DeFord Fall 2018 Edition
Grammer October 2018
Oct. 2018
Dear Friends in Christ,
The last Saturday in Sept, we were invited to join the Johnson family for their annual family trail ride in memory of family members that are now gone. The father/grandfather, Paul Johnson was a good friend and pastored the Black Mesa Bible church for 53 years before the Lord took him home 5 years ago. We met the riders at the family gravesite where Sam was asked to speak. Then we went to lunch for a surprise retirement party as Paul’s daughter retires from the Air Force and Sam was asked to speak again. During the day, there were 4 who responded to become a member of God’s family!! It was a great day and we were blessed to have a part in it.
A few years ago, while ministering in Page, you may remember that the road we would travel slid off the side of the Mesa. On Oct 3, after a heavy storm, the desert land couldn’t stand up to all that water and just “washed out” part of Highway 89 on the Navajo Reservation and this time even resulted in a fatality. This road was closed “indefinitely” but the road crews got right on it and it was ready for use a few days later. They estimate over 1,500 vehicles travel that road daily, including school buses, emergency vehicles, Grand Canyon tourists and locals traveling to Flagstaff for jobs. The Navajo nation annual fair was scheduled for that next week-end. Guess that gave them incentive to hurry and they finished in a week. We are so thankful because we use that road weekly for the Bible classes in Tuba City and the detour was 192 miles. We travel a lot as we minister and appreciate the prayers for safety-especially now with the winter coming on. We have already had snow twice at our home this month and the winter roads in the mountains can sometimes be a challenge.
Thank you for praying with us for the fall hunt camp. Because of the drought, the elk weren’t moving and the hunting was not successful. However, the Bible studies were enjoyed by the men and time spent in God’s Word is never wasted time. Thank you for your prayers.
The nursing home visits are going well with Janet’s new interpreter, Mary. Helen, the former interpreter, is scheduled for hip replacement surgery on Nov. 1 and she would appreciate prayer that all would go well and she can regain some of her mobility.
Each year in November we try to join with our family on the east coast to celebrate Thanksgiving with them. This is the only time of the year that we see most of them and we look forward to it. We will be leaving the middle of the month and returning 2 weeks later. Please pray with us as we take this break. Because of our travel plans, we hope to send out our next letter a bit later, be a combination for November and December, so don’t feel that you have been forgotten.
Thank you to each of you that are helping in our ministry with prayer and gifts.
II Cor. 2:11 “Ye also helping together by prayer for us.”
In Christ,
Sam & Janet Grammer
Sondergaard October 2018
Dear Praying Friends and Family,
Hospital visit:
Since Andrew’s birth last Saturday, we have had some concerns: Andrew showed very little interest in eating, and he seemed to be in a constant deep sleep. On Monday, Naomi took him to the pediatrician who suggested we have him checked at the Flagstaff hospital. That evening we took Andrew up there where he went through several tests. After seeing some of his symptoms, the hospital staff decided to keep him over night to evaluate. During the night, Andrew stopped breathing for about 20 seconds. We are thankful this did not happen at home but he was able to receive immediate care.
Diagnosis:
We now know Andrew has UTI infection and the rhinovirus. His oxygen has been low so is receiving a low dose of oxygen and antibiotics for the infection. This morning, he had a spinal tap to test for meningitis. So far he does not seem to have meningitis (a big praise).
Tender Loving Care:
Andrew needs to be in the hospital for at least 2-3 weeks to clear his infections. The hospital staff has been a wonderful help and seem to be giving excellent care. We would ask you to pray for Andrew and our family throughout the next two or three weeks.
While we realize many people have much more serious health needs than what we are facing, we also realize the very serious condition Andrew is in. It is hard to see such a little one attached to the medical equipment. Life is so fragile and a precious gift from God. Life, health, family: all these are precious gifts from God not to be wasted or taken for granted. We thank each of you for praying.
Praises:
*Andrew was hospitalized in time
*Pastor Messick is out of the hospital and planning on preaching Sunday morning.
*Paul’s parents are here to help watch our other children.
Prayer Needs:
* Andrew’s health
* Paul and Naomi – physical and spiritual strength
* Our church- people to fill in and help the Messicks as we are unable to teach. People’s spiritual growth
*Our children and family – strength day by day while Mommy is in the hospital with Andrew
* Pastor and Bev Messicks health and spiritual encouragement
All for Jesus
Paul and Naomi Sondergaard
Sondergaard Update October 15, 2018
Dear Family and Friends,
The last few weeks has been extra busy but we felt the need to get a quick note to you all to share a couple prayer requests with you.
