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Mission Phones

As some of you may know, our setup for the Mission phone had a single VoIP line. This meant all phone calls relied on our satellite internet connection. We are still under contract for this phone for another school year, but I realized there were many problems with the phone connection being weak and delayed as the need for an internet connection increased at our school and homes.

We have been doing a lot to try to improve the mission phone system over the past couple of months. We have purchased a wireless home phone. This device relies on cellular technology to make calls over a traditional phone line. Cell coverage is not great in our area, so I have been taking steps to find the best outdoor antenna to maintain a strong signal for this device.
The current set up for the phones is as follows:

830-200-0351: This number is a google voice number. Its purpose is to forward you to the correct number that may be subject to change.

Things to keep in mind:

  • We only have one line for all the home phones, so if you are not able to get through please be patient and try again after a short time.
  • Again, we only have one line for all the home phones, so try not to use it longer than needed. Our rule is never longer than 20 minutes.
  • If you are not able to reach someone over the phone, try an alternate means. Cell phone coverage has been stronger out here and most cell phones work if placed by a window or are outside. Email or social media could also be used.

Common things you may encounter:

  • Calling the number results in a ring for a long time without the automated attendant picking up
    Only one person can listen to the automated attendant at a time. If someone else just called in, and is listening for the right extension this is what you will encounter.
  • The message “Cellular one could not complete the call as dialed.”
    The wireless home phone is not able to get a signal strong enough to establish a call.

Joel Page

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We, Susan and Jim Price, left our family and church family in St. Louis, Missouri and arrived here at Immanuel Mission on August 1 st , 2013. Our chapel’s youth group had just returned that June from spending a week ministering here, and during the follow-up announcement to our church it was mentioned that a kindergarten teacher and a maintenance man were needed for the next school year. Just as soon as we heard that, we both knew that was exactly what the Lord wanted us to do, but we didn’t know the Lord had spoken to each of us until after the meeting. Imagine our joy when we compared notes and discovered that the Lord was clearly telling both of us to go serve Him at Immanuel Mission!

Although our main responsibilities at this time are teaching kindergarten and handling building maintenance, we have both actively sought the Lord’s direction in pursuing other ways of serving the Lord and His people. We enjoy ministering in areas such as leading Bible studies, teaching at the mission church, distributing and grading Emmaus correspondence Bible courses, and mentoring young people. Through the use of puppets and other visual aids Susan gets to daily enjoy the privilege of presenting the gospel of our loving God to her kindergartners. We can only imagine how the Lord will use His Word in their lives, maybe even being the one the Lord uses to reach their families with the gospel of Jesus Christ!

Sometimes we are asked how we were able to adjust to living out here in the middle of the high desert of Arizona, so far from stores, doctors, post office, etc. That adjustment came easier than we expected, because the Lord gives us all the grace we need to serve Him. This is just as true for those living elsewhere as it is for us here at the mission. It encourages us when we hear how other saints are serving the Lord where they live and work. Please pray for us, that the Lord would be pleased to keep using us here, and that we would be faithful to Him in our lives and service for Him.

Jim & Susan Price

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In Loving Fellowship

Frosting cookies, making burlap wreaths, and painting pumpkins are some of the things you would see at our Moms and Munchkins meetings. Also, smiling faces, laughter, and a lot of encouraging love are what I enjoy the most. The Mission moms, Sheree Wedel, Brie Bielecki, myself, and other mothers in our community, have started our second year of Moms and Munchkins.

We felt a need to start a moms group in our community after hearing so many mothers say how lonely it could be and wanted a gathering for mothers to join together. Sweetwater can be an isolating home for young mothers being with their young children all day, everyday without good play dates. We wanted to start a mom’s group centered on the Lord and a safe place for mothers and children to go.

We meet monthly for treats, crafts, and a time to listen to the Lord’s teachings. God has been faithful. Last year on the very first meeting, not a single guest came. We were discouraged, but still believed that eventually women would come. We now have fifteen ladies coming consistently and about five more mothers that come when they can. We are so thankful that we can serve as mothers to other mothers in our community.

