Sitka AG

I was able to attend church at Sitka AG today. Pastor Steve (pictured below) and Ann Trimble are the new Pastors here and are doing an excellent job. They were recently pastoring in Montana. Welcome to the Alaska District! They have also moved forward in hiring a Youth/Worship Pastor and Children's Pastor. As this is my home church, I am so excited to see this church doing so well and in more than capable hands. I look forward to hearing many testimonies of what will happen.

As many churches in Alaska, Pastor Steve and Sitka AG are working to raise money for the Ft. Yukon Project. A couple in the church recently published a book and are donating the profits from the sale of 50 of these books to this project. It's great to hear innovative ideas of people using their gifts to advance the Gospel.

Vacation Reflections

Vacations always provide me with an opportunity to reflect. I have been reading John Adams by David McCullough. He writes engaging biographies. I read 1776 a year ago, which was a good read, and now am on page 400 of John Adams. I am struck by how passionate and committed John Adams was to the cause of freedom and independence. He knew what was required and did not shy away from confrontation or sacrifice to get the job done. And we are all indebted to him and the other founding fathers of our nation as a result.

It causes me to reflect on the importance of being passionate and called to the mission. John Adams was not simply drifting through life hoping to make a good living. He knew what he was living for and what he would die for. It reminds me of Paul, the apostle. I want to live with that kind of passionate commitment to the task of reaching Alaska with the gospel.

I am also reflecting on three statements that Mike McCrary, a friend from Springfield, posted on his blog (www.mikemccrary.blogspot.com)

1. Put your best energies into your most important relationships;
2. Put your best resources into your highest priorities;
3. Put your best attitudes into your deepest disappointments.

Going to church tomorrow, spending time with cousins coming through on a cruise ship on Monday, and then headed on another fishing trip on Monday evening.

Bear Watching

A brown bear sow and her two cubs have been hanging out near the end of the road here in Sitka. The other night we went out and watched them from the viewing area. My mom is a great photographer and snapped these shots.

Fishing in Sitka

We just got back from a commercial fishing trip with my Dad, Jordan, and I. Although we didn't have a lot of success fishing, we got a few and had a great time! Here is a picture of me with a 45 pound king.

This was taken by Jordan as we were unloading the fish.
We are headed out again tomorrow after church, with my other son Judah with this time. I will post more pictures after that trip.