Honestly, I am finding it difficult to prepare for classes, to maintain a positive outlook, and to find joy in the mundane routines of life. There is so much uncertainty, so much death, suffering, chaos, rage, injustice, and evil. It is overwhelming! I know you feel it, too. I told the Lord the other day that it was just too heavy for me. Hmm. Maybe that’s the point. It’s not my responsibility to carry this weight. Only He can shoulder it.

Psalm 46 has been a comfort lately. Even when our worlds collapse around us, God is undisturbed, unchanged, and has not lost control. No one and nothing can thwart His plan or disrupt His purposes.

There has been a lot of good news lately, too. We have been getting a bit of rain and there is hope for more in the coming weeks and months. God has continued to provide financially for the school in amazing ways. We have been enabled to partner with several other organizations in bringing relief to the troubled Native American nations around us. At least seven students have contracted COVID, most of whom are still on campus, and almost all of whom are fully recovered. One staff member also came down with the virus but is now fully back to work, apparently without lasting effects.

These photos tell a story of hope. We have had only two work teams that have been able to follow through on their commitment to help renovate the new Student Learning Resource Center.

The first team, from Missions Hills, Colorado, framed in some study rooms, an office, and a rest room before they had to leave. They encouraged us to write on the studs before they will be covered with drywall.

Those who were free to join were able to pour our hearts into those naked walls, calling for God to enable this facility to be completed in His time, and to bring many more Native people to new life in Him.

 

We prayed that the facility will be used to help students grow in their faith and develop into godly leaders who will make a difference for Him. Pray that the Learning Resource Center may soon be completed and in use.

 

 

 

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
Though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
Though the waves roar and foam,
Though the mountains tremble at its swelling.

By now you have received our special summer edition of the IBC newsletter and have a handle on what we have been doing during this pandemic. You’ve also read my account of this period of time from the initial lockdown in March to the present. There are still many unknowns in relation to the Fall semester. Please join us in praying for wisdom.

The nations rage,
the kingdoms totter;
He utters His voice,
the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our fortress.

Lord willing, I will be teaching “History of North America” and co-teaching “Christ and Culture” this fall. I am still overseeing the Life Coaching program and Christian Service Assignments. Not too long ago I became alumni director as well. Pray I would be a good steward of these responsibilities.

Please keep praying for new students (up to TEN? Possibly?) who will be arriving ON CAMPUS in the next few weeks. Pray that classes will make a lasting impact, whether online or in person. Pray for
God’s to use this illness for His glory and to further His kingdom.

Be still and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!
The Lord of Hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our fortress.

-Psalm 46:1-3, 6-7, 10-11

To the right is a photo of Deedra Dallas, our new Learning Resource Director, in front of the still-unfinished center.

Still grateful,
Martha
P.S. Please check out the students’ work in Creative Ministry Methods class at:
IBC’s Youtube channel