Native American ministry is uniquely different from Cru's model of ministry. For one, "Life is lived through relationships," as Mark Charles would tell us. Native American ministry is doing life within Native American communities. Donnie & Renee has been on staff for over 10 years in Cru. They started "Nations" in 2004 on the campus of... Continue Reading →
Post Hole Digger (Ph.D.)
It has only been a few months since I turned in my edited dissertation, and according to the Chair of Examiners, the thesis was recommended for acceptance! Now, I am finally able to graduate. However, I won’t be attending graduation, and not because I normally avoid all graduations, but because the ceremony is in Australia.... Continue Reading →
A Memorial Speech For My Dad
On behalf of my family, I would like to express our deepest gratitude to those who attended my father’s funeral on June 18, 2024. Also, we’d like to say thank you to all those who donated to funeral costs via https://everloved.com/life-of/tom-begay/ What follows is what I wrote and shared at my father’s memorial service: Part... Continue Reading →
Nations Newsletter (Big Announcement!)
Dear Friends and Supporters, Our previous newsletter gave an announcement of a new development in the Begay Household. Renee’s last day under Cru employment is scheduled for September 2, 2023. Thankfully, Renee has been approved for 3 months of severance pay. Supporters can continue to give to her account until November 30, 2023. Any additional... Continue Reading →
Voices of Lament
Two years ago Renee was approached by an author to write a piece for a book called Voices of Lament. The book recently released on September 30th of this year. Renee joined 30 other women contributors. Each author contributed either a poem, an essay, or a devotion related to their assigned verse from Psalm 37.... Continue Reading →
Whose Frybread Would Jesus Prefer?
I (Donnie) have had the privilege and honor to have emceed every Would Jesus Eat Frybread conference since its start. The first WJEF was held at Fort Defiance, NM near the capital of the Navajo Nation in 2012. Being on Navajo land made me one of the hosts. We got to host people from all... Continue Reading →
Renee’s Second Cup of Tea
Mark Charles is our friend, mentor and, collaborative associate. Mark recently invited Renee to be on his streaming event he does every so often on social media and youtube called My Second Cup of Coffee. Renee does not drink coffee but brought her tea along for a virtual conversation with Mark There was much to... Continue Reading →
Do I Have To Travel Again!?
I am part of the smaller segment of people who are not too happy about returning to “normal.” As an introvert, I didn’t mind working from home and interacting with the only co-worker I actually enjoy spending time with—my wife. Working from home also had the perk of spending time with my girls. I may... Continue Reading →
Becoming A Good Relative
A quick disclaimer — there are no guides or steps to becoming a good relative, because Indigenous people groups are unique and different and for that reason there is no universal guide to becoming/being a good relative. To fully understand what it means to be a relative and a good relative a person must learn... Continue Reading →
Dikos Ntsaaígíí-19 (COVID-19)
For a little while, the Navajo Nation was hit the hardest with COVID with some of the highest numbers of cases, but now it has been reduced to some of the lowest rates. Handling the COVID-19 pandemic: What cities can learn from the Navajo Nation As of July 22, there is a total of 8,639... Continue Reading →
Live In A Good Way
Growing up on or near Native American communities we are exposed to a lot of implicit teachings such as when you leave, learn something but come back and help your people. Another teaching, which is often based on traditional teachings is to strive to live in a good way. And, I can already envision the... Continue Reading →
THE TALKING CIRCLE 