It is good to hear from you too! The
Pueblo Indians rightfully so have a great mistrust of white people. Apart from being very traditional in their
beliefs, they were maltreated by the Spaniards and white missionaries hundreds
of years ago. They have mistakenly seen
Jesus as the "white man's God".
Therefore the gospel cannot be preached within the reservation. Converts to Christianity within the pueblo
get kicked out of the pueblo, their property gets confiscated and sometimes
they are taken before tribal courts.
We know one pastor from the pueblos whose mother years ago was publicly
flogged for her conversion. There are Christians in the pueblos but it is
completely underground. I was
miracoulsly and graciously allowed by tribal officials one time to pray for a
young boy within the pueblo that had leukemia in the name of Jesus. When God
sent me to talk to the officials and ask for permission, He gave me such spirit
of humility and brokenness that I started to almost cry before the men. I told
them," I have not come to try to change you, I also have children and my
heart is broken for this boy” They allowed me to come in. The boy today two years later does not have
leukemia. It is like with any group of
people. Love never fails! God told us, " Don't come preaching to
the Pueblo people; lay down your lives for them and serve them"! I think this is the greatest spiritual
warfare. Yes spiritual warfare is
essential, there is allot of bondage, alcoholism, and sickness! Yet God's strategy with us has been His deep
love for Native Americans that just grows and grows. Not to preach but to serve
has opened up many doors for us.
Blessings, Jose