Author: immanuelmission

Posted on

Now is the Time

Recently our assembly held its fall camp meeting. This is like a gospel outreach and conference all in one. One of our Jr. High girls, Shantelle, responded to the gospel and accepted Christ as Savior. She is the granddaughter of one of our Navajo elders. It is fun to see the change in her countenance. Immediately she wanted to get her cousins and siblings together on Sunday morning for Sunday school which she taught. Also, we heard that recently an older grandfather, Dean Paul, has trusted the Lord. His wife has been a believer for many years but he has always seemed hard to the gospel. His two grand-daughters are in our school. We are rejoicing that God’s word is bearing fruit in our community. Another lady, Lucy, approached me at fellowship lunch about taking communion. She had trusted the Lord years ago but had strayed away. Recently she has come back to the Lord, been attending regularly on Sunday, but was not sure about taking communion. It was neat to see her excitement in taking part for the first time in many years last Sunday. Please pray for these new believers.
John Bloom
Posted on

Timely Gifts

Recently the mission has been given some great gifts of personal property which are known as “Gifts-in-kind.” We have been given two vans, four cases of copy paper, three furnaces and two acres of land. These gifts are tax deductible and you will get a gift-in-kind receipt if desired. Of course we continue to need good new and used clothes, household items, and school supplies, but it has been great to see God supply even bigger items for our use.
John Bloom
Posted on

Staley Times

Dear Friends and Relatives,
The trip to Israel has come and gone but the memories and photos will continue to be mine. This truly was a trip of a lifetime with many deeply moving sites and experiences. I will try to highlight just a few of those.
Early on in the tour we went to where it is believed that Moses led the Israelites across the Red Sea. Divers have actually found coral-encrusted chariot wheels buried deep under the water there in the Gulf of Aqaba.
My favorite places were the places Jesus walked. In Nazareth there is a village depicting what His life would have been like, a wonderful recreation with costumed guides. It was especially moving to go into the synagogue and to be reminded of Jesus entering. Picking up the scrolls He read from Isa. 61, “the Spirit of the Lord is on me; he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.” We saw a typical wine press and olive press as well as a home and carpenter shop and the tools that would have been handled by Jesus Himself.
I loved sitting in the Garden of Gethsemane among the 2000-year-old olive trees and wondering if Jesus sat under this very tree? Then remembering the crucial decision Jesus made there—”Not My will, but Thine be done”, and feeling ashamed at how I struggle over not getting my way in simple things. And then Golgotha and the Empty Tomb. This is me at the Tomb.
Another favorite spot was Ein Gedi where David hid in caves from King Saul. In the middle of the most barren wilderness is this gorgeous oasis with a waterfall and lush vegetation. Many ibex, small deer, roam the hills nearby and I thought of David’s psalm, “As the deer panteth for the water, so my soul longeth after Thee Oh God.” It was well worth the seemingly hundreds of stone steps up to the waterfall and imagining David encouraging himself in the Lord at this place.
And lastly in the way of highlights for me was the Sea of Galilee where we had a boat ride to Tiberias. The guide read passages from the Gospels that pertained to Jesus and the Sea and we sang praise songs. It was a wonderful worship service to the One Who continues to calm our storms.
This only touches on a few things but I hope you get the idea of what a tremendous blessing it was for me to be able to go. Many of you were eager for me to have this privilege, and I am deeply grateful. Others care for us month by month, year by year, and for that I hope you know we are thankful.
Our love,
Greg and Kathy
Posted on

Time to Come Back

I said I wanted to come back! Three and a half years ago I left the Mission with mixed emotions. I was happy because I was heading back to school to earn my degree in Elementary Education, but sad because it meant leaving people I had grown to love. When I left the Mission it was my hope to return after earning my degree. For the three years that I was in school I focused on doing my best in my classes and prayed that I would be able to return to the Mission. In January I began student teaching and continued to pray about Immanuel Mission. As my weeks of student teaching ticked by, my hope of returning to the Mission began to look like a distant dream. Although I still wished to return to the Mission, the reality of repaying student loans and other issue began to discourage me. In April, on my birthday no less, I received an e-mail from John Bloom asking me if I would return to the Mission and teach first grade. I spent the next two weeks praying and finally concluded that my God is a great God and He wants to give me the desires of my heart. All I have to do is let Him worry about the small stuff. I am now back at the Mission teaching first grade and am so grateful that the Lord is faithful. I cannot even begin to imagine what He has in store for me!
Michele Lawman
Posted on

Big-Time Answers to Prayer

We had a rough time financially in September, but we had just enough oil in the jar to make all the cakes. That is just like God to make sure that we have enough to keep on going. We were given a couple of gifts…they seemed like miracles to us. We are doing ok again. That propane truck always seems to wipe us out. Because of where we live we have to have it delivered and we have to buy the whole truck or the price is more per gallon. These days it costs almost $6000.00 every time we order. There are no gas lines out here so we only have the option of choosing which propane company. We are learning that God is good all the time and He provides.

