Going to Alaska was a great experience. When we arrived everyone was
exhausted from the plane ride so we went to our home for the week. The
next morning when we woke up we received our stations and went there. I
was assigned to the Boys and Girls Club and met amazing people and fun
kids. Other groups went to the bus stops, letter room, and food pantry.
The other groups helped around the places and preached about the bible.
We played in the snow a lot when ever we could. After our stations
everyday we usually went to parks and played with kids. We met lots of
neat kids and some I will never forget. We went sledding one day and some
people got hurt. The hike was very fun. We went to Blue Berry Hill and
hiked to the very top and got lots of good pictures! On the last day we
had a carnival at the Boys and Girls Club and then said goodbye to all
the kids and the went souvenir shopping. We got lots of cool stuff.
After that we went back to the church packed up and headed home. What I
learned is that to have patience, because God works in mysterious ways
also I learned to walk slow on ice.
-Justin Tekell
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Monday, March 18, 2013
As I am back home
As I am back home, in my own bed & home and normal clothes & car and all the things I take for granted, I am reflecting back on our time in Alaska. We met so many people who do not have any of these things. No home or bed, no gloves or hats for cold weather, no transportation or money for it. What I saw in the people of Alaska was sadness, discouragement, anger & depression. They are mostly a people who are very unhappy & unfriendly. The numbers of un-churched, un-reached lost people are staggering.
But as we worked at the Boys & Girls Club and the largest food bank in Anchorage, as we handed out free coffee & muffins at the bus stop, we noticed over a period of time that if we worked with a smile and love and joy, they softened a little. They opened up a little and shared with us, or expressed thankfulness for our work and generosity. They want to have hope, they want to have love and be loved, but they are very skeptical and cautious to whom they open up to.
My prayer for these people that we got to meet and share time with and share the love of God with is that the seeds we planted while we were there begin to take root. That there will be those that come after us that will water these seedlings. That something we said or did will stay with them and that they will begin to search out the source of what we shared with them this past week, Christ's love and compassion.
I am very thankful to all of those who prayed for us as we traveled and as we ministered. I ask that you continue to pray for the people of Alaska and GraceWorks as they share the love of Christ.
Michelle
But as we worked at the Boys & Girls Club and the largest food bank in Anchorage, as we handed out free coffee & muffins at the bus stop, we noticed over a period of time that if we worked with a smile and love and joy, they softened a little. They opened up a little and shared with us, or expressed thankfulness for our work and generosity. They want to have hope, they want to have love and be loved, but they are very skeptical and cautious to whom they open up to.
My prayer for these people that we got to meet and share time with and share the love of God with is that the seeds we planted while we were there begin to take root. That there will be those that come after us that will water these seedlings. That something we said or did will stay with them and that they will begin to search out the source of what we shared with them this past week, Christ's love and compassion.
I am very thankful to all of those who prayed for us as we traveled and as we ministered. I ask that you continue to pray for the people of Alaska and GraceWorks as they share the love of Christ.
Michelle
This was such an experience that I will never forget
This was such an experience that I will never forget. I have gotten closer to God and this amazing church group through the crazy airports, volunteer projects, endless card game, and services to Anchorage. Every morning from Tuesday to Thursday I helped lead a 4year old to 7 year old class in vbs at the Anchorage boys and girls club. Some of the children were hesitant at first, but after getting to know each one of them, they grew to love our group of 5 that was assigned there. By Thursday 5 children in my class accepted Christ and became Christians. Many others were given their first bibles that they excitedly opened and shared with their families. I was able to see God truly work through us and into these children. Wednesday, I was able to share God's love with children from ages 4 to 17 at Chester park. I was told stories about how churches had been rude to a boy who lived there and how it affected his idea of Christianity. I was able to show him how God's plan has so much more to offer him. God allowed him to be truly accepting and understanding of my faith and Christianity after speaking. I gave a bracelet to a young girl that represented a Christian's walk with Christ through colored beads that she adored and shared with all of her friends. The happy and welcoming attitude of the children at this park was more than enough for us to beg to change our plans and come back the next day to these children. I never would have imagined how fast I could become attached to so many individuals at such a high personal and spiritual level so quickly. On our last day, we held a carnival for the children at the boys and girls club. About 100 boys and girls of all ages came. We encouraged the boys and girls to recite a bible verse from memory for a big sticker if they could. Being from east Texas, I mistakenly assumed most all children knew one verse or at least knew who Christ was. After talking to each child that came to me for face painting, I had them memorize and understand John 3:16. I could really tell they strived for a true love, and I felt that God had placed them all there to hear how much he loved each one of them through his word. If it was up to me, I would never leave Alaska or the children at the boys and girls club and chester park, but I know how God worked though all of us on this trip and that he has such a larger plan for all of us and the children we all adored this week. We have grown closer all together and more connected to Christ through this journey. I have learned more about myself and my creator's power. I want to thank everyone who gave to this mission because I know that this was an experience that touched so many lives and expanded the kingdom of heaven. Please pray for the people of Alaska and that God continues to bless them.
