An Update from Eric Kee in Tuba City, AZ

We feel COVID-19 has been a real challenge for the Navajo Nation, as it is growing at a very high rate per capita. Some of those reasons are due to a lack of information, lack of technology resources (adequate internet, up-to-date news), lack of personal protective equipment, lack of hospital staff, and lack of running water for proper hygiene, just to name a few. 

A big challenge is due to multi-family single dwelling homes and the subsequent difficulty with social distancing. While these challenges were already a problem before the epidemic hit, they often pose a far greater problem with Native American reservations. This epidemic has affected our Tuba City Church of Christ family with disconnection, as Navajo people traditionally are a very face-to-face culture. 

In addition, the internet on the Navajo reservation is using copper lines (as opposed to fiber optics), resulting in slow dial up-speed. This has made church and  continuing education for grade school children very difficult. Many of our church members have continued with Sunday morning service, Celebrate Recovery, and weekly Bible studies through call-in options via phone.

One step the Navajo Nation has taken to reduce COVID-19 cases is an evening curfew from 8pm-5am. In addition, the nation has enforced a weekend curfew to slow the spread. Navajo Nation President Nez is a forerunner in helping slow this spread by issuing these curfews and generating makeshift hospitals in schools and other vacant buildings.    

 We have seen many silver linings during this difficult time. For instance, one of the healthcare workers (and daughter of one of our elders) has, for the first time,  expressed interest in following Christ and asking questions on baptism while attending our phone-led Bible studies. In addition, we see more people praying and willing to rely on prayer for others by name.

Fortunately, we are seeing the reservation coming together to look out for our elders and those struggling financially. We are doing pantry item distribution for those who can’t get out for themselves or need additional canned goods or household items, which our church groups have left to help the Tuba City/Navajo Nation community. We are praying for all nations!