Episode 81

full
Published on:

4th May 2026

Songs and Stories That Endure--Preserving faith through culture, art, and memory

SHOW NOTES:

Songs and stories have always been central to Native identity. They carry memory, meaning, and truth across generations.

As followers of Jesus, we have an opportunity to preserve something even deeper—our faith.

This episode explores how our songs, stories, and creative expression can point to God and shape future generations.

As we approach the National Day of Prayer, we’re reminded that our voices matter. Prayer is part of the story God is writing through us.

Take a moment this week to reflect: What story are you passing down?

LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

  • Sign up for monthly newsletter. Click sign up link, scroll down to email form, complete form, respond to email prompt, and get my newsletter.
  • Join the movement on Instagram @nativesfollowjesus
  • Send me an email at nativefollowsjesus@gmail.com to connect with me or to ask me a question. Thanks.
  • Check out the story of Raye from Relevant Magazine article here. Thanks to Emily Brown for writing about Raye's spiritual journey. Listen to Raye's album, This Music May Contain Hope.
  • Watch Nick Vujcici's testimony and be inspired to live for Jesus. Nick was born without limbs and struggled with his life circumstance. Watch and live for Jesus.
  • Be encouraged with the life of a Native Who Follows Jesus, Layla Curtis, Navajo. Follow her and encourage her in her faith in Jesus. Layla and her team, Tuba City Lady Warriors, won the Arizona State Basketball Championship. Layla seeks to follow Jesus everyday.
  • Give a review of this podcast on Podchaser.com

Join us for the next episode when you can find encouragement from the women who have walked long with Jesus on Mother's Day.

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About the Podcast

Natives Follow Jesus
Following Jesus as Native American / First Nation Disciples
The Natives Follow Jesus podcast recognizes that following Jesus as Native American / First Nation disciples is getting more and more challenging. You don’t have to follow Jesus all alone. Join me every week where you can find positive and encouraging content as you seek to follow Jesus as best as you can.
Daron Butler is the host of this weekly show where episodes drop every Monday morning at 6am. Daron is a full-blooded Navajo. His Navajo family are followers of Jesus spanning three generations. He has served as a pastor in the local church and serves as Hospice Chaplain in his community presently. He has over 30 years experience in serving many people groups.
Episode segments will highlight native cultural insights, devotions from the Bible, prayer for you as you follow Jesus among your own people and amid the cultures of the world, and spotlighting indigenous followers of Jesus who are seeking to be a mission force. There will be bonus episodes where Daron will interview other Natives who are following Jesus. You will gain perspective from their personal journey and you will find inspiration to keep following Jesus. Daron intends to offer you insight, inspiration, and community on your spiritual journey as you follow Jesus.
Why this podcast? I find that those who follow Jesus as a Native American or First Nations disciple span a wide spectrum of locations. Some are from the USA and others are from CANADA. You may be someone who is from the reservation (or reserve) or from the city. You might be full-blooded or part-blooded. You may have started following Jesus while immersed in your native culture or you found Jesus yet are curious about your native background. You may be someone who speaks your native language fluently or one who can’t say any words in the tongue of your ancestors. You may have many questions unanswered. Daron invites you to join him on your spiritual quest to follow Jesus.
He wants to connect with you, offer a prayer for you, and to suggest ways for you to keep following Jesus as a Native person.
So what are you waiting for? Engage with him on Instagram @nativesfollowjesus
Please tell your friends that the show is available to listen to for free in any app that supports podcasts.
Remember,
"Wherever you are, God sees you. You are NOT alone! Keep following Jesus!"

About your host

Profile picture for Daron Butler

Daron Butler

Hi! I am Daron Butler. I am Navajo. I am from the Taachiinii Clan ("Red Running into the Rocks Clan). I started following Jesus at eleven years old. I have been following Jesus for 48 years.
My grandparents followed Jesus. My parents followed Jesus. My siblings are following Jesus. Even my extended family are following Jesus too. And it all started with one person, my aunt Edith Butler.
I wanted to launch the "Natives Follow Jesus" podcast to offer encouragement to those who decided to follow Jesus. This podcast hopes to identify those who follow Jesus amplifying their voices, stories, and experiences from their own communities. The spiritual journey of Native American and First Nations followers of Jesus are diverse and sometimes lonely.
Hosted by a Navajo, each episode dives into topics ranging from growing as a follower of Jesus, navigating the cultural traditions, learning the language of your ancestors, gaining inspiration from other natives who follow Jesus, and developing a sense of belonging, eternal purpose, and daily service as a follower of Jesus.
I want my listeners to be seen, heard, and understood. Each human has value to bring into the world. Native Americans and First Nations people are not a "lost cause." No! We are a cause worth fighting for...you matter to me.
Join us on a spiritual journey to explore the rich diversity of Native identities and stories that honor the Creator who made us and to envision a thriving future where we are no longer a mission field, but where we become a mission force for the Creator.