Presbytery

This week the Alaska District Presbytery convened for the October meeting. It was lots of fun to have everyone in the office, and I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know our Presbyters. What a great group of people! As the Presbytery considers issues important to our fellowship, it gives me relief to know that these are people who are full of integrity, take their positions seriously, and are led by the Spirit. Continue to pray for our leadership as they seek God's best for His Kingdom in Alaska.

The Cry of a Generation

Last night I went to Youth Convention. It was an incredible time of worship and the Word. I love seeing this generation worship the Lord with abandon. Mark Zweifel, the speaker, issued a strong challenge. He talked about hell and the concept that "proximity equals responsibility." In other words, we are responsible for sharing the Gospel with those God puts around us. He used Jeremiah to remind us that we are watchmen and will have blood on our hands if we neglect this holy responsibility. At one point in the service, the lights went low and people around the sanctuary began to cry out, "Why didn't you tell me, Mark?" and other such cries. When the lights came back on, those who were crying out had t-shirts with blood colored handprints and stains on their shirts. Mark had what appeared to be blood dripping from his hands. It was powerful imagery and moving to everyone there.

This was also the night when we honored Jen for her years of service as DYD. Jen has been a great leader of the youth of our state and her impact on this generation will remain. It was also good to see many friends from around the state at Convention. When I see the youth of this state worshipping God and giving everything to Him, together with their Youth Pastors, Pastors, and other leaders, I am encouraged about the future of God's Kingdom in Alaska. God is up to something.

From the Top of the World!

I got to spend some time with Pastor Harvey Fox, the pastor of Kaktovik A/G. Kaktovik is located on Barter Island in the Arctic Ocean off of the North Slope of Alaska. Pastor Harvey and his wife have pastored there for about 8 months. The congregation in this small village numbers about fifteen. Pastor Harvey and his wife feel called to live in this community and minister to the people. The ocean is already frozen up and the temperature in Kaktovik had hit single digits already. I enjoyed getting to know Pastor Harvey and appreciate his service to the Lord. Be praying for all those ministering around Alaska this winter. Pastor Harvey sent me the picture below of a polar bear around a whale carcass in Kaktovik.

Reaching, Teaching, and Keeping Boys for Christ

This past Friday I was privileged to speak at the Royal Rangers camp-in at MCA. My two boys attended this event as well. Commander Chuck and the team of commanders did an excellent job and put on a great event for the boys. There were several active and creative games which I know the boys loved. The fun, sweaty game time was followed by a time of listening to what God had to say around the campfire. Pastor Billy led us in worship, and then I spoke. We had an altar time in the cold wintery night, and three or four boys prayed to receive Jesus. We should never underestimate the importance of a commitment of a young boy to follow Christ.

I have had the opportunity to get to know District Commander Art Braendel, and it excites me to know that high caliber men such as Chuck, Art, and a multitude of commanders and workers around our state are committed to reaching, teaching, and keeping our boys for Christ.

Life-Giving!

Don't you love hanging around someone who builds you up and is encouraging? Daren Lindley is one such person. When I am around him, I can't help but feel blessed. I got out to KingsWay A/G last Saturday evening. Daren was speaking there, and is also helping them publish a new book. His publishing company comes into a church and unearths stories of people who have been changed by the power of Jesus. They then write these stories in a masterful, compelling manner, and publish them professionally. The church then has this resource to use as a tool to share the good news. What an incredible resource for the community and church.

Daren talked about being a life giving person. I was challenged to consider how I could be a blessing to people and allow God's grace to flow through me to others. It's a lot better than being judgmental!