Foru photos from Black Mesa missions. First is older man standing next to a table loaded with donated coats to be distributed, the second photo is of a group of young adults standing in front of a van with the word mission written on the rear window, the third photo is of two men and one woman posing at the distribution of the coats and the last photo is of long tables piled high with various coats ready to be given away

Serving at Black Mesa

House of Joy Church, Black Mesa, Arizona, Navajo Nation

The Navajo people possess a profound cultural richness and unwavering faith that shine through, even in the face of significant challenges such as high unemployment, substance abuse, and other social issues. For nearly a decade, Pastor JR and the House of Joy Church have been cherished partners and spiritual family to Christ Lutheran Church (CLC). What began as high school mission trips has blossomed into a deep and enduring relationship between our two congregations.

Today, there are many meaningful ways for you to engage with and support this vital mission:

  1. Young Adult Annual Mission Trip
    Each summer, our Young Adult group actively supports the House of Joy by sending mission teams to serve congregants throughout the Black Mesa community. Teams have undertaken impactful projects, such as digging and laying foundations, re-roofing homes, and stuccoing and painting residences across the area.
  2. The Warehouse Project
    This long-held vision of Pastor JR addresses critical needs in the community. While a Phoenix food bank has generously offered to send 18-wheelers of food to Black Mesa, a warehouse is required to store these supplies. Two years ago, an adult mission team broke ground on a 6,000-square-foot warehouse. Now in its final phase of completion, the roof is being installed, bringing the project closer to serving the community. The generosity of our congregation through donations and gifts has been instrumental in making this vision a reality.
     
  3. Men’s Mission Trip
    This spring, a dedicated team of men from CLC will travel to the House of Joy to install vinyl plank flooring throughout the fellowship center. This project will enhance the space for their gatherings and community events. The team’s efforts, along with the generosity of our congregation through donations and gifts, will help bring this vision to life. Opportunities to contribute toward materials and support the installation team will be available.
     
  4. VBS Service Project
    Our Vacation Bible School program embraces a meaningful service project each year. For the past two years, the children have collected school supplies and backpacks, which our mission teams have delivered to Black Mesa for the House of Joy’s Back-to-School Ministry.
     
  5. HOJ Coat Drive Ministry
    Every October, the House of Joy organizes a Coat Drive to provide warm clothing for families in the greater community. CLC supports this initiative by collecting coats throughout the month. Last November, Pastor Garrett, Dana Schmidt, and Todd LeGassick delivered and helped distribute the coats, witnessing the profound impact of this ministry.

Each year, Pastor JR visits Christ Lutheran Church to preach, share his musical gifts, and lead us in Christ-centered worship. His heartfelt messages, grounded in the love and hope of Jesus, provide powerful insights into the work of the House of Joy and the spiritual and physical needs of the Black Mesa community. These visits are a special opportunity to connect more deeply with this mission and hear firsthand how our support makes a difference.

We invite you to join Pastor JR and his congregation in prayer, lifting up the Warehouse Project, the growth and strength of the House of Joy community, and the many lives still waiting to hear the good news of Jesus. As we look to the future, we encourage you to prayerfully consider contributing to this mission. While CLC’s benevolence fund provides foundational support, larger initiatives, such as mission teams and the completion of the Warehouse Project, rely on additional giving. Together, with faith and generosity, we can shine Christ’s light across the Navajo Nation and bring hope to Black Mesa.