LEADERSHIP TRAINING WAS NOT A BLAST...THANK GOD!

Forty five youth leaders gathered for three days of youth training in the war torn area of our nation. In spite of the warnings of the government not to return to the villages because of unexploded ordinance, they insisted that now was the right time to touch the youth and get ready for their return. One youth leader said, "When they come home, they will see everything destroyed, except the church and its outreach to the youth."

We appreciate so much your generosity that enables us to cut the ministry frontier and pour into these fearless future leaders. Happy Holidays. Mark & Shelley Hollis

I was privileged to represent the Alaska District at Ketchikan First Assembly's 75th Anniversary. 75 years ago, on August 2, AG services began in Ketchikan. This has historically been a strong church and it is exciting to see the church thriving and doing well.

This is Les Cronk, Chairman of the Board. He opened the service and gave an explanation of the celebration. Les and Laura are long time friends of mine from Sitka. They are housing me this weekend, and I have really enjoyed their hospitality and faithfulness to the Lord.

Pastor Lee Corrao was pastor at Ketchikan First Assembly for about 12 years before moving to Petersburg. He was here for this occasion and read a congratulatory letter from our General Superintendent, Dr. George Wood. I also read a letter from our District Superintendent, Bill Welch. I couldn't really take a picture of myself.

Debbie Dale read a letter from her father, Bro. Jack Bransford, who also pastored at Ketchikan First. She also read a letter of congratulations from a local foursqare congregation and from the pastoral candidate who will be here next Sunday.

Pastor Gordon Welk, another former Pastor of Ketchikan First Assembly, gave the message.

Pastor David Wilson assisted in MC'ing the event. Pastor David and Debbie have served as interim pastors in Ketchikan. They have blessed this congregation immensely with their loving care and guidance during a challenging time. I am thankful for their willingness to serve in this capacity. They are loved.

For the worship time, they chose one song from each decade. For example, the 1940's song was "Onward Christian Soldiers" the 1970s song was "I Exalt Thee," and the 1990s song was "Shout to the Lord." For the backdrop of slide on which the words were displayed, they had pictures of Ketchikan during that decade.

I really enjoyed this celebration, and it was very well done. They had pens for everyone that commemorated the event. There was a great potluck following the service. It was a time to not only honor the past, but to anticipate the future.

Russian Pastors

Last week we were able to go to lunch with Pastor Anatoliy, Svetlana, and Pastor Alexei and Pastor Alexander. Pastor Alexei and Pastor Alexander are guests this summer from Russia, doing ministry in Alaska. It was very inspiring to hear the testimonies of what God has been doing in Russia. Many people are getting saved and delivered from drug addiction. Pray that God will continue to use them in this area. Pastor Anatoliy has been ministering in Alaska and leads the "Life for Christ" ministry. He is instrumental in helping to raise money for the churches in Russia.

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.

The Fire Starter

We had a great time on the beach, with the kids exploring the woods and having a fire. It took me a while to rub two sticks together, but finally got it to work ;) We are headed out for a fishing trip tomorrow, as the commercial opener begins on July 1st. I will post pics of our fishing trip when we get back.

On Vacation

We went on vacation for 3 weeks to Sitka. We have made it an annual event to go on a family boating trip to meet my sister Karina and her family while they are commerical crabbing. We celebrate my nephew Mark's birthday, along with my dad's birthday. We have fun going to the beach, pulling crab pots, and shrimping. It is a highlight of the year for our family. Here are a few pics . . .

This is my mom and dad with our three kids and Karina and Louie's four kids

Here are the shrimp we caught. We had shrimp roasted over an open fire on sticks (a first for us) and then had shrimp scampi for dinner, along with fresh dungeness crab.
Me with a couple of crab.

Youth Camps!

Youth Camp was an exciting experience this year! First of all, a great deal of money was raised for Speed the Light. Each camp raised a significant amount, with Little Beaver Camp #2 giving $7,100! Many Youth Pastors, including DYD Mark Zweifel, ended up shaving their heads as a result.

I was able to attend one of the evening services a couple nights ago. I was priviliged to attend a special dinner with the Pastor's Kids that Mark and Heidi put on. They did it right and truly honored these kids by fixing a full meal including steaks and topping it off with cheesecake! I am so impressed with Mark and Heidi and their leadership. They are truly authentic leaders.

The service was awesome as God touched people at the altar. There is never anything I love more than seeing young people worship God with abandon. Thanks Mark & Heidi, along with all the Youth Pastors and leaders who helped sponsor these camps. You are facilitating the transforming power of God in the lives of the youth of Alaska.

Graduation!

I finally graduated from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary! Seminary was a top notch experience and I am indebted to the great professors of the school for pouring into my life. Although there was a great deal of time and treasure involved in this experience, I have no regrets. It was a great time for our family and the knowledge and experience I gained are invaluable.

Pentecost Sunday

We had great Pentecost Sunday services at MCA on Sunday. On Sunday night, we had the oppportunity to honor Phyllis Fenstermaker for her several decades of faithful and fruitful ministry in Stebbins and St. Michael. Now we pray to the Lord of the harvest that he will send forth laborers like Phyllis who will be faithful in ministry in Alaska.

Thoughts on Gethsemane

Gethsemane was the most powerful and moving experience I had while in Israel this past May. This past Holy Week provoked some thoughts on Gethsemane. Jesus was under extreme pressure during this time. The biblical account records that he was deeply grieved, even unto death. His sweat was like great drops of blood. Why? What was in the “cup” that terrified Jesus? Some people speculate it is because he was fearful of suffering and death. Other think it was due to his concern that he would die before reaching the cross.

