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Working as an outreach of AICM is a very special ministry called the Apache Christian Connection (ACC), or the "Blue Bus". Gene and Sherry Brenneman drive a converted blue school
bus 4 days a week to one of 20 different locations on the White Mountain Apache Reservation. They and the ministry teams that accompany them provide Biblical teaching through stories, songs and
crafts to relate to the children how much Jesus loves and cares for them. After the lesson, games and activities that include roller blades, hop-scotch, jump rope, basketball (out here it's Rez-ball),
beading and fingernail painting are all part of the fun for the local Apache children. For most ministry teams, regardless of the age of its members, an afternoon with
Gene and Sherry on the Blue Bus in the White Mountain Apache Reservation is often one of the most memorable afternoons of the trip. Being able to see the living conditions, play and interact with
the kids and understand a little bit more of the Apache culture is more times than not a life changing and spiritually defining event.
More than just a school bus...
Through the Apache Christian Connection, AICM has built relationships of trust and respect with the children, their families, local pastors and tribal leaders. With the help of visiting ministry
teams, ACC conducts Vacation Bible School programs at churches across the reservation during the summer. These programs run Monday-Thursday, concluded with an afternoon BBQ which is attended by
the children, their families and neighbors.
The blue bus, along with AICM’s fire truck, is a welcome participant in tribal events during the year. We join the festivities of both the Labor Day and Christmas parades in Whiteriver, the
tribal headquarters of the White Mountain Apache Nation. Bus “regulars” are anxious to ride along to greet the crowd and “distribute” candy during the parades.
When our school began in 1985, our student population was entirely Navajo children. Because of the impact of ministry of the Apache Christian Connection, we currently have 50%
Navajo and 50% Apache students. Please pray that God will continue to use His ministry through ACC to reach more children for His Kingdom.
Make sure and take time this week to remember the Apache Christian Connection, Gene, Sherry and the 400-500 kids that they minister to each month in your prayers.
Drop Gene and Sherry an email and let them know you are thinking of them... or even tell them about the experience you had on your
trip on the Blue Bus.
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