"I will most gladly spend and be expended for your souls."
~II Corinthians 12:15
Happy New Year! On behalf of the saints who served in Alaska this December. The Lord delights in your prayers on our behalf and we are very grateful for His never-ending grace. We have felt the support of so many Christians who consider the souls of men more valuable than any earthly ambition. At the drop of a hat so many faithful believers rushed to do everything necessary to ensure the gospel would be delivered in person, and it is our great honor to report the work of God among the village of Buckland.
Buckland is a small, mainly Eskimo, village in the northwestern region of Alaska with a population nearing 400 people. A handful of young adults from Buckland have made close friends with their counselors at Kokrine Hills Bible Camp during summer sessions. Some from Buckland even joined their camp counselors in their ministry to a neighboring village last winter. This grew from close relationships developed very quickly and was a consistent trait among the village of Buckland. In other words, we were shocked at how loving and accepting the people of Buckland were. In any village or city it is hard work to find acceptance but it seemed even the youngest of children loved every newcomer with open arms as their own family. For example, we gathered for a small meeting to debrief our time and Carole Huntington was pointing this out. And as she was speaking a crowd of kids were hurling large amounts of snow at the window behind her urging us to come outside with them. This instant rapport kicked a wide open door for the word of God to be proclaimed and received with eagerness.
The most evident issue in this Alaskan village was the same issue Jesus observed among the villages of Israel.
"Jesus was going through all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness. Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd."
~Matthew 9:35, 36
It was a privilege to see these people but at the same time it was a heartbreak. Our time spent with them increased our compassion for those who have fallen prey to negligence. The men have disappeared from their responsibility to shepherd. So much that the pastor of the only church is an elderly woman, this reflects a consistent pattern. The sad result is a prevalent confusion as to what the bible actually says regarding life and godliness, basically everything that really matters. I fear many young people would not even be able to define a true Christian, or who Jesus is, or how one must inherit eternal life. One boy was so confused he was convinced salvation could be achieved by gazing upon a photograph of Jesus and attending church. Some have dubbed this sort of situation as, "Theological famine." Whatever images come to mind when you hear the word 'famine' describes the spiritual state these people are in. Many are wrapped in conflict, easily deceived, crippled by fear of demons, stuck on animism, trapped by sin, and unable to tell the difference between Joel Osteen and John MacArthur. How can someone know how he stands before God if he lacks essential knowledge of salvation? And if one cannot know if they're saved, how will they lead others? Please allow this thought to sink in. As gut wrenching as the image of famine may be there still is great hope found in our great God.
The other end of this rotting rope is very encouraging because this great famine has produced a great hunger for God's word. It was an overwhelming blessing to feed these people with the pure milk of the Word and to enjoy their extravagant company. The young people and even a few young men showed great desire to be equipped and challenged by what the bible actually says, and to grow up into a mature knowledge of the Son of God, and no longer fall prey to every teacher that comes through town or on the television.
Our trip included a few days of travel and amazing hospitality by the church in Big Lake, AK including the Hogate family who allowed us to acquire Dusty for additional help. His shy sense of humor and plain approachability made a fine addition. After our scenic travels, this gave our team less than four days to dig in and engage. Most of the town activity is indoors (Alaska is really cold in the winter) at the school gymnasium. Much of our interaction with the people outside of the daily events were amidst everyday activities such as preparing meals, getting water from the washhouse, watching episodes of 'Little house on the prairie' and traveling across town. This provided an ideal context to interact with many people on an individual basis, and preach the gospel. For example, our girls traveled together for a routine trip to the showers and Rachel Perron took advantage of the time in the washhouse to share the gospel with a local passerby. It was such a joy to serve with these women who lacked many of their familiar conveniences of home and I did not hear a word of complaint but rather a pleasant eagerness to do whatever necessary for the sake of fulfilling the Lord’s objective.
The first evening we were there we came almost immediately from setting our luggage down to meeting up with the kids in town at the gym. Roger and Carole served up some pizza while our team of counselors got straight to work learning names, and giving away our every bit of attention to them. Even Roger and Carole joined the fun. It was supposed to be an event sponsored by the school or someone but no one else was present, there was no real format but what began was very encouraging. Starting that night was a constant dialogue between our team members and young people eager to discuss and hear the word of God. Over the next few days it seemed at almost any given moment you could find at least one honest heartfelt discussion concerning family, life, relationships, etc. in relation to the things of God. It was very impressive to see how our team found people in every corner of the village to give the gospel message. In addition, it was hard to walk many places without being accompanied by several visitors vying for attention.
