Navajo Ministry Update by Richard Hensley

Charles Beck and I left July 23, 1995 to visit the Navajo saints and friends. We stopped overnight with friends in Manitou Springs, CO. We arrived at Bobby Hosteen's residence the next evening. As usual our Navajo church people were glad to see us. Whenever anyone makes a visit to Pinon, AZ for any ministry, they ask Bobby, who is an Elder, to go with them. Bobby is retired and can go anytime with the visiting priesthood. Danny Hosteen, also an Elder and the pastor of the Navajo Branch works during the day and is only available in the evenings to visit.

The next day Bobby, Charlie and I began making the rounds to visit each church family.  The roads are sometimes very rough and if it rains or snows, they can become impassable.

We drove to Blue Gap where Kee and Helen Greyeyes live. Kee was on horseback herding his sheep. There has been very little rainfall and even the windmills have stopped pumping water. Kee had to herd his sheep a long way for water. Kee was very busy but wanted us to come back later so we could visit.

Turning back west we drove to Many Houses to the home of John & Mary Lee. They invited us to stay in their camp and use their daughters' hogan as they were in Missouri at a youth camp. The Lees were also glad to see us.

The next morning we visited grandmother Blanch and her family. The Navajo reunion was held at their camp this year and they were excited to tell us all about it.

As we drove to the different villages Bobby complained of pains and wanted to be blessed (administered to). I administered to him and he felt better so he continued to travel around with us. He said he was going to the hospital for a checkup the following Monday.

On Saturday Bobby was again experiencing excruciating pains and asked us to take him. to the Chinle hospital. We rushed him 47 miles to the hospital and waited for the doctor's report. The doctor finally came to inform us that he was having a heart attack but was stable now. She said they were going to fly him to Tucson the hospital for treatment. We stayed several more days calling Tucson each day to see how he was doing. The medical staff said he was stable, doing well and would be home Friday.

Having obligations at home we left for Missouri. It was late Tuesday when we arrived home. Wednesday morning around 4:00 AM I received a call that Bobby had passed away. The family said they needed us. Wednesday afternoon Charlie Beck with his family and I headed back the 1150 miles to assist the family in their time of need.

I presided over the funeral. Saints from all over sent money to help the Hosteen family. The family is extremely thankful for the prayers and support they received from the many brothers and sisters in the church.

We will miss Bobby very much. He was a great asset to the ministry and he was also a very close friend. Remember the Hosteen family in your prayers.