The young shepherd girl wrapped the blanket closer, hiding her face. Shunned by the other girls, she hid in one of the cabins during game time. A physical deformity made her self-conscious and afraid, but as she learned of God’s love, her outlook began to change. By the end of the 10-day camp at El Nathan she was holding her head high, smiling, and participating in activities with the other girls. The little herder of sheep met the Lamb of God and was transformed.

Her story is not unique. For more than 60 years, El Nathan, Ameritribes’ camp near Flagstaff, Arizona, has been a place where many Dineh (Dineh (Navajo)) have encountered their Creator. Early camps hosted hundreds of young Dineh shepherds like the girls on the left.

Today, in spite of a capacity of 176, the camp still has to turn people away. In fact, the largest Native American Christian group, which has used El Nathan for 50 years, can no longer be suitably housed. The need for additional space has become critical if we are to meet the growing demand for relevant Native ministry.

You can help us meet this need. By faith, we have undertaken the construction of a new lodge which will increase camp capacity to 264 overnight guests. The ground breaking has already been celebrated and construction will soon be underway. For more than half a century, Ameritribes’ El Nathan camp has played an important role in the lives of Dineh families and youth. Your gift can make a difference.

Dr. Scott Franklin, a respected Dineh pastor, began attending Family Camp as a youth in 1951. He’s been a part of our camping program for more than 50 years! During one of the early camps he knelt and prayed, “Here I am, Lord. Use me anyway you want.” As a result, he’s devoted his life to church planting on the reservation. Speaking of El Nathan’s influence he says, “This is the place where many of our people got saved and dedicated their lives to God.”

In 1945, our missionaries had a compelling vision to reach Dineh youth for Christ and train them for Christian leadership. As they walked over the scenic property that would become El Nathan, by faith they visualized what God would do. The missionaries stood in a circle and, with bowed heads, asked God to give the property to the mission for His glory.

Within five weeks, God provided the donations needed to purchase the camp and repair the dilapidated cabins. When mission staff gathered again to dedicate the new property to the Lord, Ephesians 3:20 became the theme of their praise: He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.

I believe that verse applies today. As we’ve trusted Him in the past, we’re now trusting God to provide for the new lodge through the gifts of His people. We want you to be aware of the strategic value of this project. Your gift for the El Nathan lodge will allow us to provide ministry to more Dineh people, as well as accommodate other Christian groups. This unique location in the shadow of Mt. Elden allows campers to interact with God’s Word while enjoying His creation in the unspoiled beauty of northern Arizona.

The Dineh people have had a strategic role in designing the new lodge. This photo shows two Dineh leaders looking over the lodge blueprints with our campdirector (center). Those whose culture embraces the importance of extended family have blessed all our campers with a facility plan that will enhance both small and large group interaction.

Please prayerfully consider how God would have you invest in this ongoing ministry to Native believers. Your gift of any size will help. A larger gift, however, will provide significant items needed for the new lodge. For example, your gift of $120 would furnish one of the rooms or a gift of $75 would provide one of the beds.

The new lodge at El Nathan will allow Ameritribes to expand its ministry to Native
Americans. Please ask God how you can become involved in this important project. Your
partnership is vital! Join us in believing that today, as in the history of El Nathan, He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think. Thank you for your investment in the lives of Native peoples!