Of Kindom building and chickens.

Matthew 4:17  From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." 

Hold still.

We just recently (like 8 weeks ago) got 6 baby chicks that we are raising to have as laying chickens for eggs. This is mostly because Shell wanted to have them, and thought it would be fun for the kids. It is also because a dozen eggs at the store costs about $9. I have yet to determine if these eggs are going to be cheaper than the stores eggs after paying to heat their coop when it gets to -70 next winter. (I am praying diligently that we won't see those temps for several more winters.) Right now though, the chickens are simply consumers. They don't give anything back. They just eat. They eat a lot. I mean really, I've been really impressed by the amount they can consume. Too immature to produce something usable, yet the potential is there. However, if October comes and we don't start having some eggs show up in the roost, we're going to have 6 fryer chickens in the freezer, 800lbs of chicken feed for sale, and a new play house for the kids. The goal of chickens is maturity: either mature egg layers, or fat plump fried chicken. Either one is acceptable in my sight. I will accomplish my goal and plan one way or the other.

How do you build a coop that stays warm with just a light bulb?

That’s kind of what I have observed God doing in rural Alaska. There have been small pockets of believers that have popped up in different areas of the state. They either matured into fruit producing churches, or they’ve dried up. Either one is, I believe ultimately God’s plan. He makes, grows, feeds, uses, and ultimately ends movements in His Kingdom. His will is going to be done, and His plans will be accomplished. Thanks be to God that He is long-suffering, patient, compassionate, and just. Galena Bible Church has seen days of immaturity. A season where there was no evidence of Kingdom work, or growth going on. We have, by God’s grace, been in a season of harvest and maturing. 

This past week we had the privilege of seeing my niece and nephew be baptized in the Yukon. They have both been believers for several years, but both came to the understanding of baptism as something they needed to do publicly. About 20 people gathered on the north bank of the Yukon (which is a very cold river) to witness the baptism. I shared the story of the understanding of baptism in the Ethiopian eunuch, and my brother Jason baptized his daughter and son as his sister and brother in Christ!
 






 
 Our community experienced a tragedy this past weekend. Friday night a fire broke out in a home in Galena and claimed 2 lives. Our local radio station general manager and his wife are believed to be the two bodies found in the rubble. Most of the men from the church showed up to fight the fire, along with many others from the community. In great tragedy there is a community togetherness that is present and a blessing to see.  You can read more about it at the Anchorage Daily News site HERE.


Things you can pray for:

• Pray for those directly effected by the lose of these community members.
• Pray that God would give opportunities for the Bible Church to show the love of Christ in these trials. 
• Pray for Martin & Silke Hornfischer as they travel with 40 teens to to Warrior Leadership Summit in MO.
• Pray for Gunner & Adrian Johnson as they lead the camps at Kokrine Hills Bible Camp for the next 5 weeks starting this week.