Seasons Change but Christ is the same.

FBC Lake Jackson team members working with Samaritans Purse show off their pike catch.

Snow has stuck. The cranes have flocked together and are heading to warmer climates. The sound of saws and hammers have fading out. And it's getting colder. All indications the seasons are changing, and in the midst of annual change we praise God that Christ is the same and the Gospel is still  true! It's been too long since I updated on general ministry. Summer was busy and fruitful. Samaritans Purse was able to mobilize close to 300 volunteers from June 1 to October 1. It was incredible to see the skill of these volunteers who built 7 completely new homes and did major remodeling work in about a dozen others. We were blessed to be able to support and encourage the volunteers while they were on the ground in Galena. I had the joy of getting to take a good number of them out pike fishing or sightseeing on the river.

Alanna Tedder, our SEND North Summer missionary, and Don Ernst, Pastor of Huslia Community Church.

 In our partnership with SEND North we had the privilege to host a Summer missionary from MS. Alanna served in 6 villages/rural camps for about two months. During her time in Galena we hosted her in our home as she connected with kids through softball and church events.

 

We had a significant challenge this summer in that we had work teams lined up to come complete several large projects that were put off because of the flood. The installation of a new wood-gasification boiler, new windows at the church building, and the completion of the mission house which was donated to the church and moved onsite last Summer. Unfortunately all our work teams had to cancel due to various reasons out of our control. We were SO thankful that Samaritans purse was able to squeeze our projects into their busy schedule. The new windows in the church look outstanding and are much tighter than the old windows, which will hopefully save us on heat. The Boiler room and boiler are installed and heating things nicely. The mission house (soon to be renamed but we're not sure to what yet) is almost done. We lack the heating system, water tank install, and flooring. We are looking forward to that being off the "to-do" list.

 

Fall was a productive time as well. Preston was able to accompany me on his first moose hunt experience. It think I ruined him. We walked out to the field and there stood two huge bulls. I dropped this one (64") and the work began. With our meet in the freezer in the early season, I was able to help several other guys go out. To my knowledge now one was left in need of meat at the end of the season. It was truly God supplying.

In late August GBC hosted Dean Trune for a three day prayer conference. Dean taught on prayer, fasting, journalling, and intimacy with God. It was an encouragement to our body on how to be people devoted to prayer.
Ministry has begun to settle into a normal winter's routine: Teen Sunday school classes began earlier this month, A mid week Bible Study at our house kicked off last week with about 15 in attendance, YoungLife Club/Campaigners/Wildlife are in full swing, and CEF Kid's Club started this past Friday. As you can see from other posts we've been going through a series in 1 John and have been having great dialog with people concerning what God is teaching them through this study.

Things you can be praying for:

• Continued prayer for light to overcome the darkness. There have been so many deaths in the villages it's unreal. Pray that the enemy would be held back and that God would send laborers to the field.
• Plant Alaska - This week I'll be traveling to Anchorage to meet with pastors from around the state who desire to see churches planting churches. Pray that the Holy Spirit would give wisdom into God's mind and heart on the matter.
• Patience/endurance - Our congregation is really small. Normally around 35-40 adults. Most are involved in active volunteer ministry in some capacity. Which is truly remarkable! Many are feeling stretched and weary. Pray that God would freshly awaken passion and endurance to press forward. There is still SO much to do.