Serve internationally
stateside

Experience the beauty of the Navajo Nation while serving a community in need. From July 12-19, 2025, we’ll travel to Kayenta, AZ to work on service projects, build relationships, and immerse ourselves in a unique cultural experience. This trip includes a visit to the breathtaking Grand Canyon! Cost is $650 per person, covering lodging, meals, and transportation. Step out of your comfort zone and make a lasting impact.

What is the context?

The People

The Navajo, also known as Diné, occupy the largest Native American reservation in the U.S., with around 300,000 people, 58% of whom live there. They maintain a distinct cultural identity with their language, government, and laws and are vital to the broader Native American community.

The Environment

The Navajo Reservation is in the high desert, stretching across parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. With an elevation of 5,000-7,000 feet, the region experiences extreme temperatures, harsh sun, and frequent dust storms. Its landscape includes desert plains, canyons, and mountains.

The Lifestyle

Many Navajo live in remote homes, with some relying on traditional methods like herding sheep and farming. While modern homes and technology are becoming more common, many families still lack electricity or running water, leading to significant challenges in some areas.

The Language

Navajo is a complex, tonal language. It is often difficult for English speakers to learn. Although the language has been written down recently, it remains largely spoken by older generations, with younger Navajo generally fluent in English.

The Religion

Traditional Navajo religion is integral to daily life, focusing on harmony with nature and the spirit world. There are also Christian communities, though traditional beliefs often conflict with external religious influences, which some see as damaging to their culture.

The Needs

The community faces high unemployment, substance abuse issues, and inadequate living conditions. Many homes are in disrepair, and many of the population struggle to meet basic needs such as nutrition, shelter, and healthcare, particularly in isolated areas.

What is the plan?

Saturday, July 12
  • 9:00 AM – Depart Pryor Creek, OK
  • 12:00 PM – Lunch
  • 5:00 PM – Arrive in Santa Rosa, NM
  • 6:00 PM – Dinner
  • 8:30 PM – Team devotion & prayer
  • 10:00 PM – Lights out
Sunday, July 13
  • 7:30 AM – Breakfast & Checkout
  • 9:00 AM – Depart Santa Rosa, NM
  • 12:00 PM – Lunch
  • 4:00 PM – Arrive in Kayenta, AZ
  • 5:00 PM – Team Orientation
  • 6:00 PM – Dinner with local hosts
  • 7:00 PM – Evening Gathering
  • 10:00 PM – Lights out
Monday, July 14 – Wednesday, July 16
  • 7:00 AM – Breakfast & Pack lunches
  • 8:00 AM – Morning Devotion & Group Reflection
  • 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM – Community Outreach & Service Projects
  • 12:00 PM – Lunch on-site
  • 4:00 PM – Return to host site
  • 6:00 PM – Dinner
  • 7:00 PM – Evening Gathering
  • 10:00 PM – Lights out
Thursday, July 17
  • 7:00 AM – Breakfast
  • 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM – Final service projects
  • 12:00 PM – Lunch & pack up
  • 1:00 PM (MST) – Depart Kayenta for Grand Canyon
  • 2:30 PM – Arrive at Grand Canyon
  • 6:00 PM – Dinner at Grand Canyon
  • 7:30 PM – Depart Grand Canyon for Kayenta
  • 10:30 PM – Arrive back in Kayenta & lights out
Friday, July 18
  • 7:30 AM – Breakfast & pack up
  • 9:00 AM – Depart Kayenta, AZ
  • 12:00 PM – Lunch
  • 4:00 PM (CDT) – Arrive in Amarillo, TX
  • 6:00 PM – Dinner
  • 7:30 PM – Team Debrief & Reflection
  • 10:00 PM – Lights out
Saturday, July 19
  • 7:30 AM – Breakfast & checkout
  • 9:00 AM – Depart Amarillo, TX
  • 12:00 PM – Lunch
  • 3:30 PM – Quick stop/stretch
  • 6:00 PM – Arrive in Pryor Creek, OK

Meet the team.

Alex Mobley

Student Pastor
Having led teams to the likes of Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Jamaica. Alex is passionate about ensuring an impactful, enriching, trip filled with service and cultural engagement.

JR & Mary Lou Wilson

Pastor of House of Joy Church
With a deep passion for service. They operate a food pantry for families in need and host tent revivals. Mission teams partner with them to support local families through home repairs and Kids Club.

Experience Mission

Planning Organization
EM believes everyone desires to participate in change, growth, and renewal in this world, experiencing God’s “shalom” that brings wholeness, reconciliation, and justice.