From the July 2010 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Have you ever had something so painful to your heart happen in a time so unexpected? And still know that God is in control? Let me tell you a story and you can see how God is exalted.

My husband and I lived on the Pine Ridge Reservation for sometime. I was able to work at our mission there–Payabaya–for three years. While I was working there, John and Renee Martin and their first son came to work there. This tall, blond-haired man, who always had a big smile and a yes on his lips, became part of the Lakota (Sioux) people in no time. He quickly began making friends with all of the children and their families. At this time the mission had a school and I taught there from 1983-1986. John and his wife were greatly loved by many of the people. It was very clear that John loved the Lord with all of his heart. Fast forward to 2007, when I came to Holbrook Indian School and imagine my delight to find John and Renee Martin at the school. Renee worked as the secretary and quickly made me feel at home in the office. John was now Pastor John and our Bible teacher, as well as a full-time Pastor. We caught up on old times and begin our year.

I soon realized Pastor John was a very gentle, kind man and loved the children. His goal was to help as many kids come to Jesus as possible. He was there for every child that needed love and comfort. He worked tirelessly with the children, talking to them about Jesus, showing them how He loves and cares for them. What was clear was his desire to have the students reach out to the families on the Dine (Navajo) reservation and share what they were learning about God. This connection between the children hearing and the children doing what they had learned began to show us how to help the children to come to a closer relationship with God. The first year I was here, John baptized 12 children, the second year he baptized 16 students, and this past school year he baptized 10 children. This year as the Holy Spirit worked through John, many children on campus exhibited a desire to know Jesus more than any other year I have been here. John’s desire to help the Native American people I feel came from his desire to have as many of them know Jesus and His love as possible. Because of John and his complete surrender to Jesus, we have 38 more children allowing the Holy Spirit to work in their lives than three years ago.

Why am I telling you this story? Because on June 10, John suffered a heart attack and died on June 14 at 6:30 pm. This man was truly loved by everyone who met and knew him. All the children are on summer break now, and it will be so difficult for them to come back to school to find their beloved Pastor John will not be here to greet them and show them the gospel of Jesus. I and the staff will miss this big, kind and loving man for a long time. He will leave a void in our lives, but we know that he will be there when Jesus comes and I want to see him and tell him thank you for all he did for our people. The Lord is exalted by John’s love for Jesus which showed in his gentle and kind mannerism. He answered the call for working with the Native peoples and we were blessed as well. Who knows how many more will come to Jesus because of his life in giving God the glory and showing an example of Jesus.

Thank you for listening to this story; it is because of people like John and you that this school is still here after all these years. It is here because you care enough to support it and give the Native people a chance to know Jesus and go to heaven. John will have many stars in his crown and so will you. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Dr. Janet Claymore-Ross