THE LORD ANSWERED OUR PRAYERS by Elder Richard Hensley
When my wife and I left the Navajo reservation after having lived there for three years, we felt that whatever God had wanted to accomplish among those people had not yet been completed. Although we had a testimony that God wanted us to return to Independence, we left the reservation with several concerns. We hoped that a church building would eventually be built. We had begun work on this project but had to leave it in the hands of the RLDS Church as there was no reservation group support at that time. We could also see that the Navajo priesthood still needed additional training and teaching and that there remained a need for some kind of continuous ministry to the Navajo. These concerns have remained in our prayers over the years since leaving the reservation.
Since our return to Independence in 1987, others have become involved and many trips have been made to the reservation to provide a continuous ministry to the Navajos. The Navajo ministry support group was formed and several reunions have been held on the reservation. As a result of the ministry of all involved, a new and wonderful spirit has been brought to the Navajos. We have seen the hand of God moving in great power among His covenant people. The Navajo church members have recognized that the changes being made in the RLDS Church are not correct. Ninety percent of them have voted to have the restoration come and minister to them. At the last conference held on the reservation, a decision was made to organize an Independent Restoration Branch, the "Dineh Restoration Branch of Jesus Christ's Church". Soon after the organization, God moved calling two of the Navajo Priests to the office of Elder and another to the office of Priest. Many have had evidence of these calls for several years, but because of the new spirit that is moving among the Navajos, they are now ready to accept their priesthood responsibilities.
On August 7, men from Independence and Branson left for Pinon, Arizona, to build a new church building on the reservation. This was at the request of the Navajo people. They want to have a church building in which to meet and worship and provide Sunday School for their children. Their prayers are being answered. I will be leaving sometime around the end of August to live on the reservation near the new church building to help the priesthood learn how to minister in their office and calling. I will be working under the leadership of their Pastor, Danny Hosteen, to assist in any way I can.
I can't help but praise God as I am seeing my prayers and the prayers of many others answered. The Book of Mormon is going to His covenant people and the Lord's work is moving so fast in this part of His vineyard, that we are running to catch up. Praise to God; and thank you and bless you to all who have supported this ministry in so many ways. Many have traveled thousands of miles, sacrificing pleasure vacations for one of ministry. Your efforts, prayers and ministry have opened the doors of opportunity and ministry wide and the Book of Mormon can now go to the Navajo. May God bless each and everyone of you is my prayer.
Thank you and thank you, Lord Jesus.