First on our minds is the need to pray for Gary Messick (the pastor we are assisting). Over a week ago he was treated for pneumonia. When the antibiotics weren’t working, he ended up in the hospital and has been there since last Thursday night. We are thankful he got to the hospital when he did because the doctors found two blood clots in his lungs. The doctor said Pastor would not have made it if he hadn’t gotten to the hospital when he did. In addition to pneumonia and the blood clots, he has also been diagnosed with pleurisy. At this time the doctors are waiting for him to be able to be off oxygen before they can release him. Please pray for Beverly to experience an abundance of God’s grace and strength through this time. Also, please pray for Paul during the next several weeks as he fills in and takes care of services until Pastor can get back on his feet.
While all this was happening with Pastor, Andrew Joseph joined our family on Saturday morning. He was 8 pounds 9 ounces, and is a content little boy. Our other children can’t get enough of holding and touching him.
Rejoicing in Christ
Paul and Naomi Sondergaard
Veldhuis October 2018
Veldhuis October 2018 Prayer Update
Dear Prayer Partners,
Long-awaited daytime temperatures below 100 degrees arrived late September heralding the onset of Fall and a possible reprieve from summer’s heat, wind, and work. The first rain in months, however, was not to be outdone by sandstorms with its’ own destructive winds and recurrent power outages.
Bus and van door closing or radiator problems while filled with Cocopah and without monitors miles from church brought additional difficulties that so perfectly depict the challenge of reaching three distinct age groups of Natives simultaneously without Jacob and Lydia’s help.
We are as grateful for God’s prospering their initial months’ deputation as we are for winter visitors Michael and Rebecca’s godly winning influence on all age groups and the Hastrichs’ enormous help with special meetings and weekly cleaning.
Without each contribution even the best intentions could not have overcome the hindrances to writing you of unending Reservation needs, Bible studies, clubs, visitation, medical emergencies, church services, and vehicle and property maintenance.
BLESS the Lord and your prayers for getting our teen campers over 320 miles of up to 6,000 foot mountains before completely breaking down a block from a Flagstaff repair shop thirty minutes from Bill Rice’s West Branch Camp. The breakthrough in getting parts and major repairs so far from a large city was rewarded beyond measure in the profession of faith of long delinquent Cesar and the assurance/surrender decisions by 13-17 year olds Loren and Ayana. Teenagers Cylas and Tyler were also far more spiritually attentive following Cesar’s brother Kaden’s camp suspension for drug possession.
P.T.L. for the packed, godly wedding of Alex and Roxanna in our building, July 27th! They are as faithful to church as possible raising their baby, Miracle, and their foster nieces and nephew, Lilah, Lilly, and Tyler on very limited resources. PRAY for their employment needs and spiritual battles on the reservation as well as their influence on their oldest nephew Tyrus, and his criminal choices.
Nineteen year old Chris, on the other hand, was the greatest light into his closed traditional family until moving to an out of state school and job. His family and the Alvanez, Brown, Phillips, Soto, and Thomas clans are among the unsaved or undiscipled from summer ministries. PRAY for true conversions and surrender to God through our own October 25-27 revival with Native pastors. We postponed our July baptisms to locate all summer candidates and include revival decisions with them.
Summer’s churchyard light installations totaled four times the cost of materials, but prepared us perfectly for Fall’s early nights and increased attendance. We can’t thank you enough for your prayers and special provisions for revival and Christmas ministries as well as for your past part in the following blessings and opportunities.
PETITIONS:
- Resumption of North Reservation Bible Clubs.
- Teen Bible studies and ministries during Jacob’s solo deputation trips.
- Lydia’s Cocopah work and ultra high risk prenatal care in Yuma until the birth of she and Jacob’s firstborn April, 2019.
- 50 year old Joe’s dialysis problems and growth and victory over substance abuse.
- Kayla and Vincent’s full drug rehab and their children’s continued care and church attendance.
PRAISES:
- Saved 69 year old Felipe’s light to his Catholic family before and through his September 1, 2018 home going.
- Uncomplicated removal of Dawn’s benign tumor, Sept. 11, 2018.
