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 financial gifts to celebrate 19 years of active ministry with Cru (2004 as co-founders of Nations to present-day National Directors) will be greatly appreciated! The remaining monetary gifts will be for Donnie’s part-time account, medical insurance, medical reimbursements, a new water heater for our home, and contributions to our 403b retirement.

Renee will continue in her work of engaging with students, communities, and organizations by joining iEmergence. Their vision: We are a catalyst for building pathways for indigenous youth, young adults, their families and communities to engage in culturally appropriate holistic transformational development while training the next generation leaders to rediscover their Creator-given identity and purpose.

Renee’s contact email reneekbegay@yahoo.com

First off, thank you! You have supported and encouraged me throughout my time with Cru. As a college student, I (Renee) was bright eyed and enthusiastic with the possibilities of Creator’s work within Indigenous communities. At the same time, I knew things had to be done differently given the history of missions among Indigenous communities.

As a college student I began meeting with Indigenous students for a bible study. After joining staff with Cru, I met students on campus to talk, share stories, and listen to what they were going through. Once a week we would host a meal at our house, facilitate discussions of what it meant for them to live out an Indigenous identity, engage their faith in Creator, live well with one another, and pursue excellence in their studies and occupations. We told each student that walked into our house that they were accepted as they were.

I used to keep a binder titled, “Changed Lives” where I kept pictures of students who were doing the hard work of healing and asking good questions about their identity and their relationship with Creator. I saw the Holy Spirit helping them in these desires. I think back to all these wonderful relationships. There are still many students who I keep in touch with. These former students are now graduated, caring for their own families, and working in their community.

Over time my role as the National Director of Nations shifted towards trying to make changes within the Cru organization. My mind and heart will always be set on students, and wondering how I could expand space for Indigenous students to practice their faith in Jesus without throwing away their Indigenous identity. This discussion I soon realized, was also helpful in many other ministry contexts and communities. I have many Indigenous theologians and scholars to thank for this imagining and hope for change in entire organizations and churches.

These experiences challenged me to learn more about my own faith story and led me to become trauma-informed. As I grew in my development, I gratefully recall all the ways that Creator opened the doors for me to share my experience vulnerably. I got to speak to 5,000 fellow staff members at a staff conference which was a catalyst for many conversations. Afterwards, I told people that I wrestled with whether or not to share the message and Creator answered me with “Commit your ways to the Lord. Trust in Him and He will do it.” Change resulted when I shared in vulnerability. There is much to be grateful for and even more work to do.

Your many faithful years of giving has enabled these life-changing opportunities. You have been an enormous blessing to me, Donnie, and our family. Thank you for faithfully praying and know that Creator God has used you and your gifts to bless others.

Elahkwa!