For nearly four decades, Craig and LaDonna Smith and The Smith Family ministry team have been bringing the hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ to people all across North America and to over a dozen countries worldwide. On one of those trips the lives of this Native American ministry team almost came to a horrific end.

 

Area residents have a great opportunity to hear their amazing story of survival and hope as they speak and sing at Indian Bible College located at 2918 N. Aris St, Flagstaff, Arizona.

 

The Smith’s lives were changed dramatically in June 2009, when they were involved in a near fatal auto accident in northern New Mexico.  LaDonna suffered a C-1 neck fracture, which in most instances is fatal, or, if survived, results in total paralysis.  The fact that she is walking and suffers minor effects is a testament to the miraculous grace and power of God.

 

Craig suffered multiple injuries that took him right through death’s door. After being resuscitated he was airlifted to a Level One Trauma Center in Albuquerque, where he clung to life for several months.  After being in a coma for almost two months and undergoing twenty-one different surgeries, Craig began a long healing process that continues to this day.  He continues to be primarily confined to a wheelchair, but that confinement is only physical. While he and LaDonna continue to heal from their injuries they continue to share the hope that they have found through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Many people have been impacted through their remarkable story.

   

Their mission’s mandate, reaching the lost in our tribes and helping everyday believers become everyday spiritual rescuers in their tribes, explains clearly their passion to both be light in a dark world, and help equip others to be a light in the places God has, in His sovereignty, placed them in.

 

Craig and his father, Ray Smith, are members of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe Indians and LaDonna is a Navajo from the American Southwest. Together, they have impacted audiences both large and small with their gospel music renditions and their public speaking events. Whether it be a small Native church on a remote Indian reservation, or among the Aborigines in the Outback of Australia, or on the stage of a Promise Keeper’s stadium event, the Smith’s ministry brings encouragement and hope for people of all ages. You can learn more of their ministry and story of hope and faith at their website - www.tribalrescue.com.

 

IBC invites you to join them for this special time with Craig and LaDonna Smith and The Smith Family ministry team. You’ll be glad you did! For more information, please call (928) 774-3890.