- Encouraging preachers and missions conferences at Yuma’s Heritage, Faith, and Maranatha Baptist churches.
- Wonderfully increased Junior church attendance.
- Jacob and Lydia are at around 40% of their support
- Edifying Sept. 8 youth rally with Bill Rice’s West Branch Ranch in Phoenix.
- 63 year old Shirley’s improved health and hygiene after several months’ assisted care.
Gratefully Yours In Christ,
Grammer September 2018
Sept 2018
Dear Friends in Christ,
The fall semester has begun for the Dine Bible Institute on the Navajo Reservation each Sunday evening. There are 9 students that are taking the course for credit as well as several more that are auditing the class. Pray for the students to discipline themselves both in attendance as well as studying. It is encouraging to see them serving the Lord and using what they are learning from His Word.
October is the time of the fall hunt camps. This year we have 3 men coming to hunt, and a young man from a supporting church in Hartwick, NY coming to help, as well as hunt. Pray as Sam prepares the evening Bible studies for the Lord to direct him in what the men need in their lives at this time. Also pray for safety and a good time of hunting for each hunter.
Now that school is starting up, Janet’s piano students are returning for lessons. The main goal was to prepare church pianists that are much needed in our reservation churches. However, there are some students that are just interested in learning to play and don’t know the Lord as their personal Saviour. Pray for her as she teaches to both share the Gospel message and to encourage young Christians to use their music for the Lord’s glory.
Please continue to pray with us regarding the need of electric for the Thorne Bay radio station project. Generators can be used but having access to the Alaskan Power Company would be a great advantage. There is still much to do in getting the building completed and the extension for kitchen and bathroom added. Thank you to each of you that have helped with your giving as well as volunteering you labor.
It was brought to our attention this past month that on the mission website, our email address is a juno address. This has been changed for several years now and we are working at getting the correction made on the website. Our present email address is: [email protected]. Hope no one has been frustrated in trying to contact us through our email. If you have an email address but are still receiving our letters by mail, please notify us if you would like to change to an email version of our monthly letters.
II Cor. 2:11 “Ye also helping together by prayer for us.”
In Christ,
Sam & Janet Grammer
Messick SEPTEMBER 2018
SEPTEMBER 2018
“And my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, saith the Lord.” Jer. 31:14b
Giving praise to God for all His goodness means laying aside our temptation to complain. How could we when we see His handiwork all around us; the beautiful mountains that surround us, the gorgeous sunrises and sunsets, the wildlife that wanders across our property from time to time, but most of all His life-changing work in hearts. Though these changes don’t come as quickly as we’d like, God is faithful.
After the “busyness” of this summer, September slowed down a bit. Some months we have more to report than other months, but things are going well at church. Your prayers for Rachel’s healing after her amputation surgery have been answered. Her son, his girlfriend and a niece have been bringing her to services. Please pray for the salvation of the three coming with her.
We have begun a church choir. On our first Sunday singing together, seven ladies and two men joined us, including Rachel in her wheelchair. What a blessing!
We are anxiously awaiting the soon arrival of Paul & Naomi’s fifth child. HE is due on October 8th.
Would you please pray with us about the following?
The salvation of Rachel’s niece, son and his girlfriend.
The health needs of Paul, our youth pastor. The safe arrival of Paul & Naomi’s baby.
Strength for the day.
That each of us would stay close to the Lord and grow in our walk with Him.
That we would show our love for Him as we serve Him.
The much needed modular replacement.
Healing for fellow-missionary, Brian Shannon, badly injured in a motorcycle accident.
We feel so privileged to serve here, and we thank you for your help in making this possible. Your prayers are crucial.
Love in Christ,
Gary & Bev Messick
September 2018
Dear Friends Of Tom & Elaine,
If there is anything I’ve learned over the past year, it is that God hears the prayers of His people. We are always hearing from people far and wide that have been praying for me and continue to do so. God has miraculously touched my body. Mark 8 gives the story of the man born blind. Jesus took him by the hand, and led him out of the town. We know Jesus could have healed this man instantly. But for some reason, (the limitation would be on the human side, not the Divine side), He took him out away from the crowd. It says Jesus spit in His eyes. I wouldn’t mind God spitting in my eyes. But for some unknown reason, Jesus had to touch him later. I appreciate the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, times so fourth that God has touched me. He could have fixed me up the 1st. time, but He knew I needed the prayers and that you needed the practice.
