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!

25 Years!

This weekend, MCA celebrated 25 years of faithful ministry by Pastor Kent Redfearn and his family. The events of this weekend brought two thoughts to mind.

First, I highly respect Pastor Kent and his family, along with other long-term Pastors in Alaska for consistently obeying the call of God on their lives and being in it for the long haul. They are inspirations to me and set an example for younger Pastors. I believe that longetivity + effectiveness = fruitfulness.

Secondly, I commend MCA for celebrating such an accomplishment wholeheartedly. The weekend was full of events to honor not only Pastor Kent, but also his wife and kids. When we visibily celebrate something, it demonstrates the value we place there.

In Sitka for the Weekend

I had the privilege of filling the pulpit this weekend in Sitka. You may have heard that Sitka recently voted in a new Pastor who will be arriving in January. The church is excited to be moving forward and about their new Pastors, who are from Montana.

I love preaching in Sitka and really enjoyed seeing many old friends. It was great to spend time with my family also. I am perhaps slightly biased in thinking that Sitka is the most beautiful place on earth. The weather was predicatably rainy and overcast, but I am posting a couple of my mom's pictures of Sitka. She is quite the photographer. The first one is the church.

Married for 56 Years and Counting!

Pastor Dale Parker and his wife, Mary Beth, stopped by the District Office today. They are long time Pastors in Alaska, and are currently Pastors in Angoon. They are in Anchorage to visit with family for Thanksgiving. The Parkers are celebrating their 56th wedding anniversary today! Praise God for people who faithfully obey God's call and go where He sends them. They love the people of Angoon and are excited that God is working in the hearts of people there.