History of Arizona Reservation Ministries
God’s ARMs around the Reservation
During the mid-to-late 1990’s a group of missionaries working with Navajo and Apaches in the White Mountains of Arizona began praying for a door to open, allowing them to work with another group of Apache People, just south of the White Mountain Apaches, to whom they were currently ministering. At various times during the year, the tribes would meet together for revivals, powwows, etc. Apache pastors from one reservation would travel to the other sharing their gifts. In May of 2000, this group became united in that prayer. Within a week, an 82-year-old church became available just 20 minutes from this new reservation—for a lease price of just $1.00 per year! That summer, a renovated bus to be used as a mobile youth center arrived from Indiana painted (unbeknownst to the donors) in the San Carlos Apache School colors! Apache pastors from this reservation became acquainted with our staff and a tribal foster home, and Boys and Girls Club all asked for our assistance as well. God had indeed opened the door!
Shortly after, the White Mountain mission began some internal restructuring, deciding to focus on one area of its ministries for a period, and setting aside others. With this Board of Director’s blessing, Dale Lawrence began Arizona Reservation Ministries, taking the donated bus and utilizing the church facilities donated earlier.
On March 29, 2002, after less than a month in operation, ARM obtained its incorporation papers establishing it as a non-profit corporation in the State of Arizona. The focus of this ministry is not to start a new church or school, but to aid Apache Christians who are already serving on this reservation. ARM’s focus is taken from Exodus 17:8-16. This tells of the battle between the Israelites and the Amalekites. The Israelites were winning as long as Moses held up his arms. After a long period, it became a difficult task to do alone. Aaron and Hur found a place for Moses to sit, and took it upon themselves to hold up Moses’ arms. With this partnership, the battle was won. It is the desire of ARM to represent the work of Aaron. By providing leadership training, children’s programs (including the mobile youth ministry), benevolence work, and emotional/physical support for our Native pastors, ARM can provide practical and much-needed aid. As you provide physical and prayer assistance, you then become the representative of Hur, equally as important in assisting our Native Christians/Pastors in fighting the very real spiritual battle on the San Carlos Apache Reservation. It is clear from this word picture (and the experiences of those associated with ARM) that “Moses” (our native Christian leaders) is weary and in need of assistance.
Since our beginnings, the Lord continues to provide opportunities for ministry as only He can! We are now working with the Tribal Housing Authority to construct homes for the homeless of this reservation. A weekly Bible Study/craft time is provided at the Tribal-run Shelter Care facility for adults. Relationships are strengthened in the Tribal-run Youth home. We have been blessed to participate with Apache churches at the Tribal Wellness Center’s annual Halloween-alternative Carnival where well over 800 Apache Tribal Members gather to simply have an evening of fun. Children’s and Teen programming continue. Relationships with Apache churches continue. In the winter of 2006, the Lord provided a 45-acre site for far less than the appraised value that had never been on the market for ARM’s new base of operations. Pray as the Lord directs in the development of this property so near the Reservation. Our staff is growing! God is leading! Your prayers are coveted!