He has so graciously touched my body. The Neurologist said that there is no cure for Parkinson, but the rest of the things that was all out of whack with me are slowly getting back to normal. There are a few things I’m working on like my guitar playing. My right hand & arm is still slow.
The Church is moving right along. But we’re not burning up the woods seeing folks saved. It’s a task just getting them to Church, let alone getting them saved. I don’t know of any Churches up here that are seeing folks saved. Natives are still a bit skeptic even after our 30 yrs. of being here.
Our school has started again and Elaine is still heading it up. She was supposed to be retired
from it about three years ago, but that didn’t happen. She does not actually teach now, but has to make sure all records and rules are kept up. She doesn’t mind a bit. That’s why we are here. J
Remember the Titanic tracts we spoke of? These are tracts that our Sunday School Class in Monroe (Gary Howard being the teacher) had printed for us. So far since Easter our Church has given out half (2,500). They are an easy tract to pass out.
In the first week of October our Church will be sponsoring the Native Independent Baptist Churches of the surrounding Reservations. Thanksgiving up here comes the first week in October. It is one of the highlights of the year for our native Churches. Each Church will bring 2 specials and then a message will be preached. Following, our Church will provide a meal in our gymnasium.
Also, we would appreciate your prayers concerning my wife. She will be having a hip replacement hopefully soon due to her arthritis. The hip doctor said it would not get any better without a replacement. Our prayer is that she would get in miraculously soon. The waiting list can be about one year. She is just unsure about getting it done.
Oh, how faithful you dear friends have been to Elaine & I. We sure don’t deserve such kind and gracious treatment. THANK YOU DEARLY. This month will mark 45 lovely years of marriage and October will start 31 years of being on this Reservation. We are tired and getting older, but there is nowhere to get off this Gospel train. We still are lovin it and so happy to remain here until we die or Jesus comes.
Grammer August 2018
August 2018
Dear Friends in Christ,
Every summer, Sam spends 1-2 weeks in Alaska at Thorne Bay working on the building for the radio station. Each year, the Lord has supplied volunteer helpers for the construction. This year’s volunteer crew came from North Carolina and they were able to put up the cedar siding during the week that they were there. Sam stayed another week and was able to put a sealant on the siding to protect it from the weather.
This month’s letter is purposely late so that we can include pictures of the work so far. There is still the kitchen and bathroom area to be added on, as well as the inside work of wiring, insulation and sheet rock… At least we are seeing progress and eagerly look forward to getting the station up and running. All in God’s time. Please continue to pray with us that the power company will bring electric to the area.
Thankfully, God has supplied the funds as needed and we have been able to avoid going into debt as we have built! Here are some estimated costs as we move ahead:
Insulation-$3,000
Sheet rock- $750
Foundation for the kitchen/bathroom addition-$3,000
Plumbing for kitchen & bathroom-$1,800
(Electric wiring and fixtures have already been donated.)
These are present estimates but must be brought up by barge from Seattle so shipping will be added when they arrive. If you would like to have a part in meeting these needs, please contact us.
It has been a full and busy summer and fall is fast approaching. The Bible School Classes should be starting up soon and we are waiting for the schedule to be given to us. Some of the students are involved in re-opening a church at Copper Mine, on the Navajo Reservation and putting to use what they are learning. Pray for the students to be diligent in their studies, as well as applying the knowledge to their lives and ministry.
August 10 was our Golden Wedding Anniversary! We celebrated by spending a night at a B & B in Sedona. God has been good to us through the years and we are thankful that He brought us together.
It is also the time of year in 1972 that we left our families and friends on the east coast to move to the Southwest to work among the American Indians. That makes 46 years and again we are thankful the God has seen fit to use us in His plan. You have been part of that plan as you have prayed for us and help us financially so we could be here. Thank you to each of you that have been so faithful for so many years.
II Cor. 2:11 “Ye also helping together by prayer for us.”
In Christ,
Sam & Janet Grammer
Messick August 2018
Dear Praying Friends and Family,
“Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.” Psalm 100:2
Reading this verse brought to mind three little guys in our Junior Church. They are seven year old identical twins and their nine year old brother. These boys can be rascals at times, but they love to sing. You can clearly hear their voices in our congregational singing of the hymns on Sundays. Recently, they sang a special on Sunday morning. They were very nervous and almost backed out at the last minute, but took courage and did very well. Our prayer is that they will want to use the talent God has given them, and their love of music, to glorify their Heavenly Father.
