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INTERNSHIP
Short Term Missionary Testimony |
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Some of the
laborers at Regeneration are short-term workers joining us for an
internship. Our Summer Missions Internship is a ministry opportunity
for Bible college students to receive additional "hands on"
experience on the mission field. Students have served here from
various schools including Northland Baptist Bible College, Bob Jones
University, Ambassador Baptist College, Pensacola Christian College,
and Maranatha Baptist Missionary Aviation School. |
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Testimony
from Ben Kidd
Senior, Northland Baptist Bible College |
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This past summer
that I have spent at the Regeneration Reservation has been a great
learning experience for me. The Lord has allowed me to experience
many challenges that missionaries overseas have experienced. Satan’s
activity and desire to keep these people blinded to the truth is
very evident. Just about every person here has a |
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drinking problem that has started from his
life and upward. The depravity of man is very evident, and to see
what sin can do to a person is very humbling. It is a conviction to
me to realize where sin will lead a person. I think that in many
Christian circles, and in my own life, it is tempting at times to
succumb to sin because of how Satan presents it. When one spends a
summer among the people here, it is very evident to see where sin
will lead you. Satan always wants to bring destruction. I will never
forget one story of an older alcoholic man who was seen sitting
outside on a log with a six pack. He was going to drink as much as
he could and then succumb to unconsciousness. The pack of beer was
all that man lived for. If a person plays with sin, it can very
quickly lead to the destruction of his life.
Another aspect that the Lord allowed me
to experience was having Bible studies with the few strong
Christians that have been led to the Lord. The two men that we met
with every week were Jasper and TJ. Both men have been through many
hard times over the past couple of years, and Satan is really trying
to discourage these men and would love to see them fall. We would
spend hours with these men and share how our week went and certain
trials that all of us had been going through. Both men always opened
up about how they had been struggling that week. They would also
share about things that they had been learning in their reading of
the Bible. I am very grateful to the Lord for allowing me to come
out here and see the work of the ministry in progress.
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Testimony
from Philip Herwaldt
Student, Bob Jones University
Summer, 2004 |
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This summer has been a blessing in my life.
Although I am an Electrical Engineering major, the desire of my life
is to work on the mission field with Native Americans. The goal for
this summer was to experience the Native American mission field and
learn how to better train myself to work with the Indians.
Throughout this summer, I have had the opportunity to experience a
wide variety of ministries. The first five weeks were spent at
Regeneration Reservation, working on the San Carlos and White
Mountain Apache Reservations. Normally, in the mornings, Ben and I
worked with Mr. Stan doing maintenance around the facility at
Regeneration. This is a key ministry here at Regeneration. Mr.
Stan’s work enables Pastor Scott and Brother Tom to spend more time
working with the Apache people. |
In the
afternoons, we would go out on various outreaches in the community.
The first Apache that we met was Brother Jasper Jones. It was a true
privilege to meet him and ask him question after question about the
Apache culture and way of life. I learned so much during this first
meeting with him. One of the main things that I learned first hand
is that the devil is alive, working, and trying his best to destroy
these lives. I have always known that the devil is alive and well,
but to see examples of him possessing people and causing them to do
things they normally would not do, completely stunned me. The devil
has a grip on these people, and he is not about to let go easily. I
am thankful we serve the one and only true God!
Every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon,
we would have a Bible study with Brother TJ. It was a thrill to hear
his testimony and to see his love for the Lord. As a Christian, it
is very refreshing and encouraging to study the Bible with someone
who is on fire and completely sold out to God, despite being
persecuted by others.
One of the things that I enjoyed most
while being here was getting to know the Apache people. I loved
Sundays, when we would bring a number of kids and families out to
church here by van. I was able to teach Sunday School a couple
different times and really get to know some of the kids. I have
always enjoyed working with children, but working with the Apache
children was a special privilege for me. It took me a while to get
used to working with people from a different culture. However, once
I did, I had the time of my life. I really began to love the people
here and want to be with them more and more.
For about a week and a half at the end
of July, we went up on a film crew with Brother Don Ross to the
Navajo Reservation to make a Christian film about Pastor Harold
Noble. I am so glad I was able to meet and work with Pastor Harold.
