Hey y'all it's Natalie and today was a crazy day lol. We started our day off with me and Alanna making breakfast. Yes mom I cooked and it was delish. Then we went on a prayer tour and went to the different towns in the Apache reservation. We prayed for those towns and the different stories that she told us. It was very sad to see how people live and the stories that happen every day. It makes me want to appreciate what I have more. Then we went to help with the construction of a new church that is being blessed on May 10th and omg it was hot!! I have never did that much work ever in my life but I was happy to be building a church for people. After that we went to the bus ministry and worked with the kids which was so much fun. We did crafts, games, a Bible lesson, a memory verse, and Snow Cones. It was the best feeling to see a smile on those kids faces. After that we came back to the church and ate dinner and took showers. Tonight we came together to reflect on the day and do devotionals and ya it was a crazy day. Can't wait to do it all over again tomorrow. Keep us in your prayers and that we have the strength to do God's work and get a good night rest. Ok bye
Today we began our day with a prayer journey throughout the Apache Indian Reservation in San Carlos. This was our first time seeing the reservation we will be doing the majority of our ministry on this week. First sights of the reservation were extremely eye opening for me. The incredible poverty which the natives live in daily on the reservation is astounding. As we were driving, Diana, the leader of the Arizona Reservation Ministries, began to talk to us about the reservation. Hearing the history of the reservation, how the Americans consistently took their land from them whenever they found resources on the land they could use for their profit, and the fact that the people on the reservation are unable to own any land was eye opening and devastating. Throughout the reservation, Diana told us countless stories of the horrible things that happen to children on the reservation. The stories of drug related deaths/murders and rapes were countless. While the poverty and spiritual warfare on the reservation were devastating, there were also stories of people coming to Christ and changing their lives and this is why I know there is hope for the reservation. Throughout the rest of the week I hope to have the opportunity to minister to the people of this reservation and I am ecstatic to watch God move in the reservation through our team. Please keep us in your prayers! We love and miss you all! Love, Christy Lamastra.
Pictures coming tomorrow when we have wifi and not Miss Stow's data plan.
Christy, it sounds like it was an emotionally tough day for your team. It's always tough to see first hand the pain that others face, especially when it's children. The Bible verse that comes to my mind is Isaiah 63:9, "In all their distress He too was distressed, and the angel of His presence saved them. In His love and mercy He redeemed them; He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old." As much as their suffering breaks your heart, it saddens the heart of God even more. You're right Christy, He is their hope, and I'm glad that you have the opportunity to minister to them this week and to share His love with the people of the reservation, especially the children! We love and miss you too! Keeping you in our prayers, Mom
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