Summer of Hope 2026 - Reservation 1

​The forever footprint

​Forty young warriors, representing 25 tribes. Many a "trail of tears," leading to one Savior. Jesus, the Son of Almighty God. With the imprint of Warrior Leadership's theme in their hearts - "You are made for more!"

​The team's post-WLS Boot Camp training revealed some of what God had given us in these young warriors – one-third of them new to OEW. Passion. Intensity. Focus. As they prepared their Hope Stories and practiced sharing the Gospel.

And from Night 1 of outreach on the first reservation, they were all over each venue, building bridges into hearts of reservation young people.

​That wasn't easy at Northridge, where centuries-old beliefs leave little room for the Gospel. One OEW warrior's first conversation was with a young man whose faith was in a "lady Creator." Tough conversation.

Then there was the boy with the fake smile. He told our team member, Landon (Akimel O'odham) how "weed" (marijuana) has enabled his "fake smile" to cover his ADHD struggles and his depression. He prayed with Landon that night, saying he wanted to rely on God from now on, not a drug." "I want my real smile back," he said. "I'm going to ask God for it."

There were great blessings to report in some of the conversations. Battles in others.

Curtis (Navajo), a first year team member, said in our post-outreach debriefing, "Jesus wasn't kidding when He said we were fishers of men. If you've ever done much fishing you know…

​​"Fish fight back!"

They do. But these Hope Team "fishermen" do not give up. Early on, it's been evident that they keep fighting for lost hearts Curtis did. After two negative responses to the Gospel, he was "wondering if I was wasting my time." But with some words of encouragement from His team "Big Brother," he rebooted and started "seeking and saving the lost" again.

That's when he saw Andy all alone. When Curtis asked him what he knew about Jesus, he said, "I've never heard of Him." As Curtis explained how much Jesus loved us, Andy's heart opened wide. Introduced to Jesus on the edge of a reservation basketball court. By a rescuer sent 2,000 miles by Jesus to make the introduction.

On our final night of our first mission, some made their commitment to Jesus public at center court. Others happened quietly in those powerful Hope Story conversations all around the court.

We're often asked, "What happens after the team moves on?" Everywhere we go, we are hosted by local believers who are committed to the followup we prepare them for.

Our first night at Northridge, a couple told us that their oldest son had come to Jesus the last time we were there. This time they came with all the rest of their kids.

The pastor and his wife who led an aggressive followup effort the last time are excited to do it again. As the young warriors were fighting for hearts on our second reservation, we got this text from the pastor's wife: "Terri (Navajo – first year team member) led a lady to Christ at the event. At church today, they were there – with their whole family. It was the first time they've ever come. And they brought their whole family – to both Sunday School and church! This is the fruit of your time here…'"

And Pastor Glenn summed up the impact of the warriors for whom you pray and who you sent:

​"This team has left an indelible footprint on this community!"

Praise God for victory at Northridge. As we head for what may be the most challenging ministry of this Summer of Hope.

Names changed for privacy.