Final Thoughts
What If? I'm not saying this is it, but what if? What if you go on a mission trip to Alaska to change the lives of those you meet, to build Gods kingdom, to bring others to Christ and what if it's more about changing you and growing you than about those you touch. It's probably about both, but I like the "What If's". What if Gods plan all along was to mold and shape you, and He had other plans for those you were reaching. We talk hard and long that it's not about you, but what if in some way it is? Not your desires but His. It's not about you because it's not about your comfort or your convenience. But it may be about you because God as He so often does may have plans we know nothing about.
As we began the trip, the excitement was so fresh and new. Some of the students had never even been on an airplane before, only a handful had done a mission trip. Our first days in Soldatna taught us 'team'. We began to understand who was on the trip and how to work together. The hours were long; the work was hard. We were ravaged by mosquitoes. And on top of everything else the weather was warm which was unexpected and we were mostly unprepared for it. Yet, the students embraced every single moment, not a complaint, not a whine, not an excuse. If they didn't know how, they took direction. If they did it wrong, they took correction. Spirits were high, energy was higher. They were willing to sacrifice to serve. The work was fast, efficient and true North Coast worthy. And more importantly worthy of what God asks of us. And all of this with just glimmers of God. It was easy to see the accomplishment, the service. But hard to see the "God-impact / Kingdom-impact". But as we closed our time in Soldotna, team was built - and what a "team" it was! We were truly ready for whatever was next, though we didn't really know it. Didn't know that He had created a step process.
Our time in Anchorage began with God speaking loud and clear, and did I say loud, to many of the students at the Alaskan Native Medical Center. The impact was profound and was interwoven throughout much of our remaining time. It seemed as we moved through the days, the growth God provided to each student was amazing. And each area of growth was individual, specific and focused directly at a specific student. Standing on the outside, you could so see God molding and shaping each student. We saw tons and tons of laughter, healing tears and sad tears, tears of frustration and tears of joy. This is life altering change. Change that will forever change your view of yourself, God and others. It's not simple to process ... as it is truly God changing us from the inside out.
Our final morning, our devotional was led by CJ Larson. He talked about a passage he and Jon Chappel had walked through early on the trip that had turned the trip around for him.
Matthew. 26:41. "The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Talking about when we were tired or didn't know what we were doing, but were able to let God still work through us.
He also tied this over to Deuteronomy, the end of the life of Moses. As we leave Alaska, we have planted some seeds but we didn't get to see the fruition of our work, we don't get to see the promised land. That is not what we were called to do, we were merely called to plant some seeds, lay some groundwork. The promise land is left to someone else for another day. But in the meantime, God has forever changed our hearts in amazing ways that will unfold in the weeks ahead.
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
It's a Small World After All
Fourth of July we woke back in our segregated rooms in the 1st Covenant Church of Anchorage. A sea of sleeping bags, bed rolls and suit cases. Boys in one room, 7 girls in the nursery (the quiet/clean) and the rest of the girls across the hall (the rowdy/not so clean). After met Wesley, our daily host, new friend, partner in crime and brother Christ - we ate what became our morning ritual breakfast. Wesley is an 18-year old student on a month long mission trip serving at 1st Covenant Church. Next he heads to Ecuador before starting his studies at Prescott Arizona. Expect to meet him at North Coast in the next year.
Each morning we wake, do morning devotional, quiet time, chores, then begin the day.
CHANGE OF GEARS: from work projects to VBS. We dove into the team planning of each VBS sessions and verified supplies and readiness, then decked out in our USA/Fourth of July finery we headed to the carnival in the town square of Anchorage. Anchorage has a population of just over 300,000. For perspective, if you overlay the state on Texas on top of Alaska, Texas is dwarfed. Yet 300,000 live in Anchorage which is 1/2 the population of all of Alaska .... Crazy! Anyway, it was a huge turnout. Food vendors, bounce houses and rides, bands and displays. Salmon Quesadillas, Alaska Fry Bread and Aguduk (Eskimo Ice Cream - Crisco, berries, sugar, fish)
The students were set loose, flyers in hand to invite parents to Kids Camp the following 3-days. For some this was an easy task, for some very difficult. They went in teams of 3-4, kept it short and friendly. As leaders, we watched and helped guide them when stuck. They each distributed all their flyers and came back to "base-camp" enthusiastic and pumped about the days ahead!