- Kelsey Long
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Wednesday/ Mikaela
Alaska has been amazing, more than I could ever imagine. Before I came I
prepared myself for what I was expecting to do, see, and experience. I
was super excited to come and work with the kids, to be part of God
changing theirs lives. Doug knows how much working with kids means to me
and how much I love doing that, but since my first youth camp missions I
have yet to do so. I'm assigned different task doing different things.
Even here, I haven't worked with kids yet, I haven't physically
interacted with people at all. I'll be honest, at first I was super
upset finding out that I wasn't going to be at the boys and girls club
but I realize now that God has bigger plans for me than that. I have no
reason at all to be upset when I know that He is in charge. &no
matter where I am He is going to put the right people in my path. People
that will change my life and theirs as well. I don't have much to say
about what I've done, but I can say God is changing my life and showing
me more and more each day that I'm called to serve for the rest of my
life.
--- Mikaela
--- Mikaela
Wednesday/Carley Goode
I have had the most amazing experience in
Alaska!! The view is amazing! God's creation is like nothing you have
ever seen! I feel so small in this big world He has created. Today I
worked with Jacee, Austin Davis, Kelly, and Megan at the CCS food bank!!
We bagged a lot of different things and organized. Seeing all of the
people who needed food there really mad me sad. It made me feel like I'm
so selfish an needy. They had to go and wait to take their turn to
shop. A helper has to go around and shop with them. They can only get a
certain amount of food for their family. When I go to the grocery I get
whatever I want! When we were waiting for our ride to get there I just
saw all of these people walking in and out. One was a father and a child
and it was so sad. There were people with limps that were homeless. The
lady who worked with us today, her name was Linda. She has to have such
a big heart and know Jesus to have such a successful business. People
from different places send in things they didn't sell and orders that
mess up to them for free. It's so amazing! After that we went to lunch,
then to a park to play with kids. I met this little girl there and her
name was Olivia, and she was sassy!! She is not shy! We had a lot of
fun! It was sad seeing these kids with shorts and t-shirts on, or no
gloves and pants! I walked out there all bundled up. While we were there
a women's mom had got lost so we had to search the whole neighborhood
for her! She was 95. We eventually found her with the help of God!!
After that we ate dinner then we were on our way to hike a mountain!! On
the way there, we saw this group of people who did not look happy! I
didn't know what was going on but it looked like they needed some
prayers, so I was going to pray for them tonight! Once we got to the
mountain we were climbing we started right away! It was really hard. The
snow was powdery and slippery. My gloves weren't working and I couldn't
feel my hands! I started to have a panic attack. But thanks to Brooks I
got to the top of the mountain! He came back and helped through! He
talked to me the whole way up! I feel God sent him to help me see the
beautiful view at the top. It was the prettiest thing ever! God's
creation is amazing!! Going down was the best part! We slid all of the
way down. Most fun time ever!! I have had a good time here and still
have 2 more days left!!