Please pray for all mothers of Sweetwater. Pray for more mothers to see the positive impact of the Lord in each other and for more new believing mothers. Pray for new women to come and that they would be open to hearing God’s word. Our scripture focus this year is Philippians 4.8

“Finally, brothers (sisters), whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.”

All of us Mission mothers are so thankful for all that Moms and Munchkins has allowed us to do in God’s service. It is truly a joy to celebrate the beauty and grace of mothers and building each other up in Christ.

Sarah Sun

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An Unlikely Smile

Teenagers can be difficult to figure out and relate to. In general, they like to put on a suit of armor when it comes to interacting with their teachers or other authorities. But years of experience have taught me that it is just a suit that can be put on or taken off. Every now and then you can get a glimpse through that exterior shell into the gentle, vulnerable, human being made in the image of Christ.

One particular teenager, in addition to trying to survive high school, is also trying to survive her home life. Things at home aren’t good. And that’s about all that I know. I don’t know the details and I don’t need to. I can accurately assume that it involves drugs, alcohol, and abuse. Thus she is often absent and especially armored when she returns to school. And yet, I was privileged to see a chink in that armor in the form of a grateful, appreciative smile.

So far, I haven’t see much in the form of a relationship between this girl and I. Today, she returned to school after being absent for several days in a row. I ran into her in the restroom and as I walked past I offhandedly commented that I was glad she was back. I glanced over my shoulder and saw in the mirror, a definite smile break through her armor. She didn’t respond nor did she know I saw the smile. I can only thank the Lord for that glimpse into her heart.

She needs Jesus so much and there’s so much she doesn’t know. But hopefully, today she knew that she was missed and appreciated here at school. Prayerfully, she will know that the love she feels here comes from the Lord our Savior. I pray that someday she will come to know Him personally and know the worth that He provides. I don’t know what her future holds, but I know He loves her and He is Immanuel, God With Us. I trust her to His loving hands and I thank Him for her smile.

Kelli Wilson

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All Things for Good

Playground

God works all things for good to those who love him. I’ve been thinking about this in regard to our playground. For years the health inspector had recommended that we replace our homemade playground fort with a commercial apparatus. I strongly resisted tearing down a perfectly good fort and spending the money for an updated playground. Finally, the inspector insisted. So about this time last year I bought a used apparatus on Ebay and went to NJ to get it. We have had to purchase some slides that were missing but the manufacturer also donated about $3,000 worth of equipment. In all we’ve spent over $10,000.  We gave it a fresh coat of paint, installed it and it looks great. But the wonderful thing is how much the children enjoy it. I love sitting outside and watching 20 or so kids climbing, sliding and enjoying the new playground. They use the new one much more than the old fort I tried to hold onto. So, even though the inspection was a trial, it has in many ways made us make improvements that have benefited the school children.

John Bloom

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The Day Hope Came for a Visit

Sunrise and Snow

We often get visitors showing up unexpectedly to our house. Last week that happened. A neighbor came, deeply depressed, head down, and in a monotone voice began to recount his woes–no job, no money, no vehicle, no purpose, totally dependent on others for his upkeep. In a word, HOPELESS!
Sometime in the next few hours hope showed up. As our friend talked he began to think of ways he could earn some money. The more he talked, details were filled in. His whole demeanor changed. He lifted his head and talked with animation. He even smiled and said,

“Do you think this idea was Divine?”

I have it on good authority that Hope is making her rounds and plans to show up at your house today….so watch for her.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
-Romans 15:13

Kathy Staley

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Pencil-vania

During first grade math class, the students were looking at shapes. One of them looked at a five sided shape and said,

“Miss Jen! This is your shape, it looks like a pencil!”

