July 22, 2013 Letter from Fern

Fern Pokagon

505-306-0335

Email:  skizettt@aol.com

 

July 22, 2013

 To NYI Presidents and/or Pastors:

November is just a few months away and the time for us to come together at the annual Winter Retreat.  We are hoping that you along with your youth groups are planning for this event.

The event will be held on November 8-10, 2013 (Friday evening to Sunday).  This is a Field event and we hope to see representation from the Southwest Native American District, Western Latin District, Southwest Latin District, and possibly other districts.  It is hopeful that we can continue this event to keep the connection on the Southwest Field (formerly known as Southwest Region).  It is going to take all of us to do our part in bringing the youth to this event.  The weekend will include services with special speaker, testimonies, praise and worship, games, and a whole lot of fun. 

The registration fee for this year is $100 which will include four meals and lodging.  Enclosed is a copy of the flyer with a perforated application which needs to be filled out and returned by October 25, 2013.  Please take the time with your youth group to finish the applications before the deadline.  Your cooperation in returning filled out applications will help with the lodging and registration process.  Please make payment with one church check for your group payable to SNAD-NYI and sent to Myron Paddock at HC63Box 297, Winslow, AZ  86047

Everyone will need to bring their sleeping bag, personal hygiene, Bible, medications, and other personal items.  Sponsors on-site during the weekend are a MUST from each church.

Communications is a must so I will be contacting each local NYI president or pastor to keep updated on the numbers from your church. Do not hesitate to contact me at the above phone number or email if you have questions. You may also contact Becky Pohawpatchoko at 505-923-0984 or beckymorgan56@hotmail.com.

In His Service,

Fern Pokagon,
Winter Retreat Director

August 1, 2013

Southwest Native American District

District President – Becky Pohawpatchoko

beckymorgan56@hotmail.com            505.923.0984

 

August 1, 2013

Dear NYI presidents, Pastors, Students, Parents & church supporters:

As the months continue forward since the District Assembly and Conventions, many of our churches took the long journey eastward to Indianapolis, IN. I am proud to say that your Southwest Native American District was well represented. I am privilege to represent you as the newly elected SNAD NYI President; let me first give all the praise and glory to our precious Lord!

Attending the Global NYI Convention was something I will not forget. To briefly enlighten, imagine a huge conference room with 6 huge projector screens, and a sea of tables for the elected delegates. There were satellite connections to Regional Sites: Africa, Eurasia, South America, Asia-Pacific, Mesoamerica so our brothers and sisters in Christ could also participate in the Global NYI Convention. There are two important affairs that I would like to emphasize:

1.     We were part of the Southwest Region; now we are part of the Southwest Field.

2.     Charles Brodhead was our Southwest Region President; now Pastor Gordon Wong, from the Hawaii District, is our newly elected Southwest Field President.

 Since the new church year, I imagine there are newly elected youth leaders in local churches throughout our district. Who are the leaders God has led you into your life? Youth leadership involves more than taking charge of a congregation and leading worship services. It is essential for youth leaders to trust and depend upon the Holy Spirit for guidance, wisdom, vision, and strength. We as leaders must strive to be good role models for followers, as it is our responsibility to show Christ's love to others through our words, our actions and the way we live. Youth leaders should have empathy for teens; to have good listening skills. Listen actively and ask questions.

Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 1 Peter 5:2-3 (NIV)

 

At the first District NYI meeting, it was decided that each Zone NYI President to have the responsibility to host this year’s Leadership Training. This will be closer for each local church to travel and have more participation. We have a couple of ways to keep the communication flowing throughout our vast district, you can “like” us on Facebook (SNADNYI) or you can log onto www.snadnyi.blogspot.com, or you can contact your Zone NYI President.

As I embrace this responsibility, I ask for your support and prayers. I am blessed to have your willingness to serve a Mighty Savior and lead young people to Christ. Let us work together as one body of Christ.

In His Precious Name,

Becky Pohawpatchoko

SNAD NYI President