USA (MNN) — As you celebrate Christmas Eve with your family tonight, pray for those who desperately need the hope and encouragement of Christ.

Ron Hutchcraft Ministries holds a Winter Break Conference for the On Eagles Wings team starting Monday. “There are a lot of conferences and youth retreats,” founder Ron Hutchcraft says.

“I’ve never known one more important than our Winter Break Conference because of the battles these young men and women fight for their faith.”

On Eagles Wings (OEW) is a team of Native young people bringing Jesus to reservations in the United States and Canada. Gathering for a short time before the new year begins helps the believers reconnect and refocus.

“When we get them together, it is critical to remind them of the hope that Jesus is for the hard things in their life,” Hutchcraft says.

“[It also reminds them,] ‘I am not alone. I might be alone at home. But I am ultimately not alone in loving and living for Christ’.”

(Photo cred: OEW via Facebook)

Often, OEW team members are the only believers on their reservation. Along with fellowship, leaders hope the Winter Break Conference will provide discipleship and growth.

Hutchcraft says conference speakers will challenge team members with seven questions Jesus asks His followers in John:

  • Do you love Me?
  • Do you want to get well?
  • You of little faith, why are you so afraid?
  • Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I say?
  • Will you also turn away?
  • Why are you sleeping?
  • Do you believe that I am able to do this?

Pray for safety as team members travel to the retreat center from different states. Pray each believer starts the new year with a new heart for ministry.

“Pray God will help them find ways to develop community. Often, the church on the reservation may be mostly elderly people, but they need community [of their peers],” Hutchcraft says.

“Pray that He who has begun a good work in them will carry it on to completion.”

Send a gift here to help cover the costs associated with an event like this. “You are joining in this battle that, for too long, has gotten neglected,” Hutchcraft says.

“Native Americans have waited a long time for the hope that only Jesus can give.”

Header image is a representative stock photo courtesy of Chad Madden/Unsplash.