Living Water

Paul Hostetler has written a fascinating account of the Navajo Brethren in Christ Mission in New Mexico. His eye for interesting and important elements gives sparkle and life to the story of an institution.

People are at the heart of this book. Among the many the author introduces are Lynn Nicholson catching a vision for a mission among the Navajos, Peter Yazzie "with a song in his heart," and a ten-year-old Navajo girl confessing that her idols are "my television set, my dolls, my books, my dog, and my jump rope. "

Through stories and people, Paul Hostetler has helped us to see God at work

in a small part of his kingdom.

Dr. E. Morris Sider, Professor of History, Archivist, author 


With our daughters, Connie and I shared in the life of the Navajo Brethren in Christ Mission for four years. In the close day-to-day interaction of the mission community, we learned much about interpersonal relationships. In our association with the Navajo people, we entered into the challenge and fulfillment of cross-cultural friendships. In our work we participated in the sustained commitment of the Brethren in Christ to serve the felt needs of the Navajo people through the ministries of church, school, hospital, clinic, community center, and alcoholic rehabilitation.

The magnificent vistas, the ubiquitous sagebrush, the glorious wildflowers, the rugged terrain and weather, the resilient people, and the epiphanies of God in the desert--all are cherished memories of our years in the Ts 'ah Tah community.

Dr. Warren L. Hoffman, denominational General Secretary 


Paul Hostetler has served the Brethren in Christ Church as pastor, convention director, college information director, stewardship director, and writer. He has authored four books, edited two, and published numerous magazine articles.

After beginning his "retirement" years in 1990, he and his wife visited the Brethren in Christ churches of North America. They promoted stewardship and missions, and gave four months of Voluntary Service in Zambia, Africa. Paul's work included (and continues to include) the donation of cabinet work and other finish carpentry for churches and institutions such as the Navajo Mission.