Basketball court serves as reminder of mission
Marlboro Worship Center members visit New Mexico
BY REBECCA MORTON Staff Writer
In the vast emptiness of the wilds of New Mexico stands a basketball court, a beacon to bring residents of the Pinedale community together. That beacon was built by individuals from the Monmouth Worship Center, Marlboro, who recently visited the "Land of Enchantment."

Pinedale, situated about 135 miles outside of Albuquerque, is part of the Navajo Nation. The Navajo Nation extends into the states of Utah, Arizona and New Mexico and covers more than 27,000 square miles, according to its Internet Web site.

A group of 45 missionaries ventured to the American Indian reservation on July 21 and spent 10 days working in the community.

"It was hard to believe we were still in the United States," said Ivar Robinson, of Manalapan, who made the mission trip with his son, LaShawn, 20.

Parts of the Navajo community resemble a Third World country, he said, explaining that water is a precious commodity, homes have outhouses and some areas go without electricity.

"What we throw away, they would probably kill for," Robinson said.

Obadiah Clark, pastor of youth and church ministries at the Monmouth Worship Center, compared this year's missionary trip to last year's visit to Quito, Ecuador. Parts of the Navajo reservation were worse than areas of Quito, he said. The pastor believes the reason for that may be due to Pinedale's isolation because it sits among a seemingly limitless, vacant area.

The representatives of the Monmouth Worship Center helped to build a basketball court outside a church and they relocated a playground. They also provided a medical clinic with information about diabetes, which is prevalent in the community, Clark explained.

As some of the local families cannot afford food, they were able to enjoy a hearty meal that the New Jersey group supplied. Clark said there were a few mechanics among the missionaries and they were able to repair vehicles which are owned by the local church, the New Life Christian Assembly.

Clark said some of the younger members of the Navajo community acted as if they "want to be gangsters." The pastor said members of the mission group were able to speak with the young people about their lifestyle choices and said he believes the group was able to reach some of the youths.

"You could see them realize that's not the way to go," Clark said.

The pastor said some children attend boarding schools, while others do not go to school at all. Schools in New Mexico are not a quick trip down the road as they are in Monmouth County, Clark noted. Depending on the weather, some roads may be impassible and buses may not be able to reach the children.

Alcoholism and drug use are two other issues the small desert community faces, Robinson said, noting those problems were evident in some residents' demeanor. Personal stories of struggles with substance abuse were told to the residents in the hope of helping them battle they addictions they may be facing.

T

he basketball court was one of the

important tasks the group completed since it provides a gathering place for the residents of Pinedale. Word quickly stretched across the miles when the basketball court was completed.

Robinson described a sight which he said would never leave him.

Standing at the court the members of the group saw a cloud of dust approaching. As the dust got closer, Robinson realized it was from a Navajo teenager who was riding his horse to reach the basketball court. The young man jumped off the horse and quickly joined in the game. Once he was finished playing, the boy ran back to the horse, climbed on and rode off into the distance.

Clark said one memorable moment was seeing the looks on the children's faces when they saw the new basketball court for the first time. He said even the hardened youths became like children again.

"It makes you thankful for what you have," Clark said.

The trip to New Mexico was deemed another successful mission by the representatives of the Monmouth Worship Center and those who attended hope their message of faith was received.

"You are able to see people's lives change just by giving some of your time," Clark said.

The trip to the Navajo Nation was Robinson's first mission trip and he said his one regret is that it took him so long to finally make one. He said watching the residents' reactions to what the missionaries bring is "an experience to see."

Robinson, a mason by trade, said he will return to Pinedale in September without his fellow church members to lend his skills in completing the local church.