He was a blessing and encouragement to me. Also, I loved getting to
know many guys from the Navajo tribe there. It was a blessing to
fellowship with them.
I believe that my main goal for this
trip is accomplished. I understand how to better prepare myself to
work among the Native people. Most of all, the Lord has given me a
burden and a love for them. I will go wherever God leads me, but
from the bottom of my heart, I pray that God calls me back here to
work with the Apache and Navajo Indians.
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Testimony
from Jerry Clark
Flight Instructor, Maranatha Baptist
Missionary Aviation School
March, 2004 |
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Our visit to
Regeneration Ministries was certainly the highlight of our year. We
were kept plenty busy ministry: singing, preaching, children's
ministries, services at the jail, nursing home, and detox center, as
well as the opportunity to help make two radio broadcasts.
The highlight of the week for me was
the opportunity to see Mitchell, an 18 year-old Apache boy, accept
Christ as Savior at the jail service. Please pray with us for his
spiritual growth. |
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In spite of a
busy schedule, we still had an opportunity for a buggy ride in a
restored 100 year-old buggy, some horseback riding, and a visit to
Fort Apache. We can't thank our friends at Regeneration Reservation
enough for helping to make this trip such a blessing.
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Testimony
from Trent Brostrom
Senior, Pensacola Christian College
Summer 2003 |
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This summer I was
privileged to serve here at Regeneration Reservation. I am thankful
to my God for the opportunities that I had while working here this
summer.
I learned about Regeneration from my
mother. She worked with Ann Murphy over 30 years ago when Ann was
working with the Navajos in New Mexico. Many times growing up I
heard my mother tell about the blessing the people were to her and
also about all the adventures she had working with the Navajos. I
felt that this summer the Lord wanted me |
to do something different from what I usually
did. After discussing it with my parents, my mother recommended
Regeneration. She knew I would be challenged and would receive many
blessings from the people I worked with, as well as the people I
ministered to. So I decided to come to Arizona this summer, and it
has been the experience I expected it to be.
Each Tuesday and Wednesday I worked
with Mr. Tom. Generally, I helped him work in the hangar, on the
airplane. Although I had absolutely no experience working on a
plane, he taught me how to do certain things. I did everything from
sweep the floor to help with wiring the interior of the plane. On
Wednesday evenings, Mr. Tom and I would go to Peridot, a town on the
Reservation, and have a Bible study with some of the Apache men
there. It was such a blessing to study God’s word with those men.
The excitement that they had for God and His word challenged me to
become more enthusiastic about the things of God. It was there, with
those friends, that I learned much about the Apache culture. Jesus
said in Matthew 28:19, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost"; that means all nations, including the one I live in.
Each Thursday and Friday I worked with
Mr. Stan. Mr. Stan worked with construction for over 20 years, so he
was a very good person to learn maintenance from. I was not very
experienced with maintenance, but I always have wanted to learn how
to do some of these things. This summer I had that opportunity. I
did many different things. I painted light posts and a bathroom. I
did a lot of yard work - such as pulling weeds, trimming hedges, and
even mowing the one patch of grass on the property. With the help of
some groups, I helped put up gutters and build a brick building.
Friday nights were set aside for Boys
Bible Club. Mr. Stan would go out and pick up the boys while I
finished cleaning the gym. When they got there, we would start by
playing some games. The games taught the boys many good things -
such as honesty and working together with teammates. After game-time
we went to the auditorium where they were taught something from
God’s Word. Many times something from game-time was brought out to
help them understand the Word better. After the Bible Club was
finished, I would ride back with the boys to take them home.
Sometimes
Saturdays would be spent doing work projects with Mr. Stan. Other
times I was privileged to go up to White River, a town about 90
miles north of Fort Thomas, on the White Mountain Apache
Reservation. There we would go into a jail and have a church service
with the men. It was great to see how God uses bad circumstances
(like being in jail) for these men to hear about Christ for the
first time. There we would sing with the men, take prayer requests,
pray, and hear some preaching.
On Sunday mornings I helped in Junior
Church. Sunday afternoons I again would go to Peridot. This time Mr.