We looked at each other, both confused, and when I asked her if I look like a pencil, she said, “No, it’s because you are from Pennsylvania.” I laughed, because I never noticed that my state seemingly has the word pencil in it, and she didn’t understand what was so funny. I suppose nothing will show you what a strange concoction the English language is like teaching kids to read and spell!

Jen Mullen

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From the tailgate of Scott Valentine

Scenery

ViewWe use our tailgates for working on things at the Mission and around the neighborhood. I’m a Boulder, Colorado native, a life long C.U. Buff and Bronco fan, so tailgating seems natural, especially since the Buff’s are Bowl bound for the first time in years.

Starting now, and working backward, I’ll leave you with a glimpse of current events here at the Mission.

Basketball season started today, November 29, we’re all looking forward to some fun games and we’re cheering for both our teams, gentlemen and ladies, and even yelling at the zebra’s sometimes…

RiverThe year marks a milestone for me, for the very first time, I’m teaching one class. Art, to young high school men, these guy’s are easy going and fun to be around. They’ve made life easy in the classroom. We all seem to be enjoying ourselves, and picking up some things. They are good workers too.

Bus this year has also been such a pleasure. As you may know, the scenery around the Mission is second to none! The weather has been stellar, the roads…. well let’s say they’ve been a bit of a challenge. All in all, another a good bus year so far. Oh, one extremely important part of bus duty is maintenance. This Mission has the best maintenance, thanks to Ranson Tom and Kevin Bielecki, no way this job is possible without those two magicians.Joel and Scott

Joel Page, (Immanuel Mission teacher, and one man IT crew) Joel and I ran in the Monument Valley half marathon, Joel came in third place over all and I came in 41st out of 166 runners. This is our second year running. Last year we did not train. We decided to run the week before the race day. This year, even after training, Joel’s last year time was still better than mine. My Dad used to say, ‘getting old ain’t for sissy’s’.

I’d appreciate prayer for my Mother, (perfect segue) she’s alone. I was with her in Colorado over the Thanksgiving Holiday. We both had a good time catching up. She’d like me to stay with her… But know’s I can’t.

At the Mission we still need a first grade teacher. Currently, Jen Mullen is teaching first. Jen is the real art teacher, as in pro. Being versatile at Immanuel Mission is a requirement. So Jen is doing the work of first grade teacher, but the young people need their art teacher back, so if your praying about a career change that pays eternal retirement for… ever you will be a God send.

SceneryWell that is all for now, check out the mission on Facebook ImmanuelMission@immanuelRez, it’s encouraging when you pray for us and come along side in the work that way. There are Cowboy fans here, and Chief’s fans, and Bronco fans of course. There are workers using their tailgates only for business of reaching people with the good news. The next time you see a pick’em up truck, think of us here at the Mission.

We love you!

Scott Valentine

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Staley Times

Dear Friends and Family,

Day by Day and with each passing moment
Strength I find to meet my trials here.
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.
He whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what He deems best.
Lovingly its part of pain and pleasure
Mingling toil with peace and rest.

Domestic problems tend to materialize when my handyman husband is away. Like the time the roof blew off (one of the times, that is) and my neighbor lady and I chased down sheets of insulation that were blowing across the desert. But that is another story.
This week it was a clogged kitchen drain and Greg was in Boulder, Co helping our brother in law. The bottle read, “Instant Power Heavy-Duty Drain Opener—guaranteed to work on even the toughest clogs.” Sounded good to me and gave me hope I could get this fixed without burdening a soon-to-arrive-home-tired husband. Just another example of the empty promises the world offers.
What began as a simple clogged drain morphed into a huge plumbing problem and three days later I am washing dishes in the bathtub.
Another graduation from IM school has come and gone with people we view as family moving and leaving holes in the school program and in our hearts. Constant hurting people with messed up lives. Rain and mud and wind that can drag down one’s spirits.
June will find us babysitting grandkids in Phoenix while Jeremy and Denise get away. Then up to Colorado Springs to move Matt and Jen down to Farmington. God gave him the youth pastor job and we are so excited, both for a much needed job in his area of gift, and also that they will be so much nearer to us. In July they will present us with our seventh grandchild, another little girl. We are so blessed.
Each event, be it pleasure or pain, GIFTS accompanied by God’s Fatherly wisdom, kindness beyond measure, strength, peace and rest.
Jerry Bridges said, “Confidence in God’s Sovereignty in all that affects us is crucial to our trusting Him. If there is a single event in all the universe that can occur outside of God’s control, then we cannot trust Him. His power, love and purpose cannot be thwarted.” What joy to be His.
God bless you as you bless us. We love you,

