About Us

Mission Statement

The Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission exists to connect diverse communities to the needs of the Navajo People by creating a safe environment where the values of education, culture, and spiritual formation are accessible to all people.

Core Values

Christ-Centered
As followers of Christ, we strive for reconciliation and healing in a broken world. We work for justice and peace, in accordance with the teachings of Jesus, in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Respect
Serving and supporting the community through cultural sensitivity, open communication, and love for all.

Integrity
Applying the highest level of ethical standards by being financially and morally accountable to all.

Quality
Providing the best possible education and community services in an efficient and effective manner.

Empowerment
Working with the Rock Point community to assist residents in creating a socially and economically sustainable community.                           

Commitment

  • We believe that all people are children of God.
  • We believe that the Navajo People are our sisters and brothers; our neighbors.
  • We believe that when our neighbors hurt, we hurt, and we are led to care.
  • We believe that service grows out of community, and we are committed to partnership
    with the Navajo People in that ministry of service.

Organizational History

More than fifty years ago Lutheran Christian missionaries arrived in Rock Point, AZ, a remote, isolated village near the Four Corners area where Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah meet. They were leased 5 acres of land on which to build the Mission. The original goals stated on the lease included starting a medical center, a mechanic shop, a radio station and a Christian boarding school. The very first building on this land was a combined church, clinic and two apartments built in early 1954.

Today Rock Point is a gas station and convenience store, a Laundromat and post office, High School, a Chapter House and Senior Center –and 3000 people living on the land in family clans. Food and medical services are still more than 50 miles away and general shopping 115 miles away in New Mexico. The Mission campus provides a charter school site for K-6th grade for 70 children, a Private Christian Kindergarten, Health Clinic “Wellness Center”, and an ELCA congregation, the House of Prayer.

Organizational Structure

The Navajo Lutheran Mission is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that depends on the benevolence of its donors. A nine member Board of Directors oversees the management of the Mission. In addition, the Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA)Grand Canyon Synod (GCS) nominates three individuals to represent the ELCA/GCS in Mission affairs. NLM is officially affiliated as a social ministry of the ELCA. Upon written request to the Executive Director a copy of our bi-annual audit will be made available to all donors. Our yearly tax returns can be found at the National Center for Charitable Statistics www.nccs.urban.org