Apache Christian Connection

The Apache Christian Connection "The Blue Bus"

Ministry Teams of all ages come to AICM to help minister to the Apache and Navajo people. Here a couple of gentlemen from Ohio are listening to the lesson along side these young Apache girls.

Gene Brenneman giving a very special friend a helping hand

With a smile that will melt any heart, these kids need to know that they are loved, and valued.

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 Rezball), 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.

"In the average month, we are ministering to conservatively 400-500 Apache kids on the Blue Bus..." - Gene Brenneman.

Looking like he is ready for a game of street hockey, this little guy gets to hang out with the Brenneman's for a few hours each month

Sherry, Gene and a friend in front of the Blue Bus

Sherry Brenneman giving a lesson to some Apache kids

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... cayenne002@hotmail.com