Missions Mag 1-4

Arizona Mission to
Native Americans
By Paul Wilkerson
The question has been asked, How did FBC Mayfield find themselves in the
middle of the desert, hours away from KY, ministering to Native Americans? The
answer to that question involves Dr. James Cecil, Eric Gibbs, and a restaurant in
Benton, KY. For years Dr. Cecil, a professor of Christian Studies at Mid-Continent
University, traveled to the Pima Indian Reservation in Sacaton, Arizona to evangelize
and disciple the Native Americans. As his time on earth was coming to an end, he
needed someone to take up the reigns and continue his work in the desert. He began
to organize vision trips in hopes that the Lord would call someone for this task. It
wasn’t long until God answered the prayer of Dr. Cecil. On one of these short-term
trips, the Lord spoke to a Mid-Continent student named Eric Gibbs. Shortly after
the trip, Eric expressed a call to pack his belongings and move his family to live
among the Natives of Arizona. At this, time Eric served as the youth pastor of Zion’s
Cause Baptist Church in Benton, KY. Eric began the process of moving to Arizona by
reaching out to churches in Benton requesting support. Serving at First Missionary
Baptist in Benton, KY I was a recipient of one of these letters. Graduating from Mid-Continent, I was very familiar with the
ministry of Dr. Cecil. Naturally, I was very intrigued and wanted to learn more about Eric and his plans for Arizona. Therefore,
we set up a meeting at Los Portales in Benton, KY to meet and talk about the mission. Little did I know what this simple
lunch meeting would entail for the Kingdom of God. As I listened intently to Eric’s heart, I knew we had to partner with him
in this endeavor. A few months later, Eric and his family moved to Arizona. Shortly after Eric settled, we sent a team from
First Missionary to assist him with his vision. The first few trips we hosted Vacation Bible School events and sports camps
in surrounding villages. Those first few years presented many challenges, but the seeds planted began to sprout and grow. In
the meantime, I received a call to become the Associate Pastor of Youth at FBC
Mayfield, KY. Coming to the church in Mayfield was an exciting time, but in the
back of my mind, I was nervous that my ministry in AZ may be ending. However,
FBC Mayfield was thrilled to hear of the work in AZ and soon began to express
an interest to partner with Eric and his ministry.
As my relationship with Eric grew, we both began to express a vision to provide
a way for Native American youth to attend a summer church camp. However,
we knew this was no easy feat. The logistical, cultural, and financial concerns
were extremely evident. However, we launched out in faith and went for it. The
first year we provided a way for six Native American students to travel from Arizona to Kentucky for Crossings Youth camp
(shown on the left). It may have only been six students, but that first year brought a dream to reality and laid the foundation
for the future. The next year the interest among Native American students grew substantially along with the concerns of how
to sustain the ministry. Wes Fowler, the senior pastor of FBC Mayfield, rallied the troops and asked the congregation for the
financial assistance to conquer the challenge. They met the call with a generous spirit and completely funded the entire cost
of camp. Every year the number of Natives attending camp grows as does the financial needs. Likewise, every year the people
of FBC Mayfield donate an offering that covers the growing cost of camp. To date, FBC Mayfield has given over $150,000 to
ensure that students from various villages in Arizona have the opportunity to attend camp and learn about Jesus Christ. The
number of Native students attending camp has grown so much that we can no longer provide travel across the US to Kentucky.
Now the ministry consists of renting a facility in Prescott, AZ and sending a team from FBC Mayfield to host a church
camp. This camp ministry would not be possible without the willingness of FBC members to donate and go as leaders!
It is difficult to formulate the words needed to adequately describe the spiritual impact this week has on the students
of Arizona. However, we want to try and give you a description of what this ministry looks like on the ground. We have asked
Murray State Student and FBC attender Bailey Cartwright to provide a report of what it looks like from her perspective. Bailey
has made multiple trips to Arizona as a mission team member, Bible teacher, and camp facilitator.
11