The afternoon entailed more planning as Papa Mick fired up the BBQ to start grilling 4th of July dogs in the church parking lot. Across the street in the baseball field, we set up a tent and started playing games, face painting, handing out candy and began fellowship ping and learning about the neighborhood kids inviting each the the upcoming VBS. It had begun and it was a blast! By 11pm, it was time for fireworks, some of us hung in the church parking lot, some on the baseball field but we watched Fourth of July fireworks in the Alaska sky where the sun never sets.
As we planned the trip to Alaska, we talked of the Kids Kitchen thinking this was where VBS would be. Then things shifted and it changed to being held at 1st Covenant Church. Then as we planned we envisioned 5th, 6th and maybe even 7th grade kids that we'd be working with.
Saturday/Sunday/Monday was a blur of activity with VBS - they came. Where we expected kids we could hold conversation with and engage with, they ranged from 3 to 8, with a lot being on the younger side. It quickly shifted for. Fellowship to feeling like babysitting - ok God this is quite a twist! What's up? Where we envisioned Kid's Kitchen, it was at 1st Covenant. Where we envisioned, 50-100 kids, first day it was 15, second 35, third 32. But with the young numbers, we needed the ratios. Ok God, what? Ok working on servant attitudes. Working on not being disappointed. Working on flexing our programs. Got it - no problem! go! Day 2!
And in between ....
Saturday morning, Hilma (accordion playing Hilma from the hospital), asked if someone could help mow her lawn. Mick, Jake M and Justin went over and, of course, went so far and above, two trips to the dump, mowed, weed whacked, planted flowered, edged grass with a pocket knife (Justin) and then upon finding out their refrigerator had just gone out, went to Lowers and purchased a new fridge and had it delivered! Ways to go, guys! That's North Coast Community Service style - all the way!
Saturday night (remember it's daylight), we drove just outside of Anchorage to Flattop Mountain and took the 3-mile arduous hike to flat top which resulting in a spectacular view of the city and the setting sun.
Sunday started with church service, communion, a potluck with the church folks and more VBS prep. A quick trip for souvenirs to the Street Fair proved to be fun as a mid-day adventure.
Sunday evening Hilma came by the thank us for the wonderful work Mick, Jake and Justin did and to show everyone how to make Eskimo Ice Cream. Then two hours of forced down row, while the leadership team prepared dinner for the students.
Just after 9pm the students were led back to a waiting candlelight dinner of appetizers, salad, reindeer salami, smoked salmon, pilaf, homemade Alaska gumbo, Alaska rub Tri tip and Moose-Drop dessert. It was a fun surprise!
Monday morning was cleaning and repair around the church, final VBS AT 1st Covenant and a team headed to Kids Kitchen to hold a VBS there.
The night concluded at a park recapping the trip, sharing stories, doing an affirmation circle, worship with CJ on guitar. A powerful time!
I will post one final blog with recap thoughts, but I also wanted to post one remaining piece on our night....
As we finished our affirmation circle and TJ says we are going to do worship, one of the students mentions the restroom - at which time 3/4 of the students say they are so distracted by needing to go, the can't concentrate. Mind you there are no restrooms in sight. But TJ says go, they scatter like the wind, it should have been on video. Tall reeds, thick and deep lined the edges of the lake and all along the heads of our guys, farther up the path running like bunnies the girls scamper for cover. As the students return TJ slips into the reeds but of course having no mercy you now see his red beanie being chased by a flock of students.
Once settled back we sang two worship songs. As we began the third, we hear cries for help from an overturned kayak. Jake, Jon and Justin take off running to see if they can help. Although in itself this is not funny, the fact that Justin had a ring of wildflowers in his hair gave us a smile .... "I will save you, I am Captain Floral". :-). Anyway....all was fine, they were pre-saved.