I believe the reason goes much deeper, and is spiritual in nature. Jesus had never sinned before and experienced perfect relationship with the Father. He understood that in order to accomplish his mission, he must take on the sin of the world. He had to take on your sin, and mine. The Father would be forced to turn his face away from him when he was on the cross. This punishment would exceed the physical torture he would endure at Golgatha.

When Jesus prayed, “If it be possible, take this cup from me,” was Jesus looking for a way out? Was he looking for a shortcut? I don’t believe so. From Caesarea Philippi on (Peter’s confession of Christ), Jesus began to teach that he must suffer and that he would die. It is inconceivable to me that Jesus would actually be seeking to abandon his divine mission at that crucial junction. Rather, I believe this statement should be understood as a statement of his pain and anguish during this time.

Jesus then stated his complete commitment to the plan at hand, “yet not my will, but yours be done.” I am thankful that Jesus was resolute in completing his mission. Although this experience is unique to Jesus, we can follow him in respect to his attitude. Whatever challenges life or ministry present, we can submit to the will of our Father and walk out the path He has laid before us. We are exhorted to take up our cross and follow him.

Easter Egg Hunt

Yesterday we went to the Easter Egg Hunt at MCA. Our kids have always enjoyed this tradition, wherever we have been. Tracy was the master egg hider.

Pam did a super job sharing the gospel message to the 100+ people that were there.

Judah and Bethany had fun finding eggs with lots of candy.

North to Fairbanks

Today Lattis, Brenda, and I drove up to Fairbanks in preparation to teach the AKSOM venue tomorrow. We some plenty of moose, along with a small herd of caribou (some of the caribou are in the picture above). I also got to see the Alaska Pipeline. We stopped in Nenana on the Tanana River, which is where people make bets on when breakup will occur. When the tripod pictured above falls, a timer is tripped and records the exact time of breakup in the river.

I'm looking forward to teaching tomorrow.

Fine Arts Conference!!

Tonight I attended the first service for the Fine Arts Conference. Fine Arts is an opportunity for young people to grow in their giftings and allow God to use them. There are a variety of categories. Jordan entered the book chapter category. Ryan and Heather Gluth have done a great job in organizing and leading this event. This year, the event is held at King's Way AG in Eagle River, right down the street from our house.

Ben Rose spoke tonight about not comparing ourselves to other people. It was an amazing message from the passage in John where Peter was concerned about the fate of John as compared to his own fate. Jesus told him not to worry about John, but to simply follow Him. It is a message of freedom to be who God has called you to be.

I will miss the rest of the Conference, as I am driving up to Fairbanks to teach an AKSOM class tomorrow. I'm really glad I went tonight, and was able to worship with great friends. Thanks Pastor Mark and Youth Pastors for providing life giving and discipling events for our young people (mine included).

Sitka Herring Fishery

I always miss being in Sitka this time of year for the herring fishery. My mom took these pictures from the beach on Tuesday. 5,000 tons of herring were harvested in an hour and a half. It is an intense fishery with a lot at stake for the fishermen. They can either land on the fish and make a lot of money or come up empty.

Kenai Venue

This past weekend we were in Kenai for the Alaska School of Ministry Kenai Venue. This month it was held at Peninsula Christian Center in Soldotna. Thanks Pastor JD and Renee for hosting this venue at your church! I taught AG History, Missions, and Governance again. I had a great time and the students were sharp, prepared, and ready to learn. There were seven students in this class. My family came with me to Kenai, and we had fun hanging out with Ryan and Heather Gluth. We also enjoyed attending Kenai New Life AG with Pastor Stephen Brown. I will be in Fairbanks this coming Saturday for the Fairbanks Venue.

While I was in Kenai, my son Jordan was attending the Central Section Winter Escape at Little Beaver Camp. I have heard awesome reports from Winter Escape, and am thankful to Mark, Billy, Nathan, and all the leaders who facilitated this event. Jordan is excited about doing the five week challenge (http://www.akyouthministries.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=19&Itemid=19)

Alaska School of Ministry

Saturday was my first opportunity to teach a class for AKSOM! I taught A/G History, Missions, and Governance to a class of around 15 people at Native Assembly of God. I had a blast and enjoyed interacting with the students that were there. I was impressed with the students' desire to learn. I am more convinced than ever that God has great purposes for AKSOM and is using it to train people for ministry in Alaska.

Here is a picture of me teaching in the class.

This is the two classes combined while Lattis is giving the AKSOM Orientation

Next Saturday we go to Soldotna for the Kenai Peninsula Venue, and then the following Saturday we will be up in Fairbanks at Jubilee Worship Center. If you are interested in fulfilling educational requirements for credentialling, or simply want to enrich your spiritual and academic life, this is the school for you! AKSOM can be contacted at the Alaska District Office.

Update

A couple weeks ago I had the privilege of meeting Bob Curtis. Bob was recently appointed as the interim pastor in Kotzebue. We are thankful for his willingness to serve in this capacity. This is a picture of Bob with Supt. Bill Welch.

Last weekend was my first chance to see the Iditarod. So, we loaded up the car and headed down to 4th Street in Anchorage. It was an experience.

It has been great seeing some friends from Southeast come through the office in the past week. Pastor Mike Rose and Ben from Juneau Christian Center were in town last week. I just got done talking with Pastor Kem Haggard from Wrangell. We have great people in this state!