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San Carlos Apache Reservation, AZ
American Indians Mission Trip
June 13 to June 20, 2009
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| Ministry Detail |
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Project Overview:
The San Carlos Apache Reservation is one of the poorest reservations in the nation, with an extremely high unemployment rate. Consequently, alcoholism, drug abuse, and gang activity have become coping mechanisms. Suicide among teens is four times higher than the national average. Less than 10% of the people claim to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as their Savior — their only answer to the hopelessness surrounding them.
We will partner with Duane and Susie Syx and Jamie Whitfield of First Nations Ministries to bring the hope of Jesus to the San Carlos Apache people. First Nations Ministries is dedicated to modeling Christ with the style of ministry described in Matthew 25:34-50: sharing in one another’s joys and sorrows while pointing to the Heavenly Father.
Ministry Description:
Our team may join First Nations Ministries in building relationships with youth and their families through discipleship groups, Bible studies, and Sunday school classes and by providing for physical needs such as groceries and home repair.
We will work right alongside Duane, Susie, and Jamie as they disciple their youth group teens and their families through youth events and services, dinners, game nights, video game times in the youth center, and by just hanging out sharing lives. Celebrating with new Apache friends, we will end the week with a fun outing. We might go fishing or swimming, or host a pizza party or game night.
We may also partner with First Nations in evangelism outreaches at a skate park; through basketball, soccer, and other sports; door-to-door visits; or special dinners for families.
Ministry takes place in the afternoon and evening on the rez. Mornings are reserved for daily orientation, worship, personal devotion time, and chores.
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| Trip Requirements |
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Newcomers to the world of missions can grow and make a difference among the San Carlos Apache. But proven, spiritual maturity and prior field experience in missions away from home really helps. So, bring some veterans to help newcomers get to the next level.
You are going to be living among the people of San Carlos, so you may share the discomfort they sometimes experience. The power may fail, leaving you for a time without air-conditioning. The plumbing may fail, leaving you without showers for a day or two. Your ministry may be outside in a hot, dusty environment.
Relational ministry here can be challenging. People are often resistant to your message of hope. You may struggle to connect with people you are hoping to find. Please come determined to break through the emotional walls you will encounter. And you’ll be tired – relationship building and sharing Christ often carries into late-night hours.
You’ll need to exercise initiative to reach the lost and disciple those who struggle with their faith. Participants with developed social skills and the ability to engage people in conversation, sometimes at deeper, spiritual levels, will do well.
This is very much a cross-cultural experience, and it will stretch you. Spiritual warfare is waged regularly in Indian Country. Maintain plenty of prayer cover and let the Lord run the mission.
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| Food & Lodging |
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Food is prepared on site and safe drinking water is provided. You will sleep on the floor of a church, so please bring a single-sized air mattress, bedding, and towels.
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| Dress Code & What to Bring
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Dress Code:
Please refer to AIM's training manual, Missions 101.
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| Travel Information |
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Airport & Transportation:
Groups may drive to the project or fly to Phoenix, AZ (110 miles west of San Carlos) or Albuquerque, NM (350 miles northeast). Both airports have excellent vehicle rental capabilities, but please book early. We suggest getting price comparisons on airfare and van rentals.
Groups must provide their own ground transportation. Extensive travel is common on the rez, so at least two vans will better facilitate travel for activities with local kids.
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Shots & Vaccinations:
An updated Tetanus shot is strongly recommended for ALL projects.
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Suggested Travel Agency:
- Donna Booth, CTC Domestic and International Travel
Consultant
MTS Travel
9440 Philips Hwy, Ste 3
Jacksonville, Fl. 32256
Phone (800) 888-8292 ext 208
Email donnab@mtstravel.com
- Karol Fleming, CTC Domestic and International Travel
Consultant
MTS Travel
9440 Philips Hwy, Ste 3
Jacksonville, Fl. 32256
Phone (800) 888-8292 ext 208
Email karolf@mtstravel.com
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Suggested Travel Insurance:
We highly recommend that all program participants have health insurance coverage.
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| Location Information
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Location Description:
The San Carlos Apache Reservation encompasses 1.8 million acres in east-central Arizona, and is the 10th largest American Indian reservation in land area. Its largest community is San Carlos, with the smaller communities of Peridot and Bylas within its borders. Landscape varies greatly and includes desert, alpine meadows, and Ponderosa Pine forest. San Carlos Lake is the largest body of water in Arizona and is a fisherman’s paradise.
Weather:
At 2,600 feet elevation, San Carlos has a temperate semi-arid climate. Summer daytime temperatures range from 90-100 degrees, dropping to the mid-60s or mid-70s at night. Summer, the rainiest season, brings approximately 3-4 inches of rain.
Area Attractions:
The San Carlos Apache Culture Center in Peridot tells the stories and history of the Apache people. Local crafts, peridot jewelry, and books are available. The quaint town of Globe is 21 miles west, the gateway to the Salt River Canyon.
Outdoor activities include:
• The Salt River Canyon directly north of San Carlos—whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, hiking, camping
• Apache Junction about 75 miles west—drive the Apache Loop to see spectacular scenery or do some hiking
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| People, Culture and Religion
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The San Carlos Apache Reservation was established in 1871. It was, for a time, home to the legendary Apache chiefs Geronimo and Cochise. Many bands of Apache were relocated to the reservation from their traditional homelands, which once extended through Arizona and New Mexico.
The Apache people are very family oriented, and believe in passing on traditions and wisdom to their children and grandchildren. They are very spiritual, but most ceremonies and dances are not held to honor God the Father. Many Apaches view Christianity as the white man’s religion and they are resistant to the Gospel.
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| Government and Economy
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Reservations are sovereign nations, and as such have their own tribal governments, clinics, schools, and police force. There are few jobs and widespread unemployment. Currently, government agencies providing health, education, and economic services employ the greatest number of people on the reservation.
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