Challenge - Winter 2006/2007

The Newsletter of the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission, Rock Point, AZ

Holiday Greetings

Dear Friends and Supporters of NELM. Greetings and Blessings to you all during this special season of Thanksgiving and Christmas! It is my honor on behalf of the NELM Board to introduce the Rev. Edwin B. Naylor as our acting Executive Director and Felisita Jones as Principal of the Mission School. These two people bring experience and grace to their positions and a strong commitment to teamwork between staff, the Board, the Rock Point community, and all of you as supporters. This teamwork is designed to encourage and strengthen our mission statement to provide education and community programs to Rock Point in partnership with the Navajo people. We already see a renewed commitment and spirit within all of us. Please join us in this important service.

In Christ's name,
Ron Augustson, Chair.

Clara and Bobbie welcome Ed

'Tis the Season of Giving

I have been the new acting Executive Director for 8 whole working days. I am a somewhat retired Lutheran pastor who, when I retired a number of years ago, started a part-time non-profit consulting service. For 12 years I have been privileged to work with almost 100 non-profit organizations in 18 states. I love the work of seeking to bring health and wholeness to organizations committed to community service.

When the call came from Ron Augustson to help out NELM while the Board seeks a permanent Executive Director, I said a resounding "yes," by the help of God, the invaluable contributions of the Navajo people, our scores of volunteers, and supporters like you. I have been royally blessed in these early days of service. And I thank you all.

This issue of Challenge is dedicated to our supporters - YOU - and your gifts through prayer, volunteer service, and financial contributions. We need your continuing support. This is the season of giving!

The NELM staff team

Why Give to NELM?

A colleague of mine once taught me, "Do your giving while you're living, then you're knowing where it's going." But why give to NELM? Because as a faith-based effort, we are called to "love our neighbor." We have no choice. We seek to model that love through education and community services, in full partnership with the Dine, the Navajo people, of the Rock Point area. Here are some ways. Join us!

Sponsor a Child

Consider sponsoring a child or a class for a full school year -- $850 for an individual student, $3000 for a class sponsorship. You will receive information about your student and begin a relationship that matters. Your gift will provide food, transportation, school and medical supplies, field trips, and other school costs. For more information call Felisita, 928-659-4202.

Recycle through our Thrift Store

The Mission Thrift Store provides much needed living supplies for the community. In addition to clothing, shoes, and blankets, special needs include: hangers of all sizes, chairs, tall mirrors, layette supplies for infants and toddlers, bar soap, shampoo, toothpaste, lotion, tooth brushes, towels and a fly swatter. Call Sadie at 928-659-4201 for additional information. Please bring your gifts or ship UPS to: Navajo Lutheran Mission, One Mission Lane, Rock Point, AZ 86545.

Try the 'V' Word

Each year hundreds of volunteers of all ages and skills spend time at the Mission wielding paint brushes, hammers, saws, and other equipment, helping to keep the Mission in good repair. Consider a group service project this spring or summer. Call Lucille at 928-659-4201 for the experience of a life-time. Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman in Congress, once said: "Service is the rent you pay for space on this earth." (freely remembered). Try it! You'll like it!

The favorite time of the day

It's More than Soup

A Special Opportunity for Arizona Residents

Arizona residents who pay state income taxes may make a contribution to a state qualified School Tuition Organization and take a credit against their state income tax liabilities. You may make a contribution up to $1000 for married couples and $500 for single and head-of-household individuals, and claim the entire amount as a credit against your state income tax liability. In short, it costs you nothing to make a sizable contribution to the NELM Mission School. Go to www.acsto.com for information, a donation card, or call Dale at 480-820-0304 for more information. Mail your donation card and check (or credit card information) to Arizona Christian School Tuition Organization, P.O. Box 6580, Chandler, AZ, 85246, before mid-night, December 31, 2006. So far in 2006 NELM has received $138,000 from this program. Thanks to all. Join the fun of giving for children. Today!

School Board meets

There are Many Ways to Give

And finally, you can always choose to give the old fashioned way. Yes, we still accept checks. Please sign your name and address clearly, and send to: Navajo Lutheran Mission, P.O. Box 354, Rock Point, AZ, 86545-0354. And if you are a Thrivent member, you can get matching funds from Thrivent. Use the form at the Thrivent website to participate in the Giving Plus program.

NELM puts meaning into words like service. Volunteering. Partnership. Giving. Faith-based. The needs are great. But the gifts you share are even greater. Thanks so much for caring! And sharing!

Shalom!
Edwin B. Naylor
Acting Executive Director.