Greg and Kathy Staley

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God With Us-Spring 2015 Newsletter

Please Pray

We want you to pray with us about staff needed for next school year.  (2015-2016)  It is always fun to see God supply but we know that it is in answer to many prayers. Would you pray that God would supply in His time and way?

# First Grade teacher

# School cook

# Upper level science teacher or computer tech person

We have had a great school year with much positive impact on students and the community. Thanks for your support and prayers.
Submitted by John Bloom

Student Testimony

In Jr. High I recently shared my testimony.  I then gave the students a piece of paper and asked them to write out where they were with the Lord.  One boy’s testimony was very sweet.  For different reasons he was asked to leave last year and be homeschooled. Then we would re-evaluate in the fall to see if he would be allowed to return.  We always agonize and prayerfully seek the Lord before asking someone to leave. It is an encouragement to see that the right decision was made and it ultimately was a big part of God’s plan for his life.  I want to share with you his testimony (slightly edited for grammar).

…Before I first became a Christian, I was kicked out of school and being home schooled.  I had no point in life and my grandfather had just passed away from cancer.  When I came back to Immanuel Mission I was in 7th grade.  John Bloom let me come back and then I went to EPIC (youth group). When Jim talked about Jesus, I realized that if John could accept me back into the school, Jesus could do the same.  And if John could forgive all that I did, Jesus could too.  So I asked Alena, “How do you know you’re a Christian?” and she told me how.  I said I believe Jesus has died on the cross so we can live with him and that’s how I became a Christian.

Submitted by Kelli Wilson

Summer Reading

Back by popular demand, summer reading! Last summer’s reading program, Buzz into the Library, was such a success that we are going for round two!  This year’s program will kick off the week of May 18th.  I will be starting this summer’s program and then handing it off to Sheree Wedel when I move to Minnesota in June. Please pray for Sheree and I as we organize the program, and for the community members that this program will minister to.
Submitted by Michele Lawman

Illuminate Update

Hello, this is Julie Snyder with an update about the new Illuminate program.  This program was designed to assist struggling learners and give them extra teaching in areas where they need help, particularly reading and math.  I currently work with a total of 16 students, either one-on-one or in small groups.   It is exciting to see the progress these students are making throughout the school year. We are celebrating many achievements and setting goals to continue improving.

I love seeing these students improve academically, but what is even more incredible is to see the way God is at work in the lives of these students.   Although I am not specifically teaching Bible this year, my goal is to help students see the love of Jesus Christ.  I have been able to build awesome relationships with my students and as they become more comfortable with me, it opens many opportunities for me to share Jesus with them.  I have been able to pray with students about things that are going on at home and share Bible verses to encourage and challenge them.  I had one student tell me that he prayed and asked Jesus to forgive his sins earlier this year!  That’s why we’re here.

Please continue to pray for the Illuminate program.  Pray for my students to continue working hard and improving academically.  More importantly, pray that my students will have a desire to know more about Jesus Christ and ultimately see their need for salvation.
Submitted by Julie Snyder

From the Tailgate of Scott Valentine

I just returned to Immanuel Mission after Spring Break.  So I had a vacation from a vacation. At the Mission we are gearing up for a summer of Mission trips coming here .  John Bloom will prioritize building and maintenance projects around our neighborhood  and here at the school.  This year’s project house is walking distance from the Mission.  That will make a pleasant commute for those of you who plan to spend your vacation serving in this ministry.