Tom and I would visit a shelter care (nursing home). After singing
some songs in both English and Apache, we would pray for the prayer
requests that the people had. Later on Sunday we went to church at
the San Carlos Apache Baptist Church. It was a Native church with a
Native pastor.
Of course,
there were several times when we had days off from working and would
have some fun. We went hiking a few times. The country out here is
very different from Wisconsin, which is where I am from. I got to
ride in the plane. I made new friends with both the staff and the
groups that came out here. There were many other fun things that I
got to do.
This summer was an experience I will
never forget. Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight thyself also in the LORD;
and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart." That verse is so
true. I had the opportunity this summer to do some things I have
always wanted to do that I would have never been able to do back in
Wisconsin. It was a great privilege to work along with the staff
here at Regeneration Reservation in doing the work of the Lord.
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Testimony
from Cherith Stevens
Graduate, Bob Jones University
Summer 2002 |
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"Ho, every one
that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money;
come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money
and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not
bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken
diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul
delight itself in fatness." Isaiah 55:1-2
This is the same call that went out to
Israel. Adoniram Judson called out to the Burmese people, and the
same call continues to be echoed today. I spent five weeks this
summer in Fort Thomas, Arizona, at Regeneration Reservation, located
close to the San Carlos Apache Reservation. Many in the world today
and also on the Apache reservation are spending money and much labor
on things that cannot satisfy their souls. Alcohol, drugs,
immorality, and traditions can only provide temporary enjoyment.
Christ provides all the answers when we hearken diligently unto Him.
Only He can truly satisfy our souls.
I had a wonderful time in Arizona this
summer. I lived with Kari Weldon, who lives at Regeneration
Reservation along with eleven other people. I was able to spend much
time with the missionaries who live there and learn from watching
their examples. The Apache culture is very laid back and values
relationships very highly; because of this, much of my learning came
through listening and watching. I learned about humbleness,
gentleness, compassion, meekness, and patience. In order to minister
to the Apache people, it takes time to learn their culture and build
a relationship with them. What a joy it was to spend time learning
from the Apaches and the missionaries.
Some of the ministries I took part in
were office work, help in home-schooling the Murphy’s children,
Bible clubs, youth activities, hosting families onto the property,
junior church, older adult centers, helping in the native church,
and jail ministries. The ministry I enjoyed the most and learned the
most from was the jail ministry. During the services the ladies
would sit there, and many looked hard and cold. However, after the
service, one by one would come up to us and share their hearts and
request prayer. Through working with the ladies in the jail, the
Lord really started giving me a burden for the Apache people. Also,
through the jail ministry we were able to contact many of the
inmates’ families and start a ministry in their homes. It seemed
like everyday something was going on.
Although the ministry in Arizona is
slow and some may view it as unprofitable, I can say whole-heartedly
that the Lord is doing a great work at Regeneration. Temptations and
difficulties surround the Apache believers, and they need much
prayer and the Lord’s strength to continue to live for His glory.
I praise the Lord
for the opportunity He gave me to serve this summer at Regeneration
Reservation. Lessons that I learned and burdens that I gained will
stay with me always.
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Testimony
from Dan Rasmussen
Bob Jones University Aviation Missions Team
Summer 2001 |
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The Lord has been
very good to us while we have been serving the Lord out here in
Arizona. Our main objective was to accomplish the annual inspection
for the ministry airplane. Well, it turned out to be a much bigger
job than we had expected when Mr. Pruden (our teacher and team
leader) looked into the fuel tanks and found that they had buckled
in the middle. To pass the inspection, the tanks needed to be
replaced. Since the fuel tanks are in the wings, this required the
removal of the wings. The amount of time |
needed to complete a project like this was
hard to tell, and so Mr. Pruden just said, "We will stay till it is
done." After several days in waiting for the new tanks to arrive,
some early mornings, and many long hours, the plane was fully back
together. Mr. Pruden’s test flight proved our job a success - the
plane was finally back on it’s feet again (or should I say "wings").
The airplane is a tremendous aid to the ministry that the
missionaries have here with the Native Americans.