Then we decided to take a group photo. TJ asked a nearby older woman. She said her name was Helen, as in Helen of Troy. Said it was her birthday and she had just turned 84. Liza set up the camera, we got in position and, and, and .... oh wait let me show you again how to snap it, oh ok again again, oh again? Ok, push, here, oh it's your birthday? Cool! Push this button ok? Yes everyone's in the picture, push here? Oh show you ok. Push here. No here. Ok push here. Oh you clicked. Ok. Give us the camera. No we have to go really, let go of it, we have to go now. No we can't go to your house. Let go of Mick, time to go, gotta go, really, let go of Mick, really, goota go, bye. See you, gotta go, bye Helen of Troy.
And off to Walmart we go for final souvenirs - yes it's midnight - yes we leave tomorrow - yes its daylight. And then there was Gary. Long story for another blog ... asked for prayer from the guys. This ramped into a 30-minute adventure.
For the land of the midnight sun, sure feels like a full moon! Bed time.
Cleaning, packing, airport ..... home!
Each morning we wake, do morning devotional, quiet time, chores, then begin the day.
CHANGE OF GEARS: from work projects to VBS. We dove into the team planning of each VBS sessions and verified supplies and readiness, then decked out in our USA/Fourth of July finery we headed to the carnival in the town square of Anchorage. Anchorage has a population of just over 300,000. For perspective, if you overlay the state on Texas on top of Alaska, Texas is dwarfed. Yet 300,000 live in Anchorage which is 1/2 the population of all of Alaska .... Crazy! Anyway, it was a huge turnout. Food vendors, bounce houses and rides, bands and displays. Salmon Quesadillas, Alaska Fry Bread and Aguduk (Eskimo Ice Cream - Crisco, berries, sugar, fish)
The students were set loose, flyers in hand to invite parents to Kids Camp the following 3-days. For some this was an easy task, for some very difficult. They went in teams of 3-4, kept it short and friendly. As leaders, we watched and helped guide them when stuck. They each distributed all their flyers and came back to "base-camp" enthusiastic and pumped about the days ahead!
The afternoon entailed more planning as Papa Mick fired up the BBQ to start grilling 4th of July dogs in the church parking lot. Across the street in the baseball field, we set up a tent and started playing games, face painting, handing out candy and began fellowship ping and learning about the neighborhood kids inviting each the the upcoming VBS. It had begun and it was a blast! By 11pm, it was time for fireworks, some of us hung in the church parking lot, some on the baseball field but we watched Fourth of July fireworks in the Alaska sky where the sun never sets.
As we planned the trip to Alaska, we talked of the Kids Kitchen thinking this was where VBS would be. Then things shifted and it changed to being held at 1st Covenant Church. Then as we planned we envisioned 5th, 6th and maybe even 7th grade kids that we'd be working with.
Saturday/Sunday/Monday was a blur of activity with VBS - they came. Where we expected kids we could hold conversation with and engage with, they ranged from 3 to 8, with a lot being on the younger side. It quickly shifted for. Fellowship to feeling like babysitting - ok God this is quite a twist! What's up? Where we envisioned Kid's Kitchen, it was at 1st Covenant. Where we envisioned, 50-100 kids, first day it was 15, second 35, third 32. But with the young numbers, we needed the ratios. Ok God, what? Ok working on servant attitudes. Working on not being disappointed. Working on flexing our programs. Got it - no problem! go! Day 2!
And in between ....
Saturday morning, Hilma (accordion playing Hilma from the hospital), asked if someone could help mow her lawn. Mick, Jake M and Justin went over and, of course, went so far and above, two trips to the dump, mowed, weed whacked, planted flowered, edged grass with a pocket knife (Justin) and then upon finding out their refrigerator had just gone out, went to Lowers and purchased a new fridge and had it delivered! Ways to go, guys! That's North Coast Community Service style - all the way!
