
Sharing God's Love Through Do-It-Yourself Workshops on the Apache Reservation
Essie, an elderly Apache woman known for her friendly nature and unwavering faith, was in a challenging situation last summer. The relentless Arizona heat and monsoon rains had taken a toll on her home, leaving her roof damaged and in desperate need of repair. With broken and loose shingles threatening the safety and comfort of her living space, Essie knew she needed help, but the cost of hiring professionals was beyond her means.
Essie's story is not unique. Housing within reservations often falls below the standards found outside of Indian Country. A staggering 40% of reservation residences are considered substandard, compared to just 6% elsewhere. These poor living conditions can lead to environmental health problems, including lead exposure, asthma caused by inadequate ventilation, infectious diseases from contaminated water, sanitation issues, and overcrowding.
Recognizing the need for change, Kingdom Workers stepped in to make a difference. Kingdom Workers regularly offers DIY skill-building workshops, helping homeowners on the reservation to learn how to repair their homes. Essie's residence became the perfect location for a workshop focused on repairing loose shingles—a valuable skill that participants could use to help repair other homes in need while simultaneously showing Jesus’s love for Essie.
Ten volunteers gathered at Essie's home, ready to support her and learn from the workshop. As they worked side by side, they repaired Essie's roof and forged stronger relationships within the community. Essie expressed heartfelt gratitude for their assistance, and the volunteers left with practical knowledge and the satisfaction of helping a neighbor in need.
The impact of this single workshop extends beyond the repairs made to Essie's home. Armed with new skills and a shared vision, the volunteers are now equipped to fix their homes or lend a helping hand to other members of the Apache community facing similar challenges. By sharing their knowledge and helping with repairs, they can support more neighbors, ensuring that no one must face the burden of home repairs alone.
The DIY skill workshops organized by Kingdom Workers on the Apache Reservation are a powerful example of what can be achieved when a community comes together in service and faith. As volunteers work to repair homes, they share their faith in Jesus and contribute to building a stronger, more compassionate community anchored in Christ's love.
"If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?" 1 John 3:17
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