Greetings from Arizona,

I’m so excited to share some stories of how God showed up and displayed His goodness and glory from the recent Indian Bible College trips: Ministry Immersion Trip (MIT) to the White River Apache and Fort Apache reservations (Rez) in Arizona, as well as, the NW Tour.

MIT:

One student served as a teacher’s assistant, which “confirmed why she’s at IBC… to someday be an art teacher on the Rez, understanding the youth’s lives and sharing the gospel with them.”

Several students served at the “Kennel” – a place for Apache youth to hang out and have fun. Some of the teens they met are not Believers and most have gone through rough stuff in life. An, IBC student shared how moved she was by the opportunities to share truths from the Word of God and to encourage them. She said, “a small mustard seed was planted and I was amazed at how God’s Word came alive for me and that the Spirit prompted me to share different things.”

A few of the students had opportunities to teach at church services, for communion and at a worship night. One IBC student said, “I knew there was an unbeliever in the worship service, so when I shared my testimony of coming to know Jesus, I felt it was a message for that teen.” May the Holy Spirit continue to minister.

All the students on the MIT seemed to be vessels being used by God and pursuing God and His Word.

On this trip, an IBC graduate returned to her home where she said, “it was good to be back home and it felt peaceful since I was there with the IBC family. God allowed me to be excited to be home at this time and I cried for my people every day hoping that the Lord was working in their lives to bring them hope.”

NW Tour: 13 days and over 3700 miles traveled

An IBC graduate shared how it was hard for him to be back where he grew up, but he was there to see his son and this time saw himself as the NEW person in Christ, not who he was when growing up. The team went to the Nez Perce Rez (Idaho), where his Auntie and cousin with siblings surprisingly all came. His family are very “traditional” in their beliefs (not Christian), but his Aunt was impacted by his testimony. Afterwards, she was crying and hugging him saying she was sorry. She said she wished she would have done something about the abuse. What an answer to prayer for the opportunity to make amends with family members. On this trip he became clearly burdened by the needs of his people.

One student shared how through this trip and the opportunities to share with dozens of people where God has brought him from he was moved to stack memorial stones on the ocean beach.

While in Oregon after a church service a student was surprised to meet a lady from New Mexico, the state where she comes from. She was able to encourage that woman who was missing home. This student also shared how God used a song to remind her of the many opportunities the Lord has given her, as well as His faithfulness, and to give her a continued burden for her family who doesn’t yet have a joyful life (not Christians). She cried a lot about to her family, since she’s a first-generation Believer.

“It was a joy to meet so many of the IBC donors and prayer warriors, as well as to learn a lot, share many fun moments, and hear each other’s stories of what they’ve gone through to get to this place right now.” God changed their lives through this trip.

One of the IBC graduates and current staff member said she was excited to see how much the students are persevering and the joy the Lord has given them. Seeing the faithfulness of God for IBC and in the student’s lives was powerful. She also met several women who shared stories of healing and joy in their trauma culture.

IBC Prayer requests:

Adjacent homes—IBC hopes to expand in order to provide more student housing. There’s still no movement on a home to buy but we really want to make the first purchase by summer.

Students in academic trouble—Many of the full-time freshmen and sophomore students are getting a “D” or “F” in one or more classes. Pray they can be motivated to turn in their assignments and reach their potential.

Fifth Wind—This is the vocational part of IBC where students can learn skills and a trade. Please pray for the upcoming leadership transition through the Lord’s direction and provision.

Personal Update and Prayer requests:

I have now begun seeing doctors at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix. All of the tests continue to result in no answers as to the cause of the hypercalcemia, however, the effect it’s having on my kidneys is not good. Please continue to pray for an answer, so that some sort of treatment and healing can begin.

My father’s progressing dementia resulted in the need for him to receive 24/7 care, which I could not provide due to working full time. My siblings and I moved him into a Memory Care facility in Phoenix this month, which is only 10 minutes away from one of my sisters. Please pray for him to make friends and be at peace in this new situation.

Thank you for your prayers and support of this ministry.

May this season of celebrating the resurrection of Jesus bring you hope, joy and peace.

Living through His grace,

Linda