Saturday night (remember it's daylight), we drove just outside of Anchorage to Flattop Mountain and took the 3-mile arduous hike to flat top which resulting in a spectacular view of the city and the setting sun.
Sunday started with church service, communion, a potluck with the church folks and more VBS prep. A quick trip for souvenirs to the Street Fair proved to be fun as a mid-day adventure.
Sunday evening Hilma came by the thank us for the wonderful work Mick, Jake and Justin did and to show everyone how to make Eskimo Ice Cream. Then two hours of forced down row, while the leadership team prepared dinner for the students.
Just after 9pm the students were led back to a waiting candlelight dinner of appetizers, salad, reindeer salami, smoked salmon, pilaf, homemade Alaska gumbo, Alaska rub Tri tip and Moose-Drop dessert. It was a fun surprise!
Monday morning was cleaning and repair around the church, final VBS AT 1st Covenant and a team headed to Kids Kitchen to hold a VBS there.
The night concluded at a park recapping the trip, sharing stories, doing an affirmation circle, worship with CJ on guitar. A powerful time!
I will post one final blog with recap thoughts, but I also wanted to post one remaining piece on our night....
As we finished our affirmation circle and TJ says we are going to do worship, one of the students mentions the restroom - at which time 3/4 of the students say they are so distracted by needing to go, the can't concentrate. Mind you there are no restrooms in sight. But TJ says go, they scatter like the wind, it should have been on video. Tall reeds, thick and deep lined the edges of the lake and all along the heads of our guys, farther up the path running like bunnies the girls scamper for cover. As the students return TJ slips into the reeds but of course having no mercy you now see his red beanie being chased by a flock of students.
Once settled back we sang two worship songs. As we began the third, we hear cries for help from an overturned kayak. Jake, Jon and Justin take off running to see if they can help. Although in itself this is not funny, the fact that Justin had a ring of wildflowers in his hair gave us a smile .... "I will save you, I am Captain Floral". :-). Anyway....all was fine, they were pre-saved.
Then we decided to take a group photo. TJ asked a nearby older woman. She said her name was Helen, as in Helen of Troy. Said it was her birthday and she had just turned 84. Liza set up the camera, we got in position and, and, and .... oh wait let me show you again how to snap it, oh ok again again, oh again? Ok, push, here, oh it's your birthday? Cool! Push this button ok? Yes everyone's in the picture, push here? Oh show you ok. Push here. No here. Ok push here. Oh you clicked. Ok. Give us the camera. No we have to go really, let go of it, we have to go now. No we can't go to your house. Let go of Mick, time to go, gotta go, really, let go of Mick, really, goota go, bye. See you, gotta go, bye Helen of Troy.
And off to Walmart we go for final souvenirs - yes it's midnight - yes we leave tomorrow - yes its daylight. And then there was Gary. Long story for another blog ... asked for prayer from the guys. This ramped into a 30-minute adventure.
For the land of the midnight sun, sure feels like a full moon! Bed time.
Cleaning, packing, airport ..... home!
Monday, July 7, 2014
Can you hear God now??
... we have arrived and so has He. Ok, ok yes He has been here all along but now is oh so loud. Thursday morning we set out on our 3 1/2 hour drive to Anchorage, by way of exit Exit Glacier. It sits at the edge of the Kenai Peninsula, a last lingering view of the ice age lingers. Nearly 40 glaciers flow from the Harding Icefield where wildlife thrives in icy waters and lush forests surround this vast expanse of ice. Alaska Natives relied on these resources to nurture a life entwined with the sea. Today, shrinking glaciers bear witness to the effects of our changing climate. Hiking the mile to the glacier, the students got to experience first hand the power of nature. We continued our mad dash to Anchorage, landing straight at Kid's Kitchen. Our students jumped right in, serving pizza, making crafts with the kids, getting crushed on the basketball court, and just talking .... comfortable or not.