Much of the missionaries’ time this summer was
spent working with Native children. Greg, Mr. Pruden, and I had the
privilege of being very involved in a kids’ program that they have
here at Regeneration Reservation every Friday night. One Saturday
morning, a special "Family Fellowship" was held to reach out to the
parents who wanted to come and see what their children had been
learning on Friday nights. It was a real encouragement to be a part
of this. Please pray for effectiveness as the powerful message of
Jesus, our Lord and Savior, goes out. The ministry among these lost
souls requires patience. Please pray for the working of the Holy
Spirit in the hearts of the adults and the children of the San
Carlos Apache Reservation.
I have also enjoyed the time with the Murphy’s
children very much. It has been very advantageous for me to observe
the life of a missionary. Please pray for Pastor and Mrs. Murphy and
their family, as well as the other staff members – Tom Lucatorta and
Kari Weldon. Please pray that the Lord would give them continued
faithfulness as they serve Him. Please especially pray for Mrs. Ann
Murphy, Pastor Scott’s mother, as she has some health concerns. She
desires to be back full time on the reservation with the women.
On a personal note, as I shared with Pastor
Murphy, the Lord has really been working on me these past four weeks
to "step up" my patience to a new level. The Apache pace of life is
slower and more relaxed. They do not respond to much talk but rather
to the willingness of a person to just be there and give very
unselfishly of his time (companionship). Tom said that when you go
out visiting on the reservation, you have to be willing to leave
your whole schedule behind. The Indians are quiet, and patience is
needed as they open up very slowly. It has been neat to see the
patience that the Lord has given Pastor Murphy and Tom for this type
of ministry. It has been a tremendous privilege to serve my great
God on this mission team. It is a true reminder that it is only by
God’s amazing grace that I am able to be a humble vessel used be the
almighty Creator Himself. The Lord is alive, and He is at work. It
is His name that will be lifted up in the last day. I close with the
verse that I claimed for this past school year – Psalm 46:10, "Be
still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen,
I will be exalted in the earth."
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Testimony
from Andrew Kilcup
Senior, Northland Baptist Bible College
Summer 2001 |
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Working among the
Native American is a great opportunity, privilege, and
responsibility. I am a Senior at Northland Baptist Bible College in
Wisconsin – much different (in climate) from the desert of Fort
Thomas. While at school, I have had the opportunity to minister at a
native church a couple hours away on the Ojibwe Reservation. This
helped me greatly to prepare for this summer, especially in
redirecting my mindset from ministering in the Anglo world to
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the Ojibwes and the Apaches that even though
they may think and live differently from us, they are people just
the same and can still relate quite well.
So what brings a
guy, who grew up back East and went to school in the Arctic (joke),
out to the Gila Valley in Arizona? The answer is the Lord. He has
burdened my heart and led me here to minister this summer. It is
true that I am fulfilling an internship responsibility, but
truthfully, I desired this opportunity as valuable learning for
future ministry. And it has been just that and more. If a person
comes here with a desire to learn, a heart for God and for ministry,
and a good healthy sense of humor, that person will come away
overwhelmed and stuffed with blessing. There was certainly no lack
of ministry during this time. This summer I was able to participate
in many areas including backyard Bible clubs, preaching in jail,
helping in native churches, general maintenance, and visitation. It
is a challenge to speak to the Apache people the Word of God in a
way that makes sense. It is hard enough to do that in our own
culture. To take the Bible and create understanding in another
culture is an added challenge, but it is quite rewarding when you
realize that God has helped you to do it.
Perhaps one of the most interesting
areas of ministry was in the musical realm. I came from Maryland,
where I learned to play the banjo. Odd as it may sound, this
instrument was used greatly in the ministry here. Jails, churches,
Bible clubs, and even at a wake (funeral), I was able to play my
banjo to the glory of God. I have found that both here in Arizona
and up in Wisconsin, the banjo is well received by the people. Every
time I go to the native church, I can count on playing a special
number, and I am thankful to God that I can use it in such a way,
because it is glorifying Him.
The time spent at Regeneration
Reservation was well invested and has created a learning and
understanding of these people that no book or history course could
ever manufacture. Simply from a missions perspective, the time
invested here helps the person headed towards ministry understand
the legitimacy of other cultures in Christianity. I was presented
with and exposed to many different issues and thoughts that I had to
(and still am) wrestling with, which is what we ought to do. It is a
time to serve and minister, but also a time to learn, wrestle, and
as a result, grow. I thank God for this rare privilege of looking
forward to future ministry and looking back on incredible memories.
