Ron & Cindy Little

Ron Little serves as the pastor of Smoke Signal Church of the Nazarene and is the current President of the Board of Directors for Native American Youth Ministries (NAYM). He and his wife, Cindy, have been faithfully connected to the Smoke Signal and Blue Gap communities for many years, building lasting relationships and sharing the love of Christ.

Cindy’s connection to the region is deeply rooted—her father, Rev. Ned Begay, was a former pastor of the church. She has fond memories of growing up in the church parsonage, which now serves as the Sunday School wing. Her family continues to call this area home.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Pastor Ron introduced a creative outreach initiative by broadcasting Sunday services and Sunday School lessons via radio transmitter. This allowed members to safely attend “Drive-In” church from their vehicles, maintaining community worship while respecting Navajo Nation health guidelines.

Recognizing the need for broader access to the Gospel, Pastor Ron also began uploading weekly sermons and lessons to YouTube—despite limited internet infrastructure. With the installation of satellite internet, the church’s online ministry continues to grow, featuring messages often shared in the Navajo language.

You can find the church’s video ministry at:

YouTube Channel: Smoke Signal Drive-In Church

We invite you to watch, subscribe, and share to help spread the Good News.

History of Smoke Signal Church of the Nazarene

The Smoke Signal Church of the Nazarene was started by Brother Decker and Sister Florence Yazzie in 1950. Services were held under a tree, moved under a tent and eventually into a hogan.  Two buildings were later built that served as a parsonage for the pastor and a parsonage for the nurse.

In 1954, Sister Gertrude Jones became pastor. Later that year Beulah Campbell was assigned to the mission. Gladys Johnson was the Navajo interpreter. People came in from all directions on horseback or by wagon.

In 1956, Brother Charlie Billy taught.

In 1960, Brother Dallas and Sister Helen Cooper served.

  • In 1962, Brother Joseph and Sister Lillie Curley arrived and constructed the metal building, which was the main church building, but now is the fellowship hall.
  • In 1969, Brother and Sister Mandell arrived with their family.
  • In 1972, Brother and Sister Imel arrived.
  • In 1974, Brother and Sister Hughes arrived, along with Sister Ellsworth, our piano player. Mrs. Eleanor Whitehorse served as the Navajo interpreter.
  • From 1977 to 1988 Brother Ned and Sister Zenna Begay served. They were local members.
  • Around 1988 to 1989, Brother Earl Williams served as pastor, along with Brother Ambrose Tsosie.
  • From 1997 to 1998 Brother Ned and Sister Zenna Begay came back as pastor.
  • From 1998 to 2001 Brother Dennis and Sister Juanita Johnson and their little Crystal arrived. They started construction of the new church parsonage with the help of Work and Witness teams.
  • From 2001 to 2002 Local members held Sunday services (no pastor).
  • From 2002 to 2005 Brother Alex and Sister Evelyn Riggs started filling in as pastor. They came from Leupp (60-70 miles one way) to hold services. Alex completed construction of the new church building with the help of Work and Witness teams along with local church members. 
  • From 2005-2006 Brother Earl Williams was pastor.
  • From 2006-, Brother Ned and Sister Zenna Begay returned as pastor.
  • to present, Pastor Ron and Cindy Little pastor the church.