My Daughter, a Future President?

When I tucked my daughter in to bed on Friday night, I thought something I have never thought before: My daughter could be President of the United States. We used to be taught in school that anyone could be President. Former Presidents were raised in a log cabin and attained the highest office of our great nation. Honestly, I had stopped believing that could be repeated. It seems like now it takes being raised by the right family, going the right school, having the right friends, and having enough money. And you might even have to be a little dishonest as well.

That changed on Friday. Gov. Palin grew up less than an hour drive from where I now live in a small Alaskan town. She grew up as an everyday type of person. It has restored my confidence that character, integrity, and having the right ideas can actually get you to the White House.

I know, an election still has to occur, and she would not be the President, but the Vice-President. But, it's a great start. I'm not intending to make a political statement, but I do think this is a great day for Alaska. And it is has gone a long ways in restoring my confidence in American politics.

Celebrating 18 Years

Today was Norma Gott's last day in the District Office as an administrative assistant. She has served the Alaska District faithfully for eighteen years. What an accomplishment! She has been a great blessing to many ministers in the District and has served well. There was a party at First Assembly of God tonight to honor Norma and her service to the Lord and to us. The first picture shows Norma on the right, and Judy, the District Office receptionist, on the left. Judy does a great job and is a joy to be around.

Youth Pastor Collaboration

Today was a great day in the future for Alaska Youth Ministry! In the last District Council, a resolution passed to approve a full time DYD position. One of the stipulations was that a job description be created for this position. Pastor Bill and the Presbytery invited representative Youth Pastors from around the state to the office today to gain input and insight into what Youth Pastors would like to see in the job description for this position. Pastor Bill led the meeting, and Pastor Fay gave insight and participated.

I was also privileged to attend this meeting today. I am impressed by the caliber of Youth Pastors from our great state. I have known many of these Youth Pastors for over 10 years and am just getting to know some of them. There was an atmosphere of collaboration, teamwork, and friendship that was a blessing. One of the most significant themes which emerged from this meeting was a desire for relationship and a belief that teamwork is key to reaching the youth of Alaska.

I am certainly excited about the future of youth ministry in Alaska and will be in prayer for whatever God has in store.

Ice Cream in the District Office!

Have you ever noticed that when someone does something really nice it brightens your day? It especially helps if that something is bringing Cold Stone Ice Cream into the District Office. Pastor Gary called today to ask what kind of ice cream we liked, and then he brought it on over. Wow! I've enjoyed getting to know him and realized he is a great Pastor with a heart for God and a great love for people. And I'm not just saying that because he brought ice cream (although it can't hurt). It serves as an example that the little things we do can make a difference in the hearts and lives of people.

Finishing Strong

I have absolutely enjoyed watching the Olympics this year. The swimming has been spectacular, seeing all the world records broken. I love watching Michael Phelps swim. He is a swimming animal. I truly enjoyed his race a couple days ago, I believe it was the 100 Butterfly. At the turn, he was only ahead of one person and was lagging behind. But in the final 50, he kicked it into high gear and won by a fingertip. He finished strong.

I got to see someone else finish strong yesterday. I attended the funeral of Ed Hughes. He was a long time Pastor and someone who served the Lord faithfully and genuinely. After hearing everyone's testimonies, it was obvious that Ed was the real deal. And He finished strong. In our times today, that is certainly something to celebrate.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

Cool Weekend Services

I was able to attend a few services which I really enjoyed this weekend. I apologize for the poor quality of the pictures. After I took them, I realized I had the wrong setting on my phone/camera. New Chance Assembly of God, a Russian Church, celebrated their sixth anniversary this weekend. Their services are held in Russian, but they translated to English for the sake of visitors, such as myself, who attended this celebration. I was impressed by the dedication and spiritual passion of these believers. After the sermon, there were many at the altars seeking God with all their hearts. It was a pleasure and honor to worship with them. Below is a picture of Pastor Sergey and the translator.

I also had the privilege of attending a new venue at Muldoon Community Assembly. This venue is led by Aubrey Welch, and Billy leads the worship. I love this venue, as it combines two vital elements which are rarely found together in a church setting: an attractive atmosphere and passionate worship. The setting has a coffeehouse feel, with modern colors, hardwood flooring, and yes, coffee and a juice bar. It has been my experience that often when a church goes for this type of atmosphere, they fall short on the spiritual dimension. But this venue has a heart to go after God and experience Him. The sermon is fed through a video format from the live service, and the sermon by Pastor Kent was awesome today. He challenged us to excel in the grace of giving, and brought attention to those in Burkino who are going without food.