“For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” ~I Corinthians 2:2
With so many people and so little time our primary task was to make sure as many people as possible heard the gospel message. The second gathering the following evening was also at the gymnasium for the infamous "youth lock-in.” At the beginning of the night the younger children were invited (7-13 years old). We spent much of our time playing whatever game the kids pleased; mostly basketball, volleyball, jump rope, and tossing the football. Our staff was in a constant cycle of engagement whether in activity or social interaction (more rare with younger kids). The Lord providentially arranged that we would be allotted two opportunities to sit the kids down for a formal preaching session. Joey Katches was eager to seize this open door even though he had only prepared one message. The second session would be only two hours later to a group of high school aged young adults. The first message was about the birth of Christ. Many kids were waiting in line for their own copy of the bible afterwards. The second sermon was the narrative of the Rich young ruler in Matthew 19, proclaiming the impossibility of salvation with man, and possibility of salvation with God. Roger and Carole gave a sweet and challenging presentation to start each session, followed by worship music lead by Louis Esway, Jared Slover, and Loni Olender. Picture these leaders all singing and preaching barefoot or in socks because it was almost an immediate transition from running the gymnasium to a side room, where most sat on the floor, and crammed for each gathering. Louis’ fun personality helped him to be a quick friend to many and did a great job making himself available. The time with the young children was concluded by dismissing them home as the older kids made their way inside. Many of the children had to be carried to the front door because they wanted to stay so bad. At one point about 10 kids were piled on one another trying to make it back in the front door, but eventually they listened to their native elder’s (Roger and Carole) and made their way home.
As the teenagers made their way in, it was exciting to see plenty of new faces and many young men with promise. Their behavior was stellar and surprisingly energetic. The basketballs did not stop bouncing until after 8am the next morning. Roger began the night by introducing every one of our staff with sweet hugs, edifying words, and most importantly his bride Carole. Not long after that we had our time of preaching, a few found themselves unable to just run out and continue playing but to seriously consider their life and walk before the Lord. Jared Slover was an invaluable member and really demonstrated an ability to sit anyone down anywhere and discuss his or her life and walk before God. There are genuine believers among these teenagers and it was our pleasure to encourage them to not grow weary in doing good. Please take the time to pray for them.
“May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.” ~II Thessalonians 3:5
After Joey finished his public preaching the night was still young, for it would carry into the next morning. Outside the weather dropped 20 degrees below zero (mild for that time of year) and a blizzard began rolling through. Inside we were warm enough to carry out more games, conversation, and a strange fascination of hot tea. Maggie Slover was even able to handle a rogue football with spontaneous grace and made many diligent efforts to sit young women down for heart to heart conversation. Joey’s wife Amanda proved to be a Florence Nightingale in the making as she tended instinctively well to people who became sick. She was among the few that did not get sick while we were in Buckland. The local Health Aid said that close to ten cases of gastroenteritis were affecting many prior to our arrival and many more followed. But not one of us regrets a moment of affliction for it was our highest honor and privilege to deliver the gospel message in person: in the joy of the Holy Spirit amidst any affliction (I Th. 1:6). Loni Olender was an excellent example of seizing almost every moment for loving service and was very popular among the young women. My eyes were constantly blessed to see the steadfast devotion of our staff to gladly empty themselves for the sake of the souls of others. God truly is alive in the hearts of His people. In response to this behavior, many young adults were asking us for guidance in the word of God, even small groups were asking to be fed by truth about Jesus after 4 o’clock in the morning. Some things are just far better than sleep. As the night got longer we designated a separate sleeping area, and still many were buoyantly bumping the volleyball and spending their best attention toward all those awake. We dismissed that morning to tend to those in physical need. Our intentions to comb the neighborhood with Christmas carols were hindered so we set our attention on the evening service where we would be invited to preach and sing.
Our final night was bitter but far more was the sweet faithfulness of God. For some of us this would be our first attendance of a village church service. This church is the only religious building in town and normally has very small attendance. But our company attracted many new attendees. The congregation welcomed us with a traditional song and a man who spoke of his experiences. Time ran long but we were able to sing a few solid Christmas Hymns for the congregation. And we were given opportunity to provide a speaker to preach the gospel from the pulpit. Many were grateful to hear and see the depth and wonder of God’s love displayed in the cross of Christ. We departed that night with some final goodbyes and met with special friends in the morning before our flight left. Joey and Amanda both expressed great love and concern for the souls of the dear people of Buckland and eagerly await the opportunity to return to Alaska for a lifetime of service. Their love for these people was an amazing thing to witness. The seed of the gospel has been planted in the hearts of many and we trust that wherever God sends forth His word that it will not return to Him void. Not even a hint of salvation and eternal life is gained by man’s efforts it is impossible with us, but with God these things are possible. Please pray that the Holy Spirit would move and create repentance leading to eternal life and true spirituality in the heart’s of these people who are one day closer to the judgment seat of Christ.
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