressures. Part of their day was also spent learning how and doing repairs at the facility there. While the men s home was in operation, hundreds of men came through the program. The men stayed anywhere from 90 days to a year and a half and they had no visitors unless they were family. John 8:36 says, So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. I know what those scriptures mean. I understand that scripture, because I was hooked on drugs and alcohol for many years and God set me free, Robert said. At one point they closed the men s home and opened it up to women, accommodating the same type of program for nearly 100 women during that time. Women came from all over the country to stay there. After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, many women were also brought in to their facility. They were able to provide a place for these ladies until they were able to return to their homes after that disaster. The home has officially been closed for several years, though they still receive a visitor from time to time. Now, on a temporary basis they still minister to men and women as they walk through their door. Their guests don t stay very long now, but they still help them as they are able. And

9 as pastors of Victory Life, they hold services every Sunday as well. A Change in Focus After the home was closed, Robert and Rose moved their focus to other areas. Recently they made a trip to Israel. They have been building relationships with recent Navajo Nation presidents to partner with Israel. The focus is agricultural development. Ben Shelly, who at the time was the Navajo Nation President, joined them on that trip to Israel in December of He became the first Navajo leader ever to visit Israel. It was a historic event that Robert and Rose were proud to be a part of several years ago. President Shelly caught the vision for agriculture in Israel and brought that home to his people. The program works with Navajo farmers to embrace what Israel does in regards to agriculture, attempting to use some of the techniques that they use in Israel. Israel has a vision, the technology, and the expertise that would be beneficial for farmers in the Four Corners. After that visit, delegates from Israel were able to come here to Navajoland and held a conference on agriculture. Experts observed the Navajo farmland and also cooperatively worked on four Israeli/Navajo projects. These Israelisupervised projects turned out very well and showed great success for possibilities for the future of Navajo agriculture. One big endeavor that the Israeli delegates suggested be done was to clean out the irrigation ditches. These massive ditches that are the main source of water for farming on the Navajo Nation had become overgrown and were hindering the successful flow of water. Without adequate water, farmers have a very tough time growing anything in this dry desert. It was a big undertaking and it took a lot of work and many volunteers. Robert estimates that had they had to pay all those who volunteered their time and equipment it would have cost nearly $500,000 to clear out these ditches. But what began as simply brush removal became a moment of unity that Robert and Rose were blessed to observe. They were able to gather volunteers from Farmington and the surrounding area, including a large group of Farmington Police, employees from San Juan College, business leaders, and even government officials. I couldn t believe that, Robert said. Robert was surprised to see so many of the Four Corners finest in those ditches working away all day long. He was amazed by the support from the surrounding communities for the Navajo Nation. During a time when tensions between police and Navajos were high, this was a moment of understanding, reconciliation, and unity. To see police and Navajos working alongside each other in the ditches that was cool, Robert added. Robert also continues to work with the Farmington Police Department and others on educating the communities about the dangers of meth use. In April, Victory Life Church and Farmington Police hosted a methamphetamine use and domestic violence conference. The one-day training provided attendees with a basic understanding of meth use, signs, symptoms and prevalence in the region, along with insight and help for individuals and families experiencing domestic violence. Robert and Rose have seen much during their 20 years in Shiprock and have been a part of many aspects of ministry to the Navajo. They continue this chapter of life leading the Victory Life congregation and helping Navajo farmers carry out the vision of what Israeli farmers are doing in their similar climate. Through all these changes, one thing remains the same: Robert and Rose continue to be faithful and obedient to God s calling in their lives. (Left) Vietnamese workers bring in the celery crop in the Negev Desert area in Israel. (Left Center) Rose Tso has a taste of the celery crop. (Right two pictures) Rose, along with volunteers, help clean out the irrigation ditches on the Navajo Nation. N a v a j o n e i g h b o r s 9

