Navajo Lutheran Mission Elementary School

Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM) is located in the hear of the Navajo Nation in remote Rock Point, AZ.

NELM Mission Statement:

The Navajo Lutheran Mission, in partnership with the Navajo People and rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, is a community seeking to meet the educational, health, social and spiritual needs of the Navajo People.

Navajo Lutheran Mission Core Values:

Christ-Centered:

Striving to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ as center in education and program services provided by the Mission.

Respect:

Serving and supporting the community through cultural sensitivity, open communication, and love for all.

Integrity:

Applying the highest level of ethical standards by being financially and morally accountable to all.

Quality:

Providing the best possible education and community services in an efficient and effective manner.

Empowerment:

Working with the Navajo community to assist residents to develop a solid social, economic and spiritual base.

Commitment:

We believe that all people are children of God.

We believe that the Navajo People are our sisters and brothers; our neighbors.

We believe that when our neighbors hurt, we hurt, and we are led to care.

We believe that service grows out of community, and we are committed to partnership with the Navajo People in that ministry of service.

History:

More than fifty years ago, Lutheran Christian missionaries arrived in Rock Point, AZ, a remote, isolated village near the Four Corners area where Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah meet.

Rock Point today is a gas station, small convenience store, Laundromat, post office, two schools, a Chapter House and Senior Citizens Center serving close to 3000 persons living in Rock Point and surrounding areas.

Food and medical services are still more than 50 miles away, and general shopping is 115 miles away in Farmington, New Mexico.

The Mission was founded with Bible study, English language classes, a clinic, an elementary school, and a worshipping congregation.

Today, the Mission consists of a Kindergarten through 6th grade school for 67 children, which offers an alternative school to Bureau of Indian Affairs and community schools, and provides an education that reflects Christian values while respecting Navajo culture and tradition.

It is also a place for periodic eye and health exams, and a thrift shop that provides a major service to residents.

The Mission also is host to various volunteer work groups, inter-cultural exchanges, and community connections and events.

Strategic plans for a medical clinic, food bank, and additional new services have already been approved.

More than programs and services however, the Mission is all about the people - Diné in Navajo - who live with social problems, abuse, housing needs, debilitating diseases like diabetes and alcoholism, unemployment, poverty, and limited access to adequate health care, and in many cases do not have electricity or water.

The Navajo Lutheran Mission is committed to improving the lives of the many people in the area.

Organizational Structure:

The Navajo Lutheran Mission is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that depends on the benevolence of its donors.

A fifteen member Board of Directors oversees the management of the Mission.

In addition, the Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) Grand Canyon Synod (GCS) nominates three individuals to represent the ELCA/GCS in Mission affairs. NLM is officially affiliated as a social ministry of the ELCA.

In addition to the "Three Rs" - reading, writing, and arithmetic - students at the Mission School receive spiritual guidance rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Each Wednesday, the students gather together in the House of Prayer Lutheran Church for prayer, song, and fellowship. Through the generous support and donations of Christians from all denominations, the Mission School is able to provide children with educational opportunities that complement the classroom curriculum.

When possible, upon registration, each child receives a backpack containing school supplies (including notebook paper, pencils, glue, and crayons) and a personal hygiene kit (including a bar of soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a hand towel).

The students often live in areas with limited to no access to electricity and/or water.

The Mission addresses this need by providing showers for student use throughout the school year.