Chapter Planting with Native Americans at UNM-Gallup

• 
  Article

Click to hide HTML preview

This document is part of a larger cluster of articles about InterVarsity
chapter planting at https://www.intervarsity.org/mx/page/chapterplanting

The Campus

The University of New Mexico-Gallup is a branch campus of the University of
New Mexico and operates as a community college. It has more than 3000
students, mostly Native American. It is located in the high desert region
of New Mexico near the Navajo, Zuni and Hopi Reservations, making it the
largest Native American student body of any public university in the world.

The Challenges

Students are very busy. They have families, full time jobs, kids, spouses,
etc. Students often drop out because of money problems or family
emergencies. There is a high level of turnover. Also, many Native Americans
feel that the Christian church has wronged them in mission work and
boarding schools and are not really open to talking about Christianity.

Campus Contacts and Opportunities

Currently there are four students, a faculty advisor, a very supportive
school PR person, and some local churches.

What We’re Doing

There is a weekly book table and a weekly Bible study

The Vision

I hope to eventually have a healthy Native American Christian community on
campus that is open to all and meeting consistently. What gives me the most
hope is seeing what other people have done under similar circumstances.

God is Working

I am not sure how God is working. Mostly I just keep losing students right
now. I do have a non-Christian student I have been sharing the gospel with.
Occasionally he comes to Bible study. I have been attending on-campus
events and club activities in order to get to know students in a more
informal way that they are more comfortable with.

Help Needed

I am not sure what would be the most help right now. Any suggestions?

Chapter_Planting_ME_Native_UNM_Gallup.doc