10 Four corners home for children A Community of Generosity The new toddler playground funded by Walmart. By Randall Jeffrey The Four Corners Home for Children is situated on the west side of Farmington, New Mexico on the grounds of Navajo Ministries. We have the best of both worlds here. The campus is located right on Main Street, which is literally a busy fivelane highway. And, just down the hill from Main, we actually have a thriving ranch program. The country and the city meet at this very spot. It s an interesting 16-acre environment. This may not be news to you, but what isn t so well known is how amazing this community we live in is! Farmington is a community that energizes life journeys, and this community reaches out and energizes our lives every time we turn around. This past Christmas we had so many churches, businesses, and community groups reaching out to us to provide for our children that we had to turn some away to other organizations in need. We are constantly amazed by the support and love shown by the people of this city. But it isn t just during Christmas that our community responds; they do it all year long. Recently, we received a grant from our local Walmart for a new toddler playground. They reached out to us and said they wanted to do something. We have several toddlers right now and had an aging playground for them, so that was perfect. Now we have a full playground with brand new equipment that isn t broken. It looks great and it s just for these little ones. Earlier last year two separate Girl Scout Troops brought several cases of great cookies, and at least one plans to do so again this year. Throughout the year countless individuals come with donations of all sorts of things; from clothes and toys to food and household items. Nearly every day someone unexpected stops by. And every month our homes head over to McDonald s for a free dinner. Our childcare staff and children get to order whatever they want from the menu! Those same McDonald s locations have hosted McDonald s Give Back Nights the past two years where our staff and children work the registers and part of the proceeds from that evening go to the children s home. We could tell many more stories like these of how people in this generous community have poured out their love to our kids. In the midst of a struggling local economy, Farmington and the Four Corners steps up in big ways. This community has embraced what we re doing here, and we couldn t think of a better place to be! We are so thankful for the many partnerships we have in this generous community. 10 N a v a j o n e i g h b o r s

11 Learning Center After-School Program Sees Success, Fun By Randall Jeffrey The Learning Center continues to be an integral part of our children s education. After having to close the on-site school at the start of the school year, we have found our groove. The kids are doing great! Many of them receive tutoring through our various volunteers, including several high school students from Navajo Preparatory School. They have been a great partner with the Learning Center; sending a few students each day. There are different craft projects each day and many students are also learning to play various musical instruments. Various aspects of Navajo culture are also taught at the after-school program. Many of our children have a very small knowledge of their own culture. It has always been important for us to help teach the children their history and culture. One of the first big projects for the Learning Center was a mixture of crafts and Navajo culture. Nina Benally helped the children design and build two beautiful Navajo village dioramas. Each diorama includes a hogan (one has a female hogan and the other has a male hogan.) Together, these displays complete what you might see at a Navajo homestead, even today. Many of our older kids had a hand in putting it together. For our boys, it was right in their wheelhouse. What s better than playing with mud in a classroom and not getting in trouble? It really looks great. The kids put a lot of time, effort, and detail into getting everything just right. Under Nina s watchful eye they created a very authentic looking village. If you ever stop by Navajo Ministries, our Navajo village is currently displayed in our main office lobby. We d love to tell you more about it. The Learning Center is a true blessing. We are so thankful that it is all going well. Having to take a step back with the closing of the school was difficult, but pressing forward with the Learning Center has been a big win for our children. Connor and Sonny show off the Navajo village they helped create to Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye. N a v a j o n e i g h b o r s 11

12 news and views Continued San Juan Bi-Fly Set August 18-19th, 2017 The 24th annual San Juan River Bi-Fly Tournament is set for August this year. All proceeds benefit the Four Corners Home for Children at Navajo Ministries. In 2016, nearly $70,000 was raised for the children s homes. Two-person teams are now being put together for the tournament. Anyone interested in the Bi-Fly can call Bob Fitz at or him at Fitz@NavajoMinistries.org. NOTES FrOM THE EUBANK COUNSELING CENTEr The Electronic Age Comes with Challenges By Linda Eubank Kids today listen as grandparents talk about the way things were not so very long ago. Do you remember black and white TV, party telephone lines and listening to shows on the radio? Am I really dating myself? The current generation has grown up with IPads, smart phones, computers, Facebook and more! While these tools can be very helpful and useful in education, they also bring our children into the world of potential cyberspace abuse and bullying. Parents of teens and even grade school kids seem to fall into two main categories. Some parents are in denial about the need for this technology and refuse to let their kids engage. This creates a social problem with their peer group. Other parents are naive about the cyberspace dangers or insist their kids would never take part in such things as bullying on Facebook or Snapchat, and surely would never take suggestive pictures and send them to friends. I can t tell you how many girls are shocked when they take pictures of their chest, send them to their boyfriends and then find out that the boyfriends shared the photos with all his friends. So many kids and teens have been hurt, mocked and ridiculed by their peers all because things that should be hidden and personal are now exploited. Because the standards of our society as a whole have changed, this appears to be the natural consequence when bodies and sexuality are no longer sacred. Parents often ask what they can do to protect their kids. If I still had children at home, all electronics would move to the master bedroom, and plugged in to a charging station at night (turned off of course). Any homework on computers and laptops would be done in community rooms, and not in their bedrooms. That way parents can walk by and see what is being viewed. If you are a parent, or a grandparent, set the proper example and take steps to protect children. There have to be safeguards in place since access is so easy when it comes to electronic devices. Linda Eubank is a licensed professional clinical counselor with the Eubank Counseling Center, located on the campus of Navajo Ministries. Two-thirds of her clients are children ranging in age from 3 to 17. EUBANK COUNSELING CENTER LLC L ICENSED PROFESSIONAL CLINICAL COUNSELORS 12 N a v a j o n e i g h b o r s