Once leaving, exhausted, dirty and road-tired even the hard church floors and lack of showers sounded good. But our host Kate said we needed to go to the Alaska Native Medical Center as they had a church service in the lobby and some cool artifacts and artwork. We may have been a little short on enthusiasm. The Alaska Native Medical Center (ANMC) is a non-profit health center which provides medical services to around 138,000 Alaska Natives. Just for clarification: Native Alaskans are born here. Alaska Natives are the Alaskans of heritage (Eskimos). As we arrived, we were cautioned that the melodies we were about to experienced would not be what we were used to but would be a great way to experience the culture. Entering the dome-shaped lobby, we saw an elderly Eskimo woman (Hilma) playing an accordion, a gentleman with a guitar and a scattering of audio equipment. 3-4 women stood up front singing hymns into the microphones with Hilma the voices whirling up thru the dome to the five floors of the hospital. Twenty or so people, patients and visitors sat around listening and worshiping and the elders sang. When 28 Gusuks (white people) arrive from Southern California - we a little more than stand out - and that's not even describing the age difference. And then there was God.....
As Hilma noticed us, she asked who the obvious guests were and whether there was a spokesman - taking the microphone I was able to explain who we were and why we were in Alaska. As things progressed we found ourselves listening to CJ Larson playing guitar and singing Amazing Grace along side Hilma on the accordion. This was a God moment like no other we had experienced to date. CJ's voice was clear and strong, the small crowd worshipped and raised their hands to their Lord. The energy in the room was palpable. The night continued with a variety of Alaskan Natives signing a variety of familiar and unfamiliar songs. after words there was time of fellowship and prayer as the elders interacted with the students. As we left tears were flowing and the stories came. Stories of God moments, prayers, sightings, messages and tremendous insight. The insight was incredible. The impact life changing to many of the kids.
Once leaving, exhausted, dirty and road-tired even the hard church floors and lack of showers sounded good. But our host Kate said we needed to go to the Alaska Native Medical Center as they had a church service in the lobby and some cool artifacts and artwork. We may have been a little short on enthusiasm. The Alaska Native Medical Center (ANMC) is a non-profit health center which provides medical services to around 138,000 Alaska Natives. Just for clarification: Native Alaskans are born here. Alaska Natives are the Alaskans of heritage (Eskimos). As we arrived, we were cautioned that the melodies we were about to experienced would not be what we were used to but would be a great way to experience the culture. Entering the dome-shaped lobby, we saw an elderly Eskimo woman (Hilma) playing an accordion, a gentleman with a guitar and a scattering of audio equipment. 3-4 women stood up front singing hymns into the microphones with Hilma the voices whirling up thru the dome to the five floors of the hospital. Twenty or so people, patients and visitors sat around listening and worshiping and the elders sang. When 28 Gusuks (white people) arrive from Southern California - we a little more than stand out - and that's not even describing the age difference. And then there was God.....
As Hilma noticed us, she asked who the obvious guests were and whether there was a spokesman - taking the microphone I was able to explain who we were and why we were in Alaska. As things progressed we found ourselves listening to CJ Larson playing guitar and singing Amazing Grace along side Hilma on the accordion. This was a God moment like no other we had experienced to date. CJ's voice was clear and strong, the small crowd worshipped and raised their hands to their Lord. The energy in the room was palpable. The night continued with a variety of Alaskan Natives signing a variety of familiar and unfamiliar songs. after words there was time of fellowship and prayer as the elders interacted with the students. As we left tears were flowing and the stories came. Stories of God moments, prayers, sightings, messages and tremendous insight. The insight was incredible. The impact life changing to many of the kids.
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Good Morning
Church service at 1st Covenant in Anchorage followed by church potluck, the downtown market for a couple hours then our second kids camp .... so continued prayer is requested as our second team of students step up to lead today's camp. The students are tired and getting worn down, BUT their spirits are high and hearts are on fire for our Lord. Tonight we have a surprise dinner for the kids - more about that later! Keep praying, we're on the home stretch!
Prayer Requests
Here are a few prayer requests as we begin our VBS kids camps:
-Kids will get connected and return.
-Flow of the program; for the team to worked as one.
-To see God working in the small stuff; for our eyes to be open enough to see this.
