By Brian Nixon
Calvary Chapel Tohlakai Reaches Out
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Courtesy of Calvary Chapel
On a recent woodcutting outreach, Pastor Landoll led a group from Calvary of Albuquerque on a snow-filled morning to cut and distribute wood for the elders. Driving through snow and mud, the participants were able to extend love through prayer, fellowship, and practical ministry.
TOHLAKAI, NM(ANS)--Calvary Chapel Tohlakai is the first Calvary Chapel on the Navajo Nation. Planted by Pastor Landoll Benally, a graduate of Calvary of Albuquerque’s School of Ministry, the church has been ministering to the larger Yahtahey region of New Mexico for over two years.
Landoll became aware of Calvary of Albuquerque’s School of Ministry from a radio broadcast he heard on a local station in the Gallup, New Mexico area. As it turned out, Landoll was praying about attending a Bible school in Texas. But the Lord would have it otherwise.
Landoll, of both Navajo and Ute heritage, grew up in a Christian home in Church Rock, New Mexico. Though Texas was on his school list, Albuquerque was a viable option for this Christian man serious about his faith. Albuquerque was closer to their home and provided the basic biblical and theological needs he sought. It was a time that changed his life, leading to graduation, a church plant, and a meaningful ministry to the Navajo people.
Though driving three hours daily to Albuquerque for school, Landoll-and his wife, Angie’s-heart was always on the reservation. From day one, they wanted to plant a church near their home in Tohlakai.
The town of Tohlakai is found in the Yahtahey region on the Navajo reservation in McKinley County. Yahtahey is an approximation of the Navajo word for “hello.”
The church has grown from a home study to a Church building. Recently, members of the fellowship have begun work on a new structure, with worship services taking place in the half-finished room as of November 2012.
But the heart of Calvary Chapel Tohlakai has always been on two distinct areas: teaching the Bible and outreach.
Courtesy of Calvary Chapel
The town of Tohlakai is found in the Yahtahey region on the Navajo reservation in McKinley County. Yahtahey is an approximation of the Navajo word for “hello.” The church has grown from a home study to a Church building.
According to Landoll, “There is such a great need, both practically and spiritually, on the Navajo reservation. I felt that I needed to help bring solid Christian ministry to the reservation. Many Navajos are poor, especially the elders. Simple things like cutting wood, bringing water, and hauling coal are tasks that are needed on a daily basis. Our church has made it a point to both teach the Bible and show the love of God through service-related ministry.”
On a recent woodcutting outreach, Pastor Landoll led a group from Calvary of Albuquerque on a snow-filled morning to cut and distribute wood for the elders. One participant, Mark Chavez, told me about helping a Navajo elder in a wheelchair who had no access to wood to heat his house. As the group prayed for him, he welled up with tears of gratitude.
Driving through snow and mud, the participants were able to extend love through prayer, fellowship, and practical ministry: representing the vision Landoll has for the area.
At the end of the outreach, Angie and her family made traditional Navajo tacos for the team, while Landoll cooked elk outside. Kids tossed a football with team members. Out in the distance loomed the new Church building, reminding all who gathered why we were there: to glorify God and serve His people.
Brian Nixon is a writer, artist, musician, and pastor.