-Carley Goode
-Carley Goode
Wednesday/Jacee
Today I helped with the food pantry at Catholic Food Services. It was pretty fun. I worked with Carley, Austin and Kelly. We bagged food like potatoes, cookies and deserts etc. During the day I realized about how bad my attitude has been throughout the week and the last couple or past weeks at home toward my family and my friends. This trip helped me realizes my attitude big time. It’s really helped. I’m gonna start changing my attitude and my actions. Next, we had lunch and it was yummy, we had sandwiches. Around 2, we headed to the park and helped with the families and mostly the little children. There was this one little boy named dante’ he was the sweetest little thing ever. He was the most loving most caring little boy ever. He had a little sister that was 6 and her name was Livi, he just had his birthday and he was so happy about it too he had it a chuckie cheeses. He spent about 15 mins telling me all about it. Later on in the day we went on a little hike it was a blast. Favorite thing i have defiantly done all week, so far. That was the 2nd mountain that i have climbed. I’ll be honest that the 2nd one was defiantly way funner and WAY easier.. But it’s amazing that we have only been here for 2 full days and i can already feel God working through me and my life. But, today has been awesome and i’m looking forward to the days i have left. love y'all.
-Jacee Callens
-Jacee Callens
Wednesday/Austin
today me and my homies including jacee, kelly, and carley went to the Catholic food bank deal. We did a lot of stuff including washing potatoes, stacking pastries, and loading fish into the refrigerator. We did that for about 2 and half hours and then we went back to the church for lunch. After lunch we went to a complex with a park. We played with about 20 kids that lived there for hours! I think they really enjoyed us being there, I also think we helped them bond with each other because I was hearing many conversations between them. I thought we had a very productive day! We soon ate dinner and shortly after drove to blueberry hill and hiked up the side of a very steep mountain/hill/deathrock and updated our facebook profile pictures! We then took a long cold slide down the mountain! It was extremely fun! Then we traveled back to the church and I took a long shower than headed down stairs and I ate some queso and chips, and now im am finishing my blog.
-Austin Davis
-Austin Davis
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
I honestly thought we wouldn't make it
I honestly thought we wouldn't make it, after all the disappointments on saturday i wasn't very confident about this trip, but once we got here and got settled in i felt God was really fixing to do something. This morning i went to a food bank, where we helped put up canned food, and give people food for them and their families, i went willing to help, but my mind wasn't fully set on what it should have been, God. Today i realized that i should have gone fully willing to help with whatever they needed, and should have showed a little more compassion to those people. The rest of this trip i hope is a God moving trip, and i feel that God will change my heart. Im ready to help these people with whatever is needed to be helped with and I'm ready to give the glory to God.
- Claudia
- Claudia
God's Plans are Perfect Plans
God’s Plans Are Perfect Plans
“In their hearts humans plan their course, But the Lord directs their steps”
Proverbs 16:9
Saturday was a crazy day, we all woke up planning on being in Alaska by the end of the night only to find out that our flight was cancelled and that we would spend a full day just hanging out in an airport and being exhausted. We planned on getting to spend 6 full days in Alaska but found out we would only get to spend 4. We had been planning for months for this trip and I had been looking forward to coming to Alaska more than anything this year.
In life we plan out everything; our day to day lives, where we want to go to college, what we want to do when we grow up, what we want to spend our lives doing. I grew up planning on going to Texas A&M University, studying kinesiology and becoming a state champion head football coach, I had all sorts of plans for my life. My sophomore year of high school I knew I was called to the ministry to lead worship and to serve others on mission. I knew this was what God wanted me to do but I shoved that aside for what I wanted for myself. It took me until my sophomore year of college to realize that what I wanted was insignificant towards the kingdom of God. I realized that my life had more meaning to it than to call football plays and make kids condition until I got tired. Surrendering to the ministry and committing my life to serving people and sharing the love of Christ was by far the most rewarding decision I have ever made.
Saturday in the airport I was reminded that as much as I had planned and as much as I had wanted to go to Alaska, that God had different timing in mind than I had. I realized that I had to continue to be faithful to God’s will and that I had to accept that what He wanted was more important than what I wanted.
We have been in Alaska for less than 24 hours and the super long and drawn out process of getting here has left my mind and has been filled with images of God’s beautiful creation and I am completely in love with Alaska. Continue to pray for us that we continue to be reminded of God’s faithfulness, God’s awesome power, and God’s great love for us!
-Michael Pittman
“In their hearts humans plan their course, But the Lord directs their steps”
Proverbs 16:9
Saturday was a crazy day, we all woke up planning on being in Alaska by the end of the night only to find out that our flight was cancelled and that we would spend a full day just hanging out in an airport and being exhausted. We planned on getting to spend 6 full days in Alaska but found out we would only get to spend 4. We had been planning for months for this trip and I had been looking forward to coming to Alaska more than anything this year.
