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).