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 US 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.

In February of 2023, we were once again able to take a group of ladies to our annual Women’s Conference in Phoenix. Several years, these women take advantage of the hotel pool to proclaim their faith in Christ by being baptized! We 29 ladies sharing life-changing messages, laughter, prayers and hugs in February of 2023 for our most recent Conference. In October, (except 2020), we host an Apache Pastor Appreciation Banquet, showing Christ’s love and sharing encouragement with these men and women on the front lines of very real spiritual battles. Four pastors, and four pastors’ wives all passed in the last few years. We were able to honor them, and encourage these new leaders at our 2022 Banquet. In addition to praying over these mighty men and women of God, conversations and more unfold between these leaders and those of this ministry. Mentoring and friendships unfold daily. As adults are encouraged by the ARM team, families are impacted as well.

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. Also in January of that year, a godly Apache gentleman approached us about the need for a home for a woman and her children. A Christian friend had allowed them to live on their property. That woman was given a tiny, ancient trailer to live in. There wasn’t room for her children and new grand daughter. They were forced to live under tarps and makeshift homes as well during the cold (20-30 degree) winter nights.

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.