We are so thankful to have Paul & Naomi and the children back! The Lord gave them a good trip, safety over the many miles, and were blessed by the many new friends they made while sharing their ministry. Please pray with us concerning their needed financial support.
We want to thank you for praying for Rachel’s healing after having to undergo leg amputation just below the knee due to diabetes. She has gone through eight surgeries, months of therapy and hadn’t been able to attend church since February. It was a joy have to her back in services with her niece, her son, and his girlfriend. Please pray there will be no more infection and that she can soon be fitted for her prosthesis. Rachel has been a wonderful testimony to the hospital staff during her hospital stays.
We thank you for your prayers on behalf of our family also. The sudden tragic loss of our great-niece, Amanda, her husband, and young daughter has been a great sorrow, but we have experienced God’s comfort during this time. We pray that He will cause good to come from this senseless tragedy.
A last prayer request is that you would again pray for funds for a replacement of the old modular unit where our children’s church meets. There are very bad leaks in some areas with sagging ceilings. We know God already has a replacement in mind, we just need to know what direction to take.
Thank you so much for standing with us. We are here because you are there praying, and because of your faithful support of the Lord’s work here among the dear Yavapai-Apache folk.
In Christ’s love,
Gary & Bev
Steve DeFord August 2018
Sondergaard August 2018
Dear Family and Friends:
First Peter 3:15 tells us to be “ready always.” These two words have the sense of readiness for action before the opportunity ever comes. Throughout this month, I have been challenged by the example of many people who were taking advantage of opportunities God gave them to share the Gospel. Oh, that God’s people would be “ready always” to tell others of the good news of Jesus Christ!
After a month of deputation travel, we returned home one week ago. God was gracious and allowed us to travel over 6000 miles without accidents or problems with our van. We saw God bless each meeting and use His Word in the hearts of many people. Along the way we had meetings in six churches (2 in Iowa, 3 in Indiana, and 1 in Missouri). We were also able to visit four solid churches for midweek services when we didn’t have scheduled meetings.
Our first meeting was on a Wednesday evening in Marshalltown, Iowa. The next day at church while Naomi was outside washing windows and Paul was repairing a door, we received several alerts on our phones for tornado warnings. Moments later we watched an EF3 tornado tear through town causing tremendous damage.
After visiting several churches in a short time, we were impressed by the creative ways people took advantage of opportunities to reach the world with the Gospel. One church had their Sunday morning service at the county fair (where many unsaved heard the Gospel). Another church has a group of people who meet every Tuesday morning to assemble Bibles that are shipped around the world. We were able to join them in assembling several hundred Spanish Gospel of Johns. Other churches used their opportunities with an addictions ministry, an outreach in the city park for children, and Bible studies held in homes each week. What a challenge to think of the opportunities God gives us every day to share the Gospel with others.
We praise the Lord for many of you we met for the first time. It felt like we met friends at each church. We were greatly encouraged when so many of you promised to pray as we serve the Lord here.
We are thankful for Pastor Gary and Bev Messick for their faithfulness while we were gone. Each week we were encouraged to hear how people were coming and being taught from God’s Word.
This past Sunday, Rachel was able to come to church for the first time since her leg amputation. She was in great spirits and gave testimony to how she has drawn closer to the Lord through the experience. She told how she is reading her Bible more now and is already in Ezekiel. Simon (her son), Marquina, and Kelley brought her (all of whom are unsaved).
The day after we left on our trip, one of the men in the church passed away. Bob and Patti have been a faithful part of the church for about three years. Thankfully he had a testimony of salvation and was a consistent example of serving the Lord. Please pray for this Saturday when we will be having a service for him.
Children fed the goats near one of the churches.
Praises:
• Safety and great meetings on our deputation trip
• The great encouragement and blessing so many were on our trip
• Several first-time visitors again lately
• God’s provision for our family in many ways
Prayer Requests:
• One complete family to become a part of our church
• Brendan and Danielle – faithfulness
• Rachel: continued healing, testimony before her family
• Spiritual protection and growth for our children
• Comfort and wisdom for Patti after Bob passed away