13 NAVAJO Nation outreach Communicating and Connecting God s Love Just before Christmas it was our privilege to see God connect the good work and funds of many through our annual Christmas Connections program. We partnered with selected Navajo pastors from across the Navajo Nation including the Arizona regions of Chinle, Chambers, Keams Canyon, Kayenta, Red Valley, Sweetwater, Window Rock, Fort Defiance, and also Church Rock, Waterflow and Shiprock in New Mexico. They came to Navajo Ministries to load up food, coats, toys, Bibles, blankets and quilts and share them with the neediest Navajo families in their church locations. These Navajo pastors became the communicators and connectors of God s love to the elderly and families with children. Many times they shared the story of Christmas in their Navajo language. For many, they had to maneuver through muddy roads and trails to reach the most isolated families. Some provided the gifts to those who came to the church. Here are just a few of their reflections of the connections: Most were elderly folks and they all were glad and so thankful that someone cared enough to visit them. Some had health issues and were neglected by family. We prayed with them and held their hands. At church we gave out about 75 coats, jackets and sweaters. It was the smiles on the mommy s faces and the lonely and the mother who had gifts to take home to her five children that touched me the most. Some of the residents had two or three families living together under one roof. Pray for those who lost loved ones, those in hospitals and the children who are grieving the loss of separated parents. It was the little things that we gave that brought warm smiles and happy responses. The food was such a blessing. Our people need salvation and Christian education. Please continue to keep us in your prayers. What a joy it is to provide these Christmas Connections to our Navajo neighbors each year. Many hands and hearts make this possible. Perhaps these words from one of those distributing the gifts say it best: Thank you to all of God s precious people who gave from their love and hearts to our Dine Nation. You have blessed so many with hope and love. May they come to know the one and only true God who loves them so much. God bless you for blessing us! Jim and Kay Baker, Co-Directors of Partnership Ministry N a v a j o n e i g h b o r s 13

14 KNMI vertical radio Michael Wiseman and Jeanette Fercik. Two Important Faces for the Vertical Family By Randall Jeffrey Since 1980, Vertical Radio has provided Christian music, information, inspiration, and sports to people in the Four Corners region, and nationwide through verticalradio.org. We are a listener-supported station for the whole family, and Vertical Radio is the top-rated Christian music station in the Farmington market. We owe part of our success to the people who prefer to stay behind the scenes; our Administrative Assistant, Jeanette Fercik, and our Underwriting Associate, Michael Wiseman. Jeanette has been part of the Vertical Radio family for 2 ½ years. She loves the people she works with and she loves Vertical Radio. I love the people here. I wake up ready to come to work because I love the people, she said. She does the billing, works with our website, does some of the background technical work, and tries to keep the station and Emmet organized. Jeanette doesn t like to talk about herself, but she does an invaluable job and we are proud to have her. If you call the station, Jeanette is who you ll usually get to talk to! Jeanette loves being part of Vertical Radio! Michael has been with Vertical for nearly 4 ½ years. He s worked in radio off and on for more than 25 years, but he has really found a home here at Vertical. Michael loves the family-oriented environment we have here and the stability that provides for his family. This is the best job I ve ever had, Michael said. Michael is a walking sports encyclopedia (like Google in book form), so of course he loves listening to Game of the Week. Michael s main duties include finding business grants, which are one of the main ways we stay funded other than individual supporters. He also does the weather, operates the board during games at times, is part of the monthly sports show, and really anything else he s asked to do. Michael is a true servant and is a great asset to our non-commercial station. During times of change and economic instability, Vertical Radio doesn t miss a beat. A big part of that is owed to the work and dedication behind the scenes. Jeanette and Michael are an integral part of that, and without them, the Vertical family would be incomplete. 14 N a v a j o n e i g h b o r s