Last Summer we had available souvenir dirt-shirts (dyed in our native soil).  There are still some available for $15.  The money will go to fund the biannual Junior/Senior Trip.  We are also working on a new design and hope to have those ready.

Our Savior Jesus Christ has certainly blessed the work at Immanuel Mission.  Thank God for work that we enjoy doing.  Psalm 126: 5-6, “Those who sow in tears will reap with cries of Joy.  He who goes out weeping as he carries his sack of seed will come home with cries of joy as he carries his sheaves of grain.” Those who know me here at the mission will laugh because even though on vacation, they hear me cry.  Praise God we are seeing fruit and hoping for cries of joy.

Thanks for your continued prayer joining with us shoulder to shoulder.  From your good friend in Christ.
Submitted by Scott Valentine

A Favorite Teaching Memory

I really enjoy being an English teacher to these kids from their Jr. High years all the way through their senior year.  They may not know it, but their attitudes and actions reveal a lot to me about their likes and dislikes, struggles and victories, and needs and goals.  One particular 10th grade girl is very emphatic when it comes to English class.  She normally hates reading. (However, this year I found a book that she “likes, kinda a lot!”) In fact, she felt quite free to write in response to a prompt that she didn’t like this book and she didn’t learn anything and it was boring.  Yet, even in the midst of her overwhelming dislike of the book, she still managed to put effort into her work and earn an “A”.

However, the next assignment was writing a 5 paragraph essay. The assignment was designed to be a guided essay with heavy teacher involvement.  I required them to write their main idea sentence and come to me to get it checked.  Then I would send them back to their desk to write the rest of the paragraph.  At that point they would have to come to me to get it checked again.  Then the process would repeat for each of the five paragraphs.  My girl apparently really enjoys writing.  After she had written her main idea sentence and shown it to me, she would run—literally run—back to her desk because she was so excited to write the rest of the paragraph!  It is such a joy, to this English teacher, to see that level of excitement in a high school student over writing a 5 paragraph essay.

I know that in any class with any assignment, I can’t please everyone. Some like reading, some hate it.  For some, it just depends on the type of book we are reading.  Some like grammar (yes, I’ve even found a couple who like diagramming sentences!), and some would like to throw it out.  Some like writing, and some avoid it at all costs.  But even though I know I can’t please everyone, I know two things: some will enjoy it and they all need it whether they like it or not!
Submitted by Kelli Wilson

 As Portrayed by a Child

Recently Alena Beeman had her 2nd grade boys help to tell the story of Abraham sacrificing his son Isaac for school chapel. They acted out the characters of Abraham, Isaac and God.  It brought tears to my eyes when I heard Levar (as Isaac) whimper when his father told him to get on the altar.  Something about acting out a familiar Bible story often opens my eyes in a new way to what was really going on.  It was so sweet to see the boys really enter into the story and grasp the sacrifice that God was asking.  And the tears come when I know Jesus acted out the  story and allowed His Father to sacrifice Him for me.
Submitted by Anne Denny

Jen’s Getting Married!!!

April has arrived seemingly overnight, along with the sunshine of spring. It’s hard to believe we are down to the last few weeks of the school year! There are so many changes coming up!  Over Christmas break I got engaged to my best friend and Tim and I will be getting married this summer!  I will be following him to Pennsylvania, ending my time here at the Mission in May (for now). I will always love the Navajo people and a piece of my heart will continue to be with the mesas and the students at Immanuel Mission. I’ve loved being a part of the ministry here and I’m just as excited for my next journey as a wife. It’s hard leaving, but how blessed I am to have both a job and a fiancé that I love so much that I hate to say goodbye! Please pray for me  as I give these last few weeks all I’ve got and as God prepares me to be a wife. Thank you all for your prayers and support over the last two years.  It has truly been a pleasure serving here. Our God does make dreams come true!
Submitted by Jen Boden