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Testimony
from Miss Kari Weldon
Senior, Northland Baptist Bible College
Summer 2000 |
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For the past six
weeks I have had the privilege of working under the staff at
Regeneration Reservation in order to learn from and work with the
Apache people. Throughout my time here, the Lord has taught me many
things about cross-cultural work in presenting the gospel as well as
spiritual lessons that I needed to learn in my growing relationship
with the Lord. In every new experience and lesson learned, the Lord
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Through the
necessities of the ministry and the programs set up for my intern
work, I have had a vast exposure to the people as well as to the
true workings of missionary life. In our outreach work, I have had
the privilege of teaching and working with children in Bible Clubs
as well as visiting in a Bible-study fashion with various Indian
ladies. An indigenous native church in San Carlos opened their doors
to us for the opportunity to learn from them and to help them out in
many areas. A real eye- opener to the present core of Apache culture
has been our weekly services in the jail and the unscheduled
opportunities (such as the wakes) which arise for us to take
advantage of observing. Especially in working with the Apache
people, patience, flexibility, love, and reliability were key
lessons that all of these experiences taught me. Complimenting the
outreach work was the time spent here serving in areas of projects,
home schooling, and Family Bible Retreats. In addition, time for
lesson preparation was necessary so that my efforts to represent
Christ to these people would be handled in an effective manner.
Probably the most impacting lesson I
learned while working here was one that the Lord was teaching me
singularly. To learn more about God in every awaiting situation
means to learn more about the insufficiency of myself. Psalm 73:26
describes the weakness of my flesh but promises the strength and
sufficiency of God. The Lord really impressed upon me that I must go
in His strength and not seek to accomplish anything in my own
nonexistent power. Psalm 71:16 says, "I will go in the strength of
the Lord God . . .". I must go forth with a heart and a vision
focused on God, drawing from the abundant strength He offers. I know
that the lessons learned here will continue to carry me through as I
finish my schooling in December and seek God's next place of
missionary service.
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Testimony
from Marc Zimmerman
Senior, Northland Baptist Bible College
Summer 2000 |
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As a child I have
many a fond memory of playing in my grandfather's creek. One of the
many things we did at his creek was to see how far we could step
across without getting wet. This goal was accomplished by stepping
stones. The first few steps were easy, but then it got harder trying
to figure out on which stone to jump. The fun began when we did not
know where the next stone would lead us. All we knew was that the
previous stone had led us to the stone we were now standing on. |
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Regeneration Reservation has been a stepping stone in my
life. In 1995 I joined a teen internship program at Regeneration
Reservation which led to my going to Northland Baptist Bible College
as well as to majoring in missions. Little did I know at that time
that I would come back to Regeneration Reservation for my college
internship program. One of the requirements of the missions program
at NBBC is to fulfill a Missionary Apprenticeship Program. This
program, often referred to as a MAP program, gives the student a
practical training tool to present the reality of the mission field.
God led me to seek Regeneration Reservation as my place of
internship.
God worked out all the details, and on
May 15, 2000, I found myself in Arizona working under the leadership
of Pastor Murphy with the Apache people. Words do not describe what
Regeneration Reservation has meant to me nor all that I have learned
while being here. The sufficiency and power of the Word of God was
ingrained in me while I was here. The opportunity of studying the
culture and history of the Apache people opened my eyes to a hurting
group of people enslaved to alcohol, defeated in lifestyle, and
devastated by sin. The opportunity to get involved in Bible Clubs,
jail ministries, visitation, and local church work has opened my
eyes to the ministry of Christ. Christ came to seek and to save
those who were lost. He presented me with the task of proclaiming
the word of God by my mouth, by my life, and by my actions. I
recognized that in and of myself I cannot do this, but through
Christ and His Word I can do all things. I hope to take the many
lessons learned here at Regeneration Reservation and apply them to
my life so that I may be a better witness for Christ and shine so
that the world may see their Redeemer.