Ruth Bloom

Posted on

School Startup

The school currently has 79 students enrolled for this school year. We have three senior boys who are anxious to graduate. Several families moved off the reservation for work so our numbers are down a little from last year. We have adequate staff although we can always use more help. We are happy to have Michele Lawman back on staff. She left three years ago to finish her schooling and now has returned a fully certified teacher. We also welcome Elizabeth McNeal from MO. as a teacher’s aide and coach. She also teaches Jr. High science and substitutes for sick teachers. We have had some sickness among the students but thankfully no H1N1 as of yet. All the teachers are staying healthy so far. Our new auto shop program is operational this year. Six upper class boys are learning about small engines, body work and car repair. Greg Staley agreed to teach the class for one year so still be spreading the word that we need a long term teacher for this program. We also need another high school teacher and/or coach.
John Bloom
Posted on

News from Becky – Oct 2009

CHRIST was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people, and HE will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for HIM. Heb. 9: 28

Hey!
I want to thank you for your many prayers, the notes you send, the Box Tops for Education, and all of your other means of $upport! Genesis 18:14a says “Is anything too hard for the LORD?” and Genesis 22:14a says, “So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide.” Our Father daily meets our needs; Praise Him!
My cat, Ping, would rather be with me than anywhere else, period! She totally relaxes in my arms and purrs softly, and if I try to set her down, she’s up in my lap immediately and forever. Do we feel that way about JESUS CHRIST? That we’d rather be held by HIM than off on our own, doing whatever we please? If not, why not? We can trust Him wholly, and no one delights more in our company, and no one is better at doing what is best for us. There is no safer, more secure place to be, right? I want to be more like Ping; I think she has it right. J
My class has an “In” group and an “Out-siders” group. I hate that it does. I am trying to discourage the clique, but it is deeply-rooted (kind of like our own struggles with sin, huh?) Still, I intend to persevere and value your prayers in this endeavor. I am rejoicing today that God does not have favorites, or run popularity contests. We are all, individually, His favorites, loved equally! And so we know and rely on the love God has for us (I John 4:16a)
The weather is finally turning cooler (mid 70’s). I always think of the beautiful Fall colors of MICHIGAN this time of year; how I miss seeing that, even though it can’t compare to the year-round beauty of this place. I still live in a calendar – where the scenery is breath-taking every day.
Please pray about the water situation here – our well is having problems and we want the Lord’s guidance in what to do, what to do. Please pray that I will be kind in my responses to student comments that ‘catch me off guard’ Please praise God if your water runs when you turn on the faucet and your home has constant electricity – they are gifts, believe me.
Again, I love your notes and I need your support in prayer. I am praying for you, too.
Love in our marvelous Savior’s Name, the Lord Jesus Christ,
Becky Knopf
Posted on

Bloom News – August 2009

Dear praying friends,

We are already one week into the new school year. We have settled down to 80 students which is slightly lower than normal. We have three seniors – all boys – and seven kindergarteners. We have several new students coming as a result of contacts thru the summer youth groups. Please be in prayer for this year and that students will respond to the gospel message. We believe the school is a great tool to reach our community with the gospel. Children are generally open to the Lord. Pray for safety and God’s provision for bus fuel and propane – our two greatest expenses.

We now have our fourth diesel bus. I purchased it on Ebay like the others. Only this one was located near Baltimore, Maryland. Ruth and I picked it up shortly after Johnny’s wedding (which was in NC) and drove it 2,500 miles back to the mission. We traveled through 13 states picking up donations for the mission along the way and visiting friends and family. We arrived home with a very full bus.

The wedding was very special. It was great to meet Kara’s family and friends in NC. Johnny and Kara are settled in Topeka, Ks where Johnny works with his brother at a computer company. We are travelling to Hutchinson Sept 12 for their Kansas reception. It will be at Kansas Bible Camp from 2 – 5 PM. All are invited.

We hosted 7 work groups this summer with about 180 total workers. We got lots of work done from cleaning, painting to building a house and an addition on another house. One group repainted the gym floor which was an all week job. It really looks great. Many homes were reached with the gospel. The Navajo families really look forward to the groups coming, often providing a traditional meal to the group.

We have one new staff member this year. Elizabeth Mc Neal is here as a teacher’s aid and assistant coach. She is the daughter of Tim and Liz Mc Neal. She has wanted to serve the Lord on the mission field and God has led her to IM. She has already fit in nicely but please pray for her as there will undoubtedly be some culture shock. We are actually still short one high school teacher so keep praying that God will provide. The rest of us are doing extra duty to teach all the needed classes. The greatest need is for a science teacher.

