From: Judy Drake, Phoenix, Arizona, USA Date: Saturday, September 25, 1999 3:42 PM "Éé neishoodiitsoh", The Big Missionary My father-in-law, R Jack Drake was b. 1921 in Michigan. In 1947 R Jack Drake, having graduated from Moody Bible Institute and Wheaton College, accepted a teaching position at the Methodist Mission School in Farmington, New Mexico, USA. During the next few years Jack recognized the need for a home for many of the Navajo children who had no one to care for them. The plight of these children led to Jack's decision to build Navajo Missions in Farmington. He went on speaking tours to raise money. In 1953 he bought 12 acres of land and set up a borrowed tent where he and his family would live while the first houses were being built. There are now four large houses at Navajo Missions and fifth is being constructed. Hundreds of Navajo children have grown up in the family atmosphere of those homes. Each receiving at least a high school education and many going on to college or trade schools. At Jack's funeral earlier this year, there were hundreds of Navajo people present. Not only those who had grown up at the mission, but many who remembered Jack from his days of ministering on the Reservation. Jack had provided for both their spiritual and physical needs bringing food, clothing, and blankets to the remote areas of New Mexico and Arizona for many years. Even though Jack is gone now, his work continues through others who share his beliefs and dedication.