Navajo Preacher Man

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" This has always been a challenging scripture for me. Send me. What if I don't like it? Why not send someone else? Why send me anyway? I'm not sure if this is why I never ended up a missionary to a foreign land... I ask to many questions. Yet, Paul Ghee has been a missionary in Tuba City, AZ for 30 years. In the desert. With hot summers. With sand storms. With thunder and lightening storms. Snakes. Spiders... BIG SPIDERS. Scorpions and red dirt that finds it's way into EVERYTHING. OK, I might not be at the top of the list for this type of work, but then again... Paul and his wife Ann have been serving the Navajo nation for 30 years as missionaries in Tuba City. His work is not the largest and it's not the best, but it's honest and full of Jesus. He meets these people where they are at. He's not a Crusader who rushes in to convert souls and force them to act this way or die. (anyone affected by the crusades... my apologies for the destructive thing done in the name which brought peace) Paul teaches Christ in the native tradition. The Great Creator has a name. I must say this is hard for me to understand, because it is a cultural thing. I'm not native american, but Paul doesn't expect me to be. He takes me where I am. He gives insight to this northwest boy about how important our work is and that it's building trust from a people who were mistreated by the white man not so long ago. Peace, love and forgiveness forefront in his life. A testament to his faithfulness. I can't think of any better way to do missions. It's Christ like. Go to where the people are... listen to them. Tell them the Kingdom of God is near and serve them. I want to serve. peace. johno~

Jeff

In my nine years here in Wenatchee, there have been only two others who have stayed faithful to youth ministry in the Northwest. Jeff is one of those faithful. I love the way Jeff does youth work. Jeff is a go getter. He's not afraid to meet kids where they are at. He calls them, challenges them, loves them. He is a man of God with a passion to share the Message with teens. Again, this might sound easy but it's not. I can think of 10 others who have given up youth ministry in 9 years. To last longer than two years seems to be a major achievement. But Jeff does this to serve the One he loves. Jesus. Jeff is great at sharing the story of Jesus with teens. He walks with them on their journey and teaches them about the Way. When a student decides to yield their life to Christ in baptism, Jeff dons his nike, "just do it!" shirt and steps into the water. He has a smile that can welcome the smallest child and a stance that can make grown men think twice before messing with him. And of course, the photo... Jeff is not above getting down and dirty... err, wet with the best. A slip-n-slide that could kill the average adult male, and yet, this servant meets kids where they are at. Many would never attempt such a thing. Most wouldn't care. But then again, that's what makes Jeff a great youth minister. peace. johno~

Josiah

This project has been a great challenge for me this year. It gives me the eyes to look around at the everyday and the not so everyday. People come into my life at all ages. Young and old, my life is somehow shaped. I may not see it immediately, but I know it is there. Josiah Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. Happy birthday Josiah. You're not yet eight so you have a few years to go before the real work begins. Josiah is a young man who's family recently moved near Wenatchee. The journey of his life is no mistake. He has a purpose and a place. He has a legacy of Great men before him. His father and grand father, uncles and cousins carry a name of honor in the Northwest. And here he is with me and my family. Jackpot. could I ask for anything better for my son than to have a friend like this soon to be boy king? Sometimes in life we need a boy king to help remind us of things pure, things hoped for and childlike faith. Well, he might not be king by eight but he will have much to offer. I just know. The name Bristow is a name that has blessed my family to many times to count. So boy king, happy birthday. peace. johno~

Mirmax

On the day you were born, I was so joyful. Many thought you would be a boy, not sure why. I knew. Your name was chosen just for you because you are a Thomas kid... a leader. When Moses lead the children of Israel out of Egypt, Miriam lead the nation of Israel in worship and dancing. Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron's sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her, with tambourines and dancing. I love your dance. It is beautiful to me and to the Lord. I love you. Miriam has a nickname... Mirmax. Maximum is here nature. All out. Nothing half way. All or none. I love this about her. She can physically challenge those twice her age and compete well. She has a giving heart that makes her even more beautiful. Speak to harsh words to her and tears are quick to come. She cares for others... Gives to others... She has a heart that would make anyone proud. I can't wait to see where she will go. She will go somewhere. However, with Mir, I think it would be good to point her at something so she hits it. I wondered before she was born, "how can you love more than one child?" Miriam gave me the answer that changed my whole life. peace. johno~

Anthony

I believe that God is at work in my community. I just don't know where He is at work due to the fact that I spend to much time in an office and not out looking for what God is already doing and jumping on board. Photography was "my idea" to use for Kingdom work. "Light" "Exposure"... get it. OK, maybe it's more of a God idea than mine because He placed me with a group of folks who love football... love to play... love to get hurt... Well, maybe not the hurt part, however, God placed me there. I'm sure of it. I've been with the Rams shooting pics for 3 years now and I've enjoyed the relationships I've been given to share. This year, for the very first time, I met Anthony. Anthony has a great story. He's never played football before in his life. He just thought he would walk on and try this sport out and somehow made it on the team. To be honest, I thought he was a seasoned pro. (this might tell you how much or little I know about the game). Anthony brought an enthusiasm to the Rams family. I was not surprised when I found out he was a follower of the Way. He gave every game his all and kept a smile too. Every play, I watched him move with determination and effort that rivaled his younger counter parts. At the seasons end awards celebration, He was given the honor of "Rookie of the Year" much deserved and humbly received. I'm glad to know him. He's a good husband, a wonderful new dad and a brother to find encouragement in this shadow land. peace. johno~