American Indian Missions: OUT WEST IN WINSLOW

American Indian Missions:  OUT WEST IN WINSLOW

By American Indiam Missions Director David Petty
Winslow, Arizona was all but forgotten when Interstate 40 displaced Route 66 and began taking travelers around its downtown in the late 1970s. But it has one thing going for it: People still want to stand on the corner in Winslow after Glenn Frey and the Eagles made it sound so cool in their hit song “Take It Easy.”

It should be noted, there is a lot more to Winslow than just a catchy tune and tribute statue of Frey standing on the corner. Within the city limits is a thriving American Indian Missions church! And this church features an energetic youth group, whose participants are involved in a variety of activities. This past December, their presentation of “Jesus Means Christmas To Me” drew an attentive audience as the holiday season kicked into gear. Since then, these young people have been on the move—from sharing their faith through creative events to fundraising for a mission trip—and are also gaining worthwhile experience learning how to manage their own youth services.

Trent Charley, the youth leader, is an avid reader and collector of Superhero comic books and enjoys watching Marvel and DC movies. He recently developed a “Superheroes for Jesus” theme to engage the youth, and he encouraged participation by asking everyone to dress up as their favorite superhero. The youth donned costumes as the Hulk, Batman, Wonder Woman, Captain America, and a host of other masked crusaders. Joining the fun, Pastors Allen and Carol Pashano even dressed up as Mr. and Mrs. Incredible. Trent’s message to the youth: be more than just average—be super for the Lord.

To support a mission trip to California scheduled for July, the youth baked desserts for an auction fundraiser, which resulted in more than $200 garnered to help with expenses. While still in the planning stages, kids and grownups alike are very excited about this trip. The goal is to take 6-7 youth (ages 9-13) and a small number of adults to perform, minister, and convey their rich Native American culture with the message of Jesus Christ at the forefront. They plan to dress in beautiful, authentic Navajo attire and share various cultural treasures, plus make delicious Navajo frybread for some tasty sampling. Naturally, a stop at Disneyland is on the itinerary before the group heads home. 

This mission trip is their first bold move in promoting their church outside of Arizona. One Mission—One Movement aptly describes this body of young believers, who desire to minister beyond their boundaries and cultures with the positive message of Jesus Christ. Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled (Luke 14:23, KJV). 

Missionaries and churches operating under PCG American Indian Missions are rife with plans to engage congregants and build for the future—even in remote locations and with limited support. The church in Winslow is a prime example and underscores our mission to evangelize First Americans so they can win others to the Lord Jesus Christ!