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 →
Renee on Native American Ministry
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 →
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 →
Living the Lockdown Life
Every morning, up until a month ago, I (Donnie) drive my two oldest girls to their bus stop near the Ted Gallegos Community Center on Coors Boulevard here in Albuquerque, NM. During the 15-minute drive we usually listen to the radio or put on some Spotify if the girls need some motivation to get their... Continue Reading →
A Gathering of Navajo People who are followers of the Jesus Way
ABSTRACT Since contact with missionaries of various Christian Denominations and other religions there has been an attempt to totally eradicate Navajo culture. The most recent attack on Native North American[1] culture was set against Native American and First Nations children. The last Indian War was waged against Indian children. The weapon of choice was education.... Continue Reading →
Who Doesn’t Like Kake (Alaska)?
In 2009, Renee and I, along with a few college students arrived by ferry to Kake, Alaska expecting to make a difference in the community. What we found was a very welcoming place full of people who loved to play basketball, eat good seafood, fish and have enjoyed life in one of the most beautiful... Continue Reading →
Junípero Serra – the Founding Father of California
Click here for PDF File Junípero Serra, a Roman Catholic Spanish priest and member of the Franciscan Order, is considered the founding father of California. Born on the island of Mallorca, inhabited by the Spanish, Serra left his home, Petra, at a young age to study at Palma to join the Franciscan order. Serra was... Continue Reading →
Creeper Van (Part II)
Last time I wrote about the creeper van that drove through my mom's house on the Navajo reservation a few summers ago. In 2018 a new crop of missionaries have come, but this time they brought their own van and actually came up to the door of my mom's house on the Navajo reservation. ... Continue Reading →
THE TALKING CIRCLE 