This summer’s program and my teen
internship program have been stepping stones in my life. I do not
know what God will do with my life through this internship, but I do
know that He has great things in store for me. Looking back on my
life, I have seen where the stepping stones of life have brought me,
and I am beginning to recognize what those stepping stones were. As
I seek the Lord's will, I can confidently go forward realizing that
those times of life that seem to be the most difficult or the most
stretching are stepping stones leading me to a better understanding
of our Lord Jesus Christ. More importantly these stepping stones
ultimately lead to an eternity with Christ. Glory be to God if I
someday hear Him say, "Well done thou good and faithful servant,"
for I am but a sinner saved by grace seeking to glorify my Saviour.
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Testimony
from Kevin Hostettler
Senior, Ambassador Baptist College
Summer 1999 |
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I am a Senior at
Ambassador Baptist College in Lattimore, North Carolina. Part of the
curriculum for those enrolled in the missions program is a two-month
internship on a field of the student’s choosing. The LORD led me to
seek a summer internship at Regeneration Reservation. As I look back
on my time here, I am assured that the LORD knew that there were
many lessons that I needed to learn. Truly, the greatest learning
experience of my college career has been the time I spent under the
mentorship of Pastor Scott Murphy. It is one thing to read about the
philosophy of indigenous church planting on a foreign field. It is
quite another thing to actually experience, hands on, the struggles
and the victories of helping in a ministry dedicated to equipping
the native believer with the Word of God, so that the nátivè can
carry on the work without the aid of the missionary.
When I arrived at the reservation some
books on Apache history and culture were made available for me to
read. I took the opportunity to learn all I could about the people
that I would be working with. In the reading I did, I found that
much could be learned from the history of the Apache peop’e. One of
the most important lessons that I learned was about how the US
Government had failed in their dealings with the Indians. Their
failure was chiefly because they did not take the time to learn of
the people they were dealing with. This lesson has taught me that
wherever the LORD leads me in my future, I must take the time to
learn of the culture and the people I will be working with. Please
pray as my fiancee (Jenny Myers) and I seek the LORD’s direction
concerning our future ministry together.
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Testimony from Joy Schmuck
Student, Bob Jones University
Summer 1997 |
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Four and a half weeks in Fort Thomas, AZ, at Regeneration
Reservation has been a highlight of my summer. Going on outreach was
a fascinating experience! I came into contact with a new and very
interesting culture, which taught me that people are more important
than time schedules and agendas. I was able to observe the
Regeneration staff interact with Native Americans in many different
atmospheres. I realized that building relationships with the people
is a priority, and this takes place over much time and with prayer.
I'm so excited to see how God is working in this ministry. The staff
emphasized over and over that God must do the work or else all is in
vain. I think that fact is the most important thing I have learned.
Without God, I would not be saved. Without God, I would have no
purpose in life. With God, we have hope - a hope that is sure. With
God, we can share our hope with those lost in despair. Only God can
satisfy a longing heart; but most of all, only God can cleanse a
sin-sick soul. May God and His Word always remain on the highest
pedestal in every ministry - as they are here at Regeneration
Reservation!
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Testimony
from Stephanie Harbaugh
Student, Bob Jones University
Summer 1997 |
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Thank you so much for all that you did to make our time
in Arizona profitable. I know that months of preparation preceded
our stay. I am grateful for the "Outfitter" classes that we had.
There is much we need to learn from those whose faithfulness has
been blessed by the Lord. Thank you for taking the time to do this.
I was impacted this summer with the importance of the Primary Team
(Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit). Each time before departing for
outreach, we were reminded that we were only the Secondary Team. If
the Primary Team had not gone before us, we would be useless. One
example that stands out in my mind is Elizabeth. Elizabeth has been
in the San Carlos jail for a number of years. Throughout these
years, she has done the weekly Bible lessons and heard the plan of
salvation repeatedly. This summer I had the privilege of sitting in
the cell the night she confessed that she did not know for certain
where she would spend eternity. The Primary Team had been at work in
her heart for a long time. I'm so grateful to be able to witness the
faithfulness and consistency of missionaries who were not willing to
give up on her. The same Holy Spirit that was at work in Elizabeth's
life is at work in my life and yours. What is He wanting to change?
I -pray that I will always be sensitive to His leading.
