In June of 2024, I had the privilege of joining a mission trip with our Cowboy Church to the Jicarilla Apache Nation Reservation in northern New Mexico—an area that spans over 879,000 acres of rugged beauty, history, and deep spiritual need.

By request of the tribal Chief himself, we were invited to introduce the message of Jesus to the community of Dulce, the reservation’s only town and home to their tribal headquarters. This wasn’t just a mission—it was an invitation into their world, their traditions, and their daily realities.

The land is vast, straddling the

Continental Divide, yet much of it still lacks basic access to electricity. The community faces real struggles with alcohol, mental health, and suicide—things that aren’t always visible from the outside but are felt deeply once you're there.

We didn’t come to fix—we came to connect, to serve, and to share hope. Whether we were teaching basic skills, encouraging local youth, or simply listening, every moment was a reminder of how powerful presence can be.

This experience was humbling, eye-opening, and one I will carry in my heart for a long time.