Would Jesus Eat Frybread?

LAWRENCE, KS-The fourth annual "Would Jesus Eat Frybread?" conference was held at Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas, November 4-6, 2016. "Would Jesus Eat Frybread" (abbreviated WJEF) is a national Native American college student conference hosted by InterVarsity Native Ministries, Cru's Nations ministry, and funded in part by Calvin Institute of Christian Worship.

Mark Charles, Navajo, from Fort Defiance, Arizona, one of the conference's founders and planners, spoke about the meaning of the humorous conference title. Would Jesus Eat Frybread is not just a silly play on the old "WWJD" trend, but a serious question.

Frybread is present at almost all Native celebrations. Would Jesus celebrate with us?

Frybread is also, in part, responsible for the diabetes epidemic in Native communities-would Jesus suffer with us?

And, last, but not least, Frybread is not really traditional but a food that originated on the forced marches of Native people from their ancestral lands to reservations, when they had to learn how to survive on government rations. Would Jesus enter into our painful and traumatic history with us?

The answer to all three questions is a resounding YES. God does not stay far off, lecturing us on what we ought to do, but joins us where we are, walking alongside us, leading us towards healing and wholeness.

Ray Aldred, status Cree from northern Alberta, and Native Studies Director at the Vancouver School of Theology, spoke about "the feelings we have in our heart." He spoke from his heart, sharing stories and reflections about walking with Jesus as a First Nations man. He reminded students that God not only loves us but likes us. He identified five lies that Indigenous people are encouraged by society to believe about themselves, and spoke the truth in a way that was powerful and moving to the students who were there.

Students traveled from all over the country, including Alaska, to attend the conference. One student rode a bus 24 hours from New York to be there. Kelsi Monroe from Ignacio, Colorado, said, "I was given the chance this weekend to experience something completely life-changing. Something almost indescribable. I guess in a way I was reminded of the beautiful life and culture I was born into. I was reminded of my wonderful past. Through the hardships, I have had the chance to find myself. In some ways, this weekend, I was healed. A rejuvenation took place this weekend as I was able to rediscover what it meant to be made in the image of Wakan Tanka. To have been born an American Indian woman. To heal myself and the ancestral women before me. As a 7th generation woman, this weekend was a revival for me. Brought here on sacred land to explore, remember, reflect and forgive. Creator made me to feel His presence, to feel the presence of those who came before me. To walk where my ancestors walked. To be the dream, the dream that my loved ones dreamed I would be one day. I am the dream of my ancestors who prayed for me, many many many moons ago. I am thankful and truly blessed to have experienced this wonderful event."

Many things happened over the course of the weekend conference. Students shared their cultural dances and songs, and there were seminars led by Mark Charles, Casey Church, Terry LeBlanc, and many others, about topics ranging from the Standing Rock protest to writing songs to God as a way of healing and restoration.

Almost all of the main sessions of the conference are available on YouTube-just search for "WJEF 16."