-The hearts of the kids and parents. That VBS would be used to bring the unchurched to Christian community.
-Safety as we introduce Fusion style games to Alaska.
-For the Heath of the team (a few of us have come down with a cold. My voice sounds pretty close to an 80 year old chain smokers... It's kind of cool)
-Confidence for the students who will be teaching at VBS.
-That our work will have a lasting impact, long after we leave Alaska.
-To have a blast.
Friday, July 4, 2014
Long days, Lumberjacks and Loving Hearts
The days tend to run together. It may have something to do with the sun never setting and the work days being long. We rise at 7:00 sharp. Devo and quiet time at 7:30' breakfast at 8:00. Work starts at 8:30. Dinner by 5:30. In room by 10:30, lights out by 11:00 ... though last few nights we weren't back to campus until after 10:30 from hiking or beach! So sleep has been more like a nap than sleep, and with the nonstop daylight, it's all surreal anyway.
On the campus of the Alaskan Christian College there is a man named Glen Mehrkens. He is the foreman working with the teams that come in. He is from Minnesota. Turned 76 on June 1st. A gentle giant; he is a retired high school Math Teacher. When he retired in 1999, he decided if he had 10 years left to give, he wanted to give back. Recently he decided it was time to be done. They convinced him to come back one more time. Then he heard it was 24 High School kids from California no less. He had his reservations. He had heard High Schoolers had lost all respect so he wasn't necessarily looking forward to our week together. This morning as we left he thanked us on behalf of the college. He said we exceeded all expectations. And on a personal note, the kids reversed everything he had been told - they were respectful, worked hard, did huge jobs, went beyond their comfort zones, never stopped or complained and finished early and did more that he or the college ever anticipated and they had hosted a lot of groups! He personally was amazed and blessed to work with such a team as he once more "retired." For you .parents - these are your kids!!
Catherine is one of the gals who came from the whaling villages, works for the college and hosted us - she said in all the teams they've hosted, they have never had a more enthusiastic, willing to work or fun-loving team.
Wednesday as the jobs continued, we ...worked
Painted/Stained Decks
Built a Fence
Shampooed carpets throughout the college
Rotatilled ground
Mopped & cleaned
We went back to Amundsen Educational Center, painted top to bottom, two floors! New curtains, blankets, towels, pillows, showers curtain, fixtures, mirrors, etc. Cleaning, cleaning, cleaning, cleaning, cleaning.....we'd, whack, we'd, wack, weed, wack, weed, wack. Then we're done. We looked around and it was goo....hmmmm....no it needed a coffee table. So what does our team do. Find a wood pile, saw some wood slats, stain them.....so into the forest cut down a tree, yes cut down a tree for legs of course and make a table! Unbelievable!! It was amazing. Yes folks! We went in the forest, cut down a tree and made a coffee table! Now it was good, and great. The director was floored.
Tuesday night we hiked to the Russian River waterfall, and got the rare experience of seeing a momma bear and her cub in the wild!!
Wednesday night the team went to the beach for polar bear swimming, Bon fire and s'mores.
Thursday morning bright and early our manual labor ended and it's back to Anchorage to begin to more relational side of our trip.
Pray for health: sore muscles, mosquito bites, cold/flu traveling throughout the group .
Pray for emotional strength as tensions run high and spirits run low, everyone is tired.
Pray for spiritual warfare as relational work begins.
Pray for the kids we interact with in the days ahead.
On the campus of the Alaskan Christian College there is a man named Glen Mehrkens. He is the foreman working with the teams that come in. He is from Minnesota. Turned 76 on June 1st. A gentle giant; he is a retired high school Math Teacher. When he retired in 1999, he decided if he had 10 years left to give, he wanted to give back. Recently he decided it was time to be done. They convinced him to come back one more time. Then he heard it was 24 High School kids from California no less. He had his reservations. He had heard High Schoolers had lost all respect so he wasn't necessarily looking forward to our week together. This morning as we left he thanked us on behalf of the college. He said we exceeded all expectations. And on a personal note, the kids reversed everything he had been told - they were respectful, worked hard, did huge jobs, went beyond their comfort zones, never stopped or complained and finished early and did more that he or the college ever anticipated and they had hosted a lot of groups! He personally was amazed and blessed to work with such a team as he once more "retired." For you .parents - these are your kids!!