In life we plan out everything; our day to day lives, where we want to go to college, what we want to do when we grow up, what we want to spend our lives doing. I grew up planning on going to Texas A&M University, studying kinesiology and becoming a state champion head football coach, I had all sorts of plans for my life. My sophomore year of high school I knew I was called to the ministry to lead worship and to serve others on mission. I knew this was what God wanted me to do but I shoved that aside for what I wanted for myself. It took me until my sophomore year of college to realize that what I wanted was insignificant towards the kingdom of God. I realized that my life had more meaning to it than to call football plays and make kids condition until I got tired. Surrendering to the ministry and committing my life to serving people and sharing the love of Christ was by far the most rewarding decision I have ever made.
Saturday in the airport I was reminded that as much as I had planned and as much as I had wanted to go to Alaska, that God had different timing in mind than I had. I realized that I had to continue to be faithful to God’s will and that I had to accept that what He wanted was more important than what I wanted.
We have been in Alaska for less than 24 hours and the super long and drawn out process of getting here has left my mind and has been filled with images of God’s beautiful creation and I am completely in love with Alaska. Continue to pray for us that we continue to be reminded of God’s faithfulness, God’s awesome power, and God’s great love for us!
-Michael Pittman
Prepare for the park
Today I got to stay at the church and help prepare for the park that we
were going to go to. At the park we played kick ball, and that was
pretty hard considering that we had to run through the snow. After the
park we headed back to the church to get ready for dinner. After dinner
we went on a hike. It was freezing cold and the wind didn't help at all.
Emily Pittman
Emily Pittman
Today at the beach
Today at the beach
We went to the beach after worship and as we got out of the car there was a 70 mile per hour wind and it could hold me up when I leaned from side to side. Me and Michel tried to find somewhere to put up his hammock, but there was to much wind. So eventually we went back to the car and it was freezing.
Jake Searcy
We went to the beach after worship and as we got out of the car there was a 70 mile per hour wind and it could hold me up when I leaned from side to side. Me and Michel tried to find somewhere to put up his hammock, but there was to much wind. So eventually we went back to the car and it was freezing.
Jake Searcy
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Travel Day...Again
Travel Day......Again.
Wow! The past few days have been a whirlwind. It all started early Saturday morning when I noticed that my phone showed that our flight to Denver had been canceled due to large snow storm. This happens when you fly enough, but when traveling with a group 25 it makes finding another flight very interesting. We sat at DFW airport for 8 hours waiting on them to find us an alternate route to get to Anchorage. Every time we thought we found an option the door would be slammed closed. It was very discouraging because these students have raised all the support for this trip. It seemed the Lord has honored every step of this trip until now. At the end of the day we had to settle for an early Tuesday departure for Alaska. This would cost us two days of mission work. As we returned home I prayed that the Lord would show us a glimpse of His plan. The next day I woke up and again got on the phone with the travel agent working on possible plans of getting us to Alaska sooner. It took around 4 hours, but we found a flight that was leaving today(Monday) at 5:30 out of Houston. We grabbed it all the while curious about the plan the Lord has for this trip. Then it hit me......Abide in me. In John 8:31, Jesus says, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples”. Jesus never tells us we will understand his plan, and certainly never ask us to help Him plan it. He calls us to Abide, to surrender to Him. So, as I am at 30,000 feet I am praising Him in this truth. I’m not sure what this trip holds, but I will Abide in Him every step. More to come! Pray that we walk in His truth during the days to come.
