Christmas Ministry

We had the opportunity to spend the Sunday before Christmas out on the reservation with dear friends and their ministry. The Butler's pastor a small Navajo church and every year they have a huge distribution around Christmas time....we decided to go down and help out this year. We had never been and didn't know what to expect. The church and home were both very modest, in need of some repairs but the people we so hospitable and kind. We love to spend time with the Butlers!
After a sweet time of worship in music, Tulley (pastor) brought the message of God's gift to us....and although the message was in Navajo, I was able to understand parts of it and was encouraged by it. During the message, more and more people were starting to pile into the tiny church.....and by the time we went back on stage to sing after the message, there was standing room only!
After we fed the masses (a generous supporting church supplied the cow that they butchered and served that day), the distribution began. I still did not know what to expect but just jumped in to help. I had heard that they anded out bags of supplies to everyone, from infants to grandmas....I was excited to be a part of it.
So as the first group lined up (little kids), the workers pulled out the many, many totes they had stored....and we started filling walmart bags full of toys and clothes....but it wasn't exactly what I expected. These toys were all used....and not just used but often broken, stained and torn. As I held the bag open for the workers to fill with these broken, used toys, I almost felt bad as I turned to hand them to the waiting children.....but then I was humbled and blessed at the same time as I saw the big smiles on each of their faces as they received their bag of goodies. And it didn't stop there...the adults were just as appreciative as they received socks, lotions and sacks of potatoes. It was an amazing thing to be a part of....and for my children to be a part of as well. It is definitely good for them to see that there are children who struggle and who do not have all the privileges that they have. And it was good to see them come home and pull out some of their toys that they want to donate for next year....and I hope to be able to help out each year as well. Please pray for the people of Counselor (the tiny reservation community) and their many needs.