Catherine is one of the gals who came from the whaling villages, works for the college and hosted us - she said in all the teams they've hosted, they have never had a more enthusiastic, willing to work or fun-loving team.
Wednesday as the jobs continued, we ...worked
Painted/Stained Decks
Built a Fence
Shampooed carpets throughout the college
Rotatilled ground
Mopped & cleaned
We went back to Amundsen Educational Center, painted top to bottom, two floors! New curtains, blankets, towels, pillows, showers curtain, fixtures, mirrors, etc. Cleaning, cleaning, cleaning, cleaning, cleaning.....we'd, whack, we'd, wack, weed, wack, weed, wack. Then we're done. We looked around and it was goo....hmmmm....no it needed a coffee table. So what does our team do. Find a wood pile, saw some wood slats, stain them.....so into the forest cut down a tree, yes cut down a tree for legs of course and make a table! Unbelievable!! It was amazing. Yes folks! We went in the forest, cut down a tree and made a coffee table! Now it was good, and great. The director was floored.
Tuesday night we hiked to the Russian River waterfall, and got the rare experience of seeing a momma bear and her cub in the wild!!
Wednesday night the team went to the beach for polar bear swimming, Bon fire and s'mores.
Thursday morning bright and early our manual labor ended and it's back to Anchorage to begin to more relational side of our trip.
Pray for health: sore muscles, mosquito bites, cold/flu traveling throughout the group .
Pray for emotional strength as tensions run high and spirits run low, everyone is tired.
Pray for spiritual warfare as relational work begins.
Pray for the kids we interact with in the days ahead.
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
...and then there is God!
As we experience Alaska, we experience creation. God didn't have to make this. He expresses His love in the quintessential beauty of what He creates and what He does for what He creates. God as a creator starts painting on the canvas of space out of the beauty of His own nature. He gives us the sun, moon, stars, galaxies, earth, mountains, flowers, and all kinds of different creatures. When you look at nature, flowers, insects and the animal world, you see this huge array of creatures that manifest His infinite wisdom and power. This is the beauty of His nature. Except mosquitos. Mosquitos are of Satan, just sayin'.
Much of Alaska is magnificent. Moose and Buffalo, Bald Eagles and Bears. The Mountains and Glaciers are huge and impressive. The air is refreshing and invigorating. He has provided this for His creature. What did we do to deserve this? How do we respond and give back with the work we do today?
90% of the 18 year old girls who come to the Alaska Christian College and sleep in the beds that we are currently sleeping in have been sexually abused for years in their own homes say this is the first place they feel safe.
Although the villages have electricity from generators, they still use honey pots for toilets (buckets) and carry the waste to a communal dump. This is United States, folks!
So they come here to college - many leaving their village for the first time. Here to Alaska Christian College and this summer, we help prepare the way.
We cleaned the library
Weeded the grounds
Cleaned the basement out
Cleaned carpet in the basement
Cleaned carpets in the dining hall
Sorted thru all the excess wood piles and construction piles, burned excess wood
Organized construction & maintenance sheds
Painted tables, chairs and benches
Stained outside wood cabins
Cleaned vehicles
Painted outdoor trim
.... and I'm sure I'm missing stuff.
But here is what's impressive. The people here. Alaska Christian College runs on donations and minimal tuition. A year here is only $16K - yes parents listen up! 16K! So money is tight - yet ... In their community of Soldotna they reach out.
We went to Cook Inlet School. They needed help, we were sent. We cleaned up the grounds, classrooms, office, prepped for painting. When we mentioned painting, Alaska College said Oh! They have no money, we'll pay for paint. The principal said because we came this will be the first time she can take a real vacation as we got so much work done and took worry off her plate.