Kris Shustella
Wow! The past few days have been a whirlwind. It all started early Saturday morning when I noticed that my phone showed that our flight to Denver had been canceled due to large snow storm. This happens when you fly enough, but when traveling with a group 25 it makes finding another flight very interesting. We sat at DFW airport for 8 hours waiting on them to find us an alternate route to get to Anchorage. Every time we thought we found an option the door would be slammed closed. It was very discouraging because these students have raised all the support for this trip. It seemed the Lord has honored every step of this trip until now. At the end of the day we had to settle for an early Tuesday departure for Alaska. This would cost us two days of mission work. As we returned home I prayed that the Lord would show us a glimpse of His plan. The next day I woke up and again got on the phone with the travel agent working on possible plans of getting us to Alaska sooner. It took around 4 hours, but we found a flight that was leaving today(Monday) at 5:30 out of Houston. We grabbed it all the while curious about the plan the Lord has for this trip. Then it hit me......Abide in me. In John 8:31, Jesus says, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples”. Jesus never tells us we will understand his plan, and certainly never ask us to help Him plan it. He calls us to Abide, to surrender to Him. So, as I am at 30,000 feet I am praising Him in this truth. I’m not sure what this trip holds, but I will Abide in Him every step. More to come! Pray that we walk in His truth during the days to come.
Kris Shustella
Long Time Coming
It's been a long
time coming, but what we have been planning and preparing our hearts for
is finally here. We are currently on our flight to anchorage Alaska.
Everyone seems to be excited and quite eager. Even though Saturday
didn't go as planned and it was a terribly long day, God knew exactly
what he was doing. Sometimes things are hard for us to see and even
understand
Monday 3/11/13
Monday 3/11/13
We are finally on our way to Anchorage! Even though Saturday didn't go as planned, my faith is all relying on God. He has an extraordinary plan for the Mission Alaska Team, even though we aren't able to see what that is right now. I am so thankful for this opportunity that God has given the youth group and I to go out and experience a whole new and different world that will change our lives forever. We are so excited to see what God accomplishes in the lives of the people of Anchorage and the work that gets done. I want to thank all of the people who supported the team and please continue praying for us! It means so much and we wouldn't be here without it.
Karrigan Green
We are finally on our way to Anchorage! Even though Saturday didn't go as planned, my faith is all relying on God. He has an extraordinary plan for the Mission Alaska Team, even though we aren't able to see what that is right now. I am so thankful for this opportunity that God has given the youth group and I to go out and experience a whole new and different world that will change our lives forever. We are so excited to see what God accomplishes in the lives of the people of Anchorage and the work that gets done. I want to thank all of the people who supported the team and please continue praying for us! It means so much and we wouldn't be here without it.
Karrigan Green
Travel Day...Take 2!
Travel Day...Take 2!
First off, a huge thank you to everyone who has supported Mission Alaska from the beginning, and to everyone who made this incredible opportunity possible. This experience has already taught me so much. My trust in God has strengthened greatly, and through the flight delays, I have learned to trust in God's timing, in everything I do.
I have no doubt that the next four days will change our lives, and by His grace we will be able to do the same for the people of Anchorage. Please continue to pray that God will use us and work through us to accomplish His will, and that we will be effective messengers of the love that He has given them.
-Staci
PART B
After our first full day in Alaska, I am still amazed at this beautiful state. I feel like I could stare at this scenery forever! There are mountains everywhere you turn, and the snow makes it even more picturesque.
This morning, we split up, and me and several others went to a small, local food bank to volunteer. They started me off filling sacks with Pinto beans, but I ended up having the opportunity to take customers through the line to help them pick out their food. After each person received their share of food, I asked them if it was alright if I prayed for them. Most seemed shocked at the idea of this redheaded stranger from East Texas caring for them to that extent, but none refused the offer.
One of the last people I took through the line was an older woman named Catherine. After helping her get her food, I asked her if she minded the prayer, and like several before her, she said she didn't. I took her hands and asked God to bless her, and to never let her forget His unending love for her. After I ended the prayer, I looked up to see tears streaming down her face. She ran and wrapped me in the tightest hug I've had in a long time, exclaiming the awesomeness of our Creator.
I realized then why God put me in that food bank. When I heard Catherine praising the name of our Heavenly Father, I knew what He intended for me to accomplish today.
First off, a huge thank you to everyone who has supported Mission Alaska from the beginning, and to everyone who made this incredible opportunity possible. This experience has already taught me so much. My trust in God has strengthened greatly, and through the flight delays, I have learned to trust in God's timing, in everything I do.
I have no doubt that the next four days will change our lives, and by His grace we will be able to do the same for the people of Anchorage. Please continue to pray that God will use us and work through us to accomplish His will, and that we will be effective messengers of the love that He has given them.
