As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
When the wind has passed over it, it is no more and its place acknowledges it no longer. Psalm 103:15,16

Nanette and I stood amazed as we viewed the ruins that lay before us. Structures dating as far back as 900 AD rose as high as 5 stories. They were remarkably preserved. Who were the people who had built these magnificent structures? What did they believe? Why did they leave?

According to Wikipedia, Chaco Canyon, in a remote area of New Mexico, contains a more extensive collection of ancient ruins than any other location north of Mexico. A system of canals directed water through the complex and a road system provided for trade with other peoples from hundreds of miles around.

But the lovingkindness of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep His covenant, and who remember His precepts to do them. Psalm 103:17-18

This week is a vacation week for me so I took off, in the midst of the declaration that Flagstaff is now a “hot spot” for the Virus, to spend some time with Nanette and her family. Our trip reminded us of the brevity of life, of the need to keep following the Creator, and the necessity of sharing the Truth with those around us who are uncertain about their eternal destiny.

We have had the first confirmed case of COVID on the IBC campus as one of the staff tested positive last Friday. Until several weeks ago we had largely escaped unscathed. Last week there were 299 new cases in our county, nearly twice as many as our previous record week. Total COVID cases on the Navajo Reservation are now up to 7,613 with 369 deaths. We are beginning to hear of IBC graduates who have been affected, including one pastor whose wife passed away last week.

Indeed we are but grass and our mighty achievements will likely mean little or nothing to generations to come other than as empty reminders that we once briefly passed this way. Please pray with us for God’s work in our nation, among Native people, among all of us.

There are so many uncertainties. Will the students who have been accepted to attend IBC actually be able to come on campus? Will they have the courage to do so if they are allowed to? Will we be able to hold classes in person? What will we do to ensure the safety of the students over Thanksgiving? When will the numbers begin to go down again? Will our governor and/or mayor shut us down completely again? Will I still be able to travel to Idaho to visit my niece and nephew at the end of this month? Will we be able to have in-person church services this weekend again or will we be completely online again?

May God bring much good from this evil. Please pray for great wisdom for those in authority both in the government and in IBC’s administration. Thank you for continuing to partner with me. Be on the lookout for a special IBC newsletter coming in the mail in a few weeks. If you are not signed up to receive it, let me know and I can send it electronically.

Gratefully,

Martha