A Navajo Thanksgiving Trip by Richard Hensley

Recently while visiting the Dine' Restoration Branch of Jesus Christ Church on the Navajo reservation, they asked if IMCA could come and have a teaching camp at the church. I presented their request to the IMCA Council and they agreed we should support the requested ministry .

On November 24th, Thanksgiving day, two vehicles left for Pinon, Arizona. Included in this two car caravan were Ron and Pam Wilson with Jesse Harris Jr. in one vehicle and Chuck Premoe and myself driving the second vehicle. The Beck family with Melba Jeffries left a day earlier to spend Thanksgiving day with a family in Colorado and then drove on to Pinon. Leroy Campbell and Roy Mason also left a day early to do a little sightseeing on the way. That Friday evening all four vehicles arrived safely, although Charlie Beck's crew had to drive through a severe snowstorm coming down from Colorado. That night everyone bedded down on the floor of the church and I slept in the van outside to avoid a church full of snoring.

Saturday morning greeted us with a bright sunny day, perfect for camping. Soon the little church was filled with around 35 Navajo saints. We had crafts, Book of Mormon story books and Book of Mormon coloring books for the kids. At noon we had a potluck dinner followed by rich fellowship. That evening we enjoyed a campfire setting in the church and once again had rich fellowship.

Sunday morning blessed us with another beautiful day which began with a prayer service which lasted more than two hours. It was obvious from the response of the Navajo saints that their hearts had been touched. This service certainly prepared us for the following sacrament service. Danny Hosteen, the Presiding Elder, conducted the service assisted by myself and Adam Cappo This was one of the best sacrament services I have had the privilege to share in with the Navajo saints. The Spirit certainly blessed us.

After the service it was sad to say good-bye, however the promise we would be returning again seemed to help. They have requested four additional small teaching camps in four different villages in the summer of 1998. One of these camps will be where the church has never gone before. IMCA is looking forward to these camps and sharing once again with our Navajo saints this coming year.