The week before school started was very difficult. It seemed that Satan was working overtime to discourage us. The fiery darts were flying. We were reminded to put on the full armor of God and to resist – which we did. There was great victory. We know many of you are praying for us and that is so encouraging. We have had a good start to school and believe that this could be a special year here. Keep praying.

John Bloom

Posted on

Immanuel Mission et. al.

Dear friends,

Praise the Lord for your prayers for me and Immanuel Mission.  Please talk to the Lord about us right now if you would.  School starts Monday and we’re acutely seeing our need for the Lord’s help.  One student came by yesterday with his mother to enroll.  He didn’t want to work last year and John questioned him about that.  He wasn’t sure if he would work this year either.  He questioned why he needed to have a Bible class.  He left in a rage and the mother returned later seeking help as he was throwing things and destroying things at home.  Her desire was for John Bloom to go to the home and apologize and tell the boy how much we wanted him.  When John wasn’t willing to do that, she also was angry.  It was a reminder that we are in a battle for people’s souls and often it feels like we are on the front line.  Ephesians 6:18 says, “With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.”
The Lord is always good to refresh me in between battles.  The summer at Kansas Bible Camp was great.  We saw kids trusting Christ and growing in grace each week.  One example of God’s goodness:  My jr. high girls’ camp was stuck at the big camp for 24 hours due to the road being flooded between the two locations.  I was very frustrated as the program director since so many of my great plans were thwarted.  The counselors, however, were ecstatic.  They had all this free time with the girls and got to have meaningful conversations with each girl.  They perceived that only 4 of the girls were not yet believers and 3 of those trusted Christ that day.  The Lord loves to turn what seems like a disaster into eternal good.  It is a good reminder for me right now as I’m anxious about things here at Immanuel Mission.
A fun refreshment was my trip to Johnny Bloom’s wedding in North Carolina in July.  It was a good road trip with favorite nieces and nephews and we visited other favorite nieces and nephews along the way to and from the wedding.  Highlights of that trip were: attacking the rapids of the James river in Richmond, being attacked by the waves of the Atlantic Ocean in Virginia Beach and a state park in Delaware, fishing with my great niece and nephew in the Potomac river less than a mile from Mount Vernon, playing hide and seek with dear friends in the National Cathedral, cheering for the Royals at Camden Yards in Baltimore, and climbing through a fuselage and many other crazy things at City Museum in St. Louis.  Oh, yeah, the wedding was nice too.
My roommate this year is Elizabeth McNeal, (Tim’s daughter) from the St. Louis area.  She is 18 and will help in many areas around the school I’m sure.  She has already proved herself invaluable (shouldn’t that be valuable?) doing dishes and helping me with bulletin boards.  She plays games too, which is a bonus.  We’ve played Agricola, Nertz and volleyball so far.  I think she is eager to get to know the students and will be really used by the Lord when school starts.  The kids respond to younger people in ways that they don’t respond to me anymore.  Along that lines, my great nephew called me “Grandma” within hours of my being at his home.  I loved it but kind of wondered, “How did he know?”  I’m closer in age to his dad than my sister (I had to put that sentence in).  I’m delusional about my age and most of my nieces and nephews reinforce that delusion (thanks).
I’ll be teaching exclusively in the upper grades this year.  I’m teaching HS English, world history, and Algebra I and will also teach music to the 7-12 grade as an elective.  The English and history are new subjects for me, but Megan Thurston is coming to visit starting today, so I’m hoping she will help me plan curriculum and map out the year.  She taught both of those subjects multiple times when she taught here.  (Just between you, me and the Lord, I’m praying that she might extend her visit from a week to a year.  We’ll see.)
Thanks again for your prayers.  I was glad to see many of you over the summer and would love to have you here for a visit.  My guest room is occupied, but we have a whole house that is available for guests and I’ve been known to squish up to 20 in my house for meals and games.
Anne Denny
Posted on

Academic

Every year our students participate in an Academic Meet/Fine Arts Festival with nearby (only 3 hours away) mission schools. I’ve been organizing the academic portion of this event for several years and because of helpful coworkers things went swimmingly. Our students worked on art projects and social studies reports all year that we saved to submit to the contest.
In early spring we began learning songs for the mass choir and preparing small ensembles and solos and instrumental (recorder and guitar) pieces. The days of the event went well. There was a musical concert the first evening after the day of performing for judges and practicing with students from other schools. The following day was full of academic tests, Sword Drills, Bible Memory recitations, speeches, and spelling bees.
It was a great time to see other Native American students learning the same things and singing the same songs to our glorious Father. The students came home with many ribbons and medals. It was fun to honor the students for academics and music and to be reminded that God is working all over the Navajo reservation, not just in our little corner.
Anne Denny