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.