-Staci
PART B
After our first full day in Alaska, I am still amazed at this beautiful state. I feel like I could stare at this scenery forever! There are mountains everywhere you turn, and the snow makes it even more picturesque.
This morning, we split up, and me and several others went to a small, local food bank to volunteer. They started me off filling sacks with Pinto beans, but I ended up having the opportunity to take customers through the line to help them pick out their food. After each person received their share of food, I asked them if it was alright if I prayed for them. Most seemed shocked at the idea of this redheaded stranger from East Texas caring for them to that extent, but none refused the offer.
One of the last people I took through the line was an older woman named Catherine. After helping her get her food, I asked her if she minded the prayer, and like several before her, she said she didn't. I took her hands and asked God to bless her, and to never let her forget His unending love for her. After I ended the prayer, I looked up to see tears streaming down her face. She ran and wrapped me in the tightest hug I've had in a long time, exclaiming the awesomeness of our Creator.
I realized then why God put me in that food bank. When I heard Catherine praising the name of our Heavenly Father, I knew what He intended for me to accomplish today.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Well, we’re certainly on an adventure!
“When everything goes wrong, that’s when adventure starts.”-Yvon Chouinard
Well, we’re certainly on an adventure!
I get ready and get to church, and we gather around to pray. Doug announces that our initial flight out of DFW is cancelled. WHAT?! (head smack!) I knew this was a possibility (our connection was in Denver, and they’re currently receiving plenty of snow), but I didn’t think it would actually happen. There is good news, however, there is a later flight to Denver that we could possibly make.
We make our way to the airport, and it’s on from there. Everyone sets their luggage to the side, out of the way, and the adults make their way to the ticket counter...and, well, that was 4 hours ago.
Yes, we’re currently still sitting in DFW Airport. I would say “luckily,” but I know it’s not luck--it’s purely the hand of God at work...the agent we get is a BLESSING. She has been on the phone for FOUR hours trying as many different possibilities as she is able. Six people here, six people there, ten people over there--at this point, as long as there is an adult with each group, we are game for ANYTHING. Fly to Seattle, LA, Phoenix, wherever, we’re game. As long as we all end up in Anchorage! We’re still waiting, and our blessing of a ticket agent is doing her thing.
The kids, meanwhile, have been another blessing. I personally have a very hard time “going with the flow,” and being patient. This group of kids has been absolutely incredible so far. So parents of these kids--you’ve done well! They have done the elevator riding rounds, snack time, hackie-sack, played on iPhones (and recharging them all at once!) they’ve done it all. I’m telling you, these kids have displayed more patience than I have seen in a very long time, from anyone!
We also got to see Morgan, a college girl from our church, and sister to a girl in our Alaska group. She goes to school in Chicago, and is in Texas this week on a choir tour. She landed in the same terminal that we’ve been in all day, so it was super cute to see the look on her and Claudia’s faces when they saw each other!
At this point (and from the very beginning, really) it’s out of our hands, and in God’s. It is times like these that I see God at work the most. In giving patience, in giving a patient and caring airline agent, in being here at the exact terminal one of our college girls walks through and sees her sister who’s with us, these are the times God is most visible to me. He is reminding me that His plan, not ours, is perfect. Things will happen in His time, by His means, and not by ours.
I’ve been thankful for this team for a while. Today I am also thankful for one United Airlines ticket agent, and two men who drove us to the airport. Praise be to God, from whom all blessings flow.
-Meagan Brown
Well, we’re certainly on an adventure!
I get ready and get to church, and we gather around to pray. Doug announces that our initial flight out of DFW is cancelled. WHAT?! (head smack!) I knew this was a possibility (our connection was in Denver, and they’re currently receiving plenty of snow), but I didn’t think it would actually happen. There is good news, however, there is a later flight to Denver that we could possibly make.
We make our way to the airport, and it’s on from there. Everyone sets their luggage to the side, out of the way, and the adults make their way to the ticket counter...and, well, that was 4 hours ago.