15 living memorials In Remembrance During the Easter season we are reminded of the words of Jesus as He shared the table with his disciples in what we call the Last Supper. And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them saying, This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me. (Luke 22:19) Little did the disciples know then that shortly thereafter Jesus would be hanging on a cruel cross giving up His life for all of us. This page of our magazine is a special one as we provide the opportunity to our friends from across the country to share a gift in remembrance of a departed loved one. It s a double blessing as you not only share the name of the one you are remembering, but you are also providing support to the boys and girls living here at the Four Corners Home for Children. These children have had some tough times in their young lives before coming into our homes. Your gift helps care for the daily needs during their time spent with us. Your gift in memory of or in honor of will be recorded as you see the names listed here on this page. Upon receipt of your tax-deductible gift, an attractive card will be sent to the family of the one you are memorializing or honoring. No amounts are ever mentioned. Please use the envelope that is attached in this magazine to respond with your gift. We are blessed to have your love and support for the boys and girls living in our homes here at Navajo Ministries. Jim & Kay Baker, Co-Directors of Partnership Ministry Talented sand painter, Little River Simpson, shown here with his sandpainting of The Last Supper. Living Memorials Through January 2017 FROM in MEMORY OF Faith Fletcher fred McLaren Gary and Suzy Fisher bill Bennett Glenn and Juanita Dobey rolanda Sussex Alta Sheaffer doris Long Glenn and Juanita Dobey Mary Odell McKeon Michael Janotka owen O Neil William and Jane Scully rev. and Mrs. John Wilcox Elisa Clark Marina Perryman Ruth Weymouth joanne Guyton Frederick and Holly Charles h. Melvin and Elva S. Charles Solid Rock Church viola J. Coronado Dean Ferris Gerald and Hazel Ferris Northern Wayne Christian Fellowship Lela Ellicks Michael Fox jane Fox Betty Morris joe Callan Betty Morris jon Callan Stephanie Welter rich Mullins Alana Fehrenbach William Fehrenbach Margaret Gage ike and Mary Lou Gage Thomas and Joanne Thibodeau Robert Cowan, Sr. FROM in HONOR OF April M. Dahlheimer Maria Hazel Dunn Elisa Clark rolanda Jeffrey Don and Rudith Drennan sylvia Frazier Gordan Anthony Larry Laird James Reese Barbara Lee Terri Morris Gar and Kenda Arthur-Engle Ramona Colson James and Roxanna Stinebaugh Darrel and Nancy Acker Elaine Lowe Harvey and Elizabeth Hall Nannette and Shawn Stiger Lonnie and Debbie Pedersen Jodi Blair randall and Rolanda Jeffrey Collin and Sherida Stewart our Grandchildren: juniper and Hawthorne Paul and Patricia Anderson bill and Linda Eubank Janet Acker Karen Rinehart Carol West Adams breann Chavez Curtis and Sharon Jacques jan and Ryan Sandra Bingel jan and Ryan Jacquline Diaz scott Platero Family S C Sellin barbara Sellin and Ferris Bagley Amy Leary charles and Sharon Davis William Vsetecka helen Vsetecka Robert and Gloria Bishop victoria Franklin Betty Morris doctor Tres Morris Heather Hund baby Bot-Miller Robert and Karen Nicholson tom and Beth Cheney Robert and Dorothy Cowan our family at Christmas Gail Barrows bernard F. Rick Jeffrey Anagnostou Mr. Taki Anagnostou, Ph.D Doug and Ellen Stewart Marie Stewart Megan Perkins chris and Mari Shepard Barton and Madge Campbell jim and Kay Baker N a v a j o n e i g h b o r s 15

16 Providing Hope and Restoration to families since W. Main Street PO Box 1230 Farmington, NM NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID DENVER, CO PERMIT NO. 331 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Navajoland Fall Tour 2017 September 17-23, 2017 Monument valley Canyon De Chelly Grand Canyon Petrified Forest Painted Desert Aztec ruins Four corners national Monument Plus Much More! $ 849** per person Early Bird Special* $ 799** per person Call now! Vickie@NavajoMinistries.org * Early Bird Registration Deadline: May 31, 2017 ** Double Occupancy