SERVING, CONNECTING, and INSPIRING HOPE at NACA
In September 2025, five couples from St. Matthew traveled to the Native American Christian Academy to serve on a work & witness trip. During their time at NACA, this team completed the entire foundation for a courtyard pergola, worked with kitchen staff, and began the final preparations for THEIR food bank expansion.
In the months leading up to the trip, the St. Matthew Lutheran Church Inspire Hope Mission Team gathered regularly to pray, plan, and prepare for our time at Native American Christian Academy (NACA). Each team member arranged their own travel, arriving by Sunday afternoon with a shared sense of anticipation for the week ahead.
That evening, we kicked things off with a casual meet-and-greet at a local restaurant, where we connected with NACA leaders Joshua and Shannon Herndon. Over dinner, we had the chance to hear more about the school, ask questions, and better understand the needs and expectations for the week. The excitement was building—we were eager to meet the students and staff and get to work.
Monday began with a full orientation: learning NACA’s story, touring the campus, meeting project leaders, and reviewing safety guidelines. By the afternoon, we were already getting our hands dirty, starting work on our primary project—building the first of six sections of a large pergola in the student courtyard, beginning with the concrete footings.
Throughout the week, our team jumped into a wide variety of tasks. From dorm refurbishment and organizing donated supplies to stocking the food pantry and assisting in the kitchen, there was always something to be done. We also had the joy of engaging directly with students—leading drum circles, hosting craft times, and simply spending time together. Every task, big or small, helped lighten the load for NACA’s dedicated staff.
Evenings quickly became a highlight. On Monday and Tuesday, we hosted craft and game nights filled with creativity, laughter, and even a little dancing. Wednesday brought chapel—a powerful time of worship, prayer, and encouragement shared with students and staff. The night continued with the much-anticipated “Snack Shack” and a lively game of volleyball in the gym.
For our special SMLC-sponsored event night, we planned a Thursday full of fun. The team set up a brownie ice cream sundae bar followed by a spirited indoor game of “Over the Line” baseball. Many of the students had never played before, but that didn’t slow them down. With coaching, cheering, and plenty of energy, the game came down to the final pitch—an unforgettable moment for everyone involved.
By Friday, our projects were complete, and it was time to say goodbye—a moment that came far too quickly. The connections formed over the week made it difficult to leave. Once you experience the joy, resilience, and spirit of the students at NACA, a piece of your heart stays behind.
As the team departed on Saturday, we carried with us more than just memories. We left encouraged, grateful, and inspired—thankful for the opportunity to serve, to build relationships, and to be part of what God is doing through NACA. It was a week marked by hard work, deep connection, and the unmistakable presence of the Holy Spirit at work in the Arizona desert.