Our first work day, six of our guys spent splitting wood and cutting trees that will be donated to Love, Inc. who provides fire wood for low income families who otherwise wouldn't have it. Last year they only filled 25% of the requests.
Amundsen Educational Center (AEC) is a faith-based non-profit, educational and vocational training school. A team was sent to help with repairs, paint and cleanup ... it quickly moved from minor to major. The team caught the vision and moved into a full "weekend of service overhaul" committing North Coast monies and Alaska Christian College funds. The Director said she'd never seen a team serve with such heart.
So God creates beauty, beauty in the land, beauty in people and beauty in these kid's hearts as they serve. And we give back by serving His people. Where He asks us to. Where He provides. As I write this we are driving an hour to the Russian River for a four-mile hike because, yes, when it doesn't get dark until 4am ... you can hike at night after working all day. We are headed up to a waterfall and to watch native Alaskans hoop net fish for salmon. Only Alaska residents are allowed to fish this way and the limit is 25/day! We have two students hosting us, both Eskimos from whaling villages and the kids are loving getting to hear about their culture and traditions.
Subnote: Mosquitos pollinate the cacao plant. Without Mosquitos there would be no chocolate. We think this is a myth created by the Alaskan tourist bureau.
Much of Alaska is magnificent. Moose and Buffalo, Bald Eagles and Bears. The Mountains and Glaciers are huge and impressive. The air is refreshing and invigorating. He has provided this for His creature. What did we do to deserve this? How do we respond and give back with the work we do today?
90% of the 18 year old girls who come to the Alaska Christian College and sleep in the beds that we are currently sleeping in have been sexually abused for years in their own homes say this is the first place they feel safe.
Although the villages have electricity from generators, they still use honey pots for toilets (buckets) and carry the waste to a communal dump. This is United States, folks!
So they come here to college - many leaving their village for the first time. Here to Alaska Christian College and this summer, we help prepare the way.
We cleaned the library
Weeded the grounds
Cleaned the basement out
Cleaned carpet in the basement
Cleaned carpets in the dining hall
Sorted thru all the excess wood piles and construction piles, burned excess wood
Organized construction & maintenance sheds
Painted tables, chairs and benches
Stained outside wood cabins
Cleaned vehicles
Painted outdoor trim
.... and I'm sure I'm missing stuff.
But here is what's impressive. The people here. Alaska Christian College runs on donations and minimal tuition. A year here is only $16K - yes parents listen up! 16K! So money is tight - yet ... In their community of Soldotna they reach out.
We went to Cook Inlet School. They needed help, we were sent. We cleaned up the grounds, classrooms, office, prepped for painting. When we mentioned painting, Alaska College said Oh! They have no money, we'll pay for paint. The principal said because we came this will be the first time she can take a real vacation as we got so much work done and took worry off her plate.
Our first work day, six of our guys spent splitting wood and cutting trees that will be donated to Love, Inc. who provides fire wood for low income families who otherwise wouldn't have it. Last year they only filled 25% of the requests.
Amundsen Educational Center (AEC) is a faith-based non-profit, educational and vocational training school. A team was sent to help with repairs, paint and cleanup ... it quickly moved from minor to major. The team caught the vision and moved into a full "weekend of service overhaul" committing North Coast monies and Alaska Christian College funds. The Director said she'd never seen a team serve with such heart.
So God creates beauty, beauty in the land, beauty in people and beauty in these kid's hearts as they serve. And we give back by serving His people. Where He asks us to. Where He provides. As I write this we are driving an hour to the Russian River for a four-mile hike because, yes, when it doesn't get dark until 4am ... you can hike at night after working all day. We are headed up to a waterfall and to watch native Alaskans hoop net fish for salmon. Only Alaska residents are allowed to fish this way and the limit is 25/day! We have two students hosting us, both Eskimos from whaling villages and the kids are loving getting to hear about their culture and traditions.
Subnote: Mosquitos pollinate the cacao plant. Without Mosquitos there would be no chocolate. We think this is a myth created by the Alaskan tourist bureau.
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