What We Do – Arizona Reservation Ministries

What We Do

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.

For youth on the reservation, the likelihood of completing high school is far below the U.S. average due to poverty, teen pregnancy, substance abuse and family responsibilities. Alcoholism begins before middle school, marijuana, cocaine and meth following quickly. For many, gang affiliation and frequent visits to jail are also part of their teens years. We're honored to see over 100 kids on a weekly basis, intentionally teaching them about Jesus Christ. We're also hosting two teen traveling basketball teams who listen to lessons about Jesus as well as how to play the game better. Over 120 have been baptized since 2012! Now, those who attended our programs years ago are bringing their children, too!

We were excited to be able to take several men to a Men's Retreat in the pines in August of 2024, and then six ladies to a women's retreat in April of 2025, thanks to the scholarships provided by Life Point Church in San Tan Valley, AZ. Baptisms and other life-changing decisions occurred on these special treks! It is our prayer to be able to take others on special outings to encourage and equip them as well.
We are also honored to provide weekly Bible Study at the Tribe's Assisted Living Facility, hosting a special Christmas party at the home of ARM team members and weekly Bible Studies at the Tribe's Old Adult Center.
Mentoring and friendships unfold daily. As adults are encouraged by the ARM team, families are impacted, too!

A meeting was held with the Tribal Chairwoman at the beginning of 2007. At this meeting, her face lit up when an ARM representative asked how she would feel about us building homes for her People. The need is tremendous! Up to 25 people live in a small home, or under tarps with pallets for walls, waiting up to 15+ years for a home of their own. Their homes are not free! Their cost is based upon their income. ARM has been blessed to build 38 homes, with the help of many volunteers, AND the recipients who are required to spend at least 200 hours working with us! We're currently completing a Safe House for those in need, AND a parsonage for an Apache family who lead a congregation and travel to share on other Reservations as well.

The unemployment rate on the San Carlos Apache Reservation exceeds 75%. Homelessness is prevalent. There are many reasons for these devastating statistics, including the fact that this Tribe’s land is STILL in the possession of the Federal Government. Meeting physical needs opens doors to meet spiritual ones…BUT, the ways we go about this are led by prayer and incredibly intentional. While reading the book “When Helping Hurts,” by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert, it reveals that simply “giving” strips others of their dignity. These are our spiritual siblings. Meeting their needs through Christ’s provisions must be done in Christ-honoring, and Apache-honoring ways. For specific needs today, download our current Needs List and Critical Care List or call our offices for the most up-to-date lists today.