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Testimony
from Freedom McClain
1996 |
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My ministry exposure at Regeneration Reservation will be
a time I will never forget. I have grown so much spiritually and
have learned some very valuable lessons from God's Word. Even though
it has not all been easy and my family, as well as myself, have gone
through many struggles, I can see God's hand consistently helping us
along.
If I had to choose one thing I have
learned that has been most valuable to me, that one thing would be
to make God real in my life. This has challenged me to examine my
life and see just how big God is in my life. This means to include
God not only in the big decisions, but in the little ones as well.
Since I have been here, I have been seeking God's will for my life
and feel He wants me in youth ministry.
One other thing I learned is that God
gave me the ability to preach God's Word. This is something I never
thought I could do, and I thank God for it. He has given me plenty
of opportunities to stand up and preach the Word of God. I would
like to thank Pastor Murphy and the staff for taking time to teach
and disciple me in this area. Thank you to everyone here at
Regeneration for your love and the Godliness you have shown to me
and my family.
* Freedom is 16 years of age and has
been a helper in many areas of ministry over the last 2 1/2 years,
including backyard Bible clubs, Older Adult Center services, Sunday
School, Junior Church, puppet ministry, AWANA, and participation in
the Summer Missions Institute.
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Testimony
from Sheldon Vivier
Student, Northland Baptist Bible College
Summer Staff Member 1995 |
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This is just a note to express my gratitude for the
opportunity of assisting the missionaries at Regeneration
Reservation this summer. Pastor Murphy and the missionary staff were
a great inspiration to me spiritually. Their love and whole-hearted
dedication to ministering to the Apache people helped me to see how
seriously I ought to apply the great commission to my own life. It
was a real blessing as well to be able to work with and develop
friendships with brethren from across the country. There were
numerous opportunities every week for us to work and to minister and
develop gospel presentation skills. I was able to take part in
everything from leading songs to teaching memory verses to giving
devotionals. Though many of these times I felt inadequate, I'm glad
I learned more experiencially to rely on the Holy Spirit for words
to say. I'm extremely thankful to God for being exposed to this
mission field and for the great influence this experience has made
in my spiritual life.
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Testimony
from Christian Markle
Student, Northland Baptist Bible College
Summer 1995 |
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What
did I expect? Nothing compared to what I received. These two months
have totally changed my perspective on missions, the Amer ican
Indian, and possibly on God's will for me in the future. The first
weeks were spent concentrating on the culture. I thought that I was
still in America but learned that there is a totally different -
even foreign - culture on the other side of the reservation line. I
was overwhelmed with the task of adjusting to this new challenge. As
I learned the culture, I saw more and more of the history of the
Indians. I could not help but be angered over the hundreds of
treaties between America and the Indians which have all been broken.
My people have lied and mistreated these people mercilessly. My
heart broke. On my many trips onto the reservations I began to see
the great needs on an individual basis. The alcohol rate (90%) and
deaths due to alcohol or other substance abuse is staggering. Common
conversation seemed often to turn to where the last wake (funeral)
was. All during these weeks I have often said with Isaiah, "Here am
I Lord. Send me." I have had many opportunities to preach, lead
singing, and work with the children and teens. I have been many
times heartbroken, but God continues to remind me of how great He is
(Is. 40) and of the wonderful change He can make on a human heart
(Ps. 40:1-3).
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Testimony
from Rodney Taylor
Riverdale, Georgia
Summer 1994 |
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It has really been a blessing to me to be able to work at
Regeneration Reservation this summer. I have done a lot of things in
my life, but I have learned more this month than I think I ever have
before. It was great to be able to work in Vacation Bible School
with the Navajo people. Some of the kids were so hungry for the
Bible - after they had memorized their verse for the day, they would
beg us for more verses to learn. It was a tremendous blessing to me
to be able to take part in such a ministry.
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Testimony
from Steve Slates
Portage, Michigan
Summer 1994 |
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My time here has been an incredible experience. Although
we came to serve and to be a blessing to these people, it seems that
they have been more of a blessing to us! I had the opportunity to be
involved in the jail ministry. This was a humbling and growing
experience for me. Many of the men know about salvation. Some of
them can quote Scripture, but the alcoholism is such a strong force.