Yes, we’re currently still sitting in DFW Airport. I would say “luckily,” but I know it’s not luck--it’s purely the hand of God at work...the agent we get is a BLESSING. She has been on the phone for FOUR hours trying as many different possibilities as she is able. Six people here, six people there, ten people over there--at this point, as long as there is an adult with each group, we are game for ANYTHING. Fly to Seattle, LA, Phoenix, wherever, we’re game. As long as we all end up in Anchorage! We’re still waiting, and our blessing of a ticket agent is doing her thing.
The kids, meanwhile, have been another blessing. I personally have a very hard time “going with the flow,” and being patient. This group of kids has been absolutely incredible so far. So parents of these kids--you’ve done well! They have done the elevator riding rounds, snack time, hackie-sack, played on iPhones (and recharging them all at once!) they’ve done it all. I’m telling you, these kids have displayed more patience than I have seen in a very long time, from anyone!
We also got to see Morgan, a college girl from our church, and sister to a girl in our Alaska group. She goes to school in Chicago, and is in Texas this week on a choir tour. She landed in the same terminal that we’ve been in all day, so it was super cute to see the look on her and Claudia’s faces when they saw each other!
At this point (and from the very beginning, really) it’s out of our hands, and in God’s. It is times like these that I see God at work the most. In giving patience, in giving a patient and caring airline agent, in being here at the exact terminal one of our college girls walks through and sees her sister who’s with us, these are the times God is most visible to me. He is reminding me that His plan, not ours, is perfect. Things will happen in His time, by His means, and not by ours.
I’ve been thankful for this team for a while. Today I am also thankful for one United Airlines ticket agent, and two men who drove us to the airport. Praise be to God, from whom all blessings flow.
-Meagan Brown
Months and Months of planning and waiting have finally arrived
Months and months of planning and waiting have finally arrived. We are
off to Alaska! We are so excited to see what God is going to do this
week. I truly believe that not only are we going to change other
people's life but the people in Alaska are going to break our hearts for
God. We don't know how blessed we are. Please pray today that God will
make us aware of the lost people in the airports and everything leading
up to Alaska. Thank you parents for letting us do what God has called us
to do. We know its not easy to let your child go for a week! Please
continue to pray!
- Caitlyn Carnes
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Night before Alaska
This has been a busy week! emotionally, stressfully, and exhausting! it was hard to get excited about going to Alaska because of the stress of cheer tryouts for myself and the other girls. But now with that behind us and my focus has changed very excited about where God is taking us. I can't wait to see how He works! Jordie
Traveling Day
My prayer this morning for our group as we begin this amazing journey;
Lord, you showed me this week that we cannot touch the heart of the
"living" without first having "Your Love" in our hearts. Please fill us
with the love for people that has no boundaries. Love that doesn't see
color, deformity, disease, poverty, or differences. A love that can see
with eyes like yours. A love that can touch a life. A love that can make
a difference in a soul. Help us to love this week with the type of love
you had for us the day you went to the cross for our lives! What a
difference that type of love could make! Help each of us to take each
opportunity you have provided us and make the most of it for your
kingdom! We love you! Amen
-Michelle Grimes
-Michelle Grimes
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Mission Alaska 2013 Blog
Hello Team and Family,
We are one week away until we leave to share the Hope of Christ in Anchorage Alaska. I am grateful for such an amazing team and I know the Lord has ordained this time.
This blog will be used as a tool while we are there to allow our friends and family back home to see the work through your eyes. Each day a few of you will type notes, prayers or tell encounters from your day. Then, at night I will update them to this blog. Once it is updated, I will have it feed right to the email inbox's of all of your friends and family. So begin gathering the email addresses of the family and friends that you want to share the trip with.
You can leave them in the comments or you can put them into the feedburner to the right.
I am praying for each of you.
Blessings,
Kris Shustella
We are one week away until we leave to share the Hope of Christ in Anchorage Alaska. I am grateful for such an amazing team and I know the Lord has ordained this time.
This blog will be used as a tool while we are there to allow our friends and family back home to see the work through your eyes. Each day a few of you will type notes, prayers or tell encounters from your day. Then, at night I will update them to this blog. Once it is updated, I will have it feed right to the email inbox's of all of your friends and family. So begin gathering the email addresses of the family and friends that you want to share the trip with.
You can leave them in the comments or you can put them into the feedburner to the right.
I am praying for each of you.
Blessings,
Kris Shustella
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