I thank God I had the Opportunity to come for this month because I
have had a chance to grow spiritually more than ever before.
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Testimony from
James C. Gardner |
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Thank you so much for permitting our Awana Junior Varsity
clubbers to visit your mission field. They each had an outstanding
time and brought home many memories. I trust that these young people
will have a greater burden and vision for missions in the future. It
is my prayer that some of them will be called of the Lord into
life-long service for Him.
Your friendly staff was not only a
great help to us, but also a tremendous example of the Christian
life. Their compassion and desire to serve us was evident at once.
They were great guides, excellent cooks, and made us feel welcomed
every minute. We enjoyed all the meals, the bonfire with
marshmallows, the late night volleyball game, the picturesque hike,
and yes, even the work day! Please extend our sincere gratitude to
the wonderful staff for all that they did to encourage our young
people in the area of missions.
We are proud to support people such as
you. It makes our missions giving so much easier when we know that
people like you and those that you minister to are benefiting from
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Testimony from
Judy Hoffman |
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My name is Judy Hoffman and I am from Riverdale, Georgia.
I have really enjoyed being out at Regeneration this summer. Working
with the Indians, even for a short time, I was able to learn a lot
about their culture and background. During junior camp, I had three
Apache girls in my group, and I was able to talk with all of them
about their spiritual life. During the two weeks of camp I had the
privilege of leading two of them to Christ and dealing with several
others concerning different matters. Most of the children started
the week with a "This is no fun attitude" and it was a thrill to me
to see them wearing a smile as they left. All the Indians, but
especially the children need prayer and love shown to them because
so many of them do not receive the needed attention at home. I thank
the Lord He has helped this work grow this far, and I pray He will
continue to do so.
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Testimony from
Kyndra Smith |
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My name is Kyndra Smith. I attend Bob Jones University. I
praise the Lord for allowing me to be a part of Regeneration
Reservation’s summer staff. During the two weeks of camp I led three
girls to the Lord and dealt with several others about dedicating
their lives to God. It was exciting to see the change in their lives
during camp. One girl in particular, Saralyn, arrived looking
unhappy and refusing to have anything to do with me. But by Thursday
she was laughing and wanting to sit by me at meals. Through working
with her on her memory verses, she realized that I did care about
her. A lot of these children just want to be loved. I am so thankful
that I have a family who loves me. Through Regeneration Reservation
these children can understand what true love is by learning about
God’s love for them. I am thankful for a God who loves all the
children of the world.
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Testimony from
Christi Bounds |
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My name is Christi Bounds and I live in Atlanta, Georgia.
This summer I had the privilege of coming to Regeneration
Reservation to help them with camp. I learned many lessons while I
was out there. I had the privilege of leading two Indian girls to
the Lord and also counseling many other girls. It was interesting to
watch the change in the ones who got saved. I was challenged by my
campers to always be consistent in reading my Bible and devotions
and to show my consistency. Most of the Indians do not see
consistency very often. I pray that through this ministry many
Indians will not only see consistency but that they will be able to
live consistently in their Christian lives.
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Testimony from
Kim Trimble |
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My
name is Kim Trimble. I’m from Atlanta, Georgia. This summer I had
the opportunity to come to Regeneration Reservation to help out in
camp for a few weeks. During camp I met many Indian girls and I was
able to help them and share many things with them. I was able to
lead one Indian girl to the Lord and to help many others with
different decisions. It was a real joy to watch the change as they
set forth to live for the Lord.
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Testimony from
Clyde Hughes |
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My name is Clyde Hughes. I live in Greenville, South
Carolina. The summer of 1989 has a very special place in my life as
well as the other two summers I have worked here at Regeneration
Reservation. I had the joy of working for the first time as a camp
counselor at Regeneration Baptist Camp. During this summer I have
had the joy of meeting over 100 different people who were
counselors, workers, visitors, and many others. The greatest
experience of all was leading an Indian camper to Christ and
counseling others. Steve Jones, the camp speaker was a great
blessing to my life as well. One of the biggest battles we had to
face was that of Satan. It took prayer, patience, and a great verse
"If God be for us, who can be against us". It was nothing more or
less than the power of God the whole five weeks that brought us
through to see the results we saw.
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