Yesterday was another adventure here in the “Last Frontier”. The rain has decided to become our constant companion, and we are finding ways to adapt and modify our ministry. After breakfast we broke up into our teams to go back to the communities where we have been doing VBS, but this time for service projects. Some of us did a prayer walk through neighborhoods, passing out flyers and praying for the community. Others went to nursing homes to help as needed.
After our team returned from our prayer walk we had our first bear sighting! Just off the churches parking lot a mama bear was rummaging through a trash can. We were all pretty excited, as we locked the doors and rolled up the windows.
Chapel was was an intentional call to the mission field. We watched a video showing the need for people to answer the call to harvest. It was very compelling, and I hope and pray that some will heed this call.
VBS was a rain-soaked affair. We set up our tent and even before we were unpacked, children were there. As we reflected on this afterward, we tried to understand why they would come out when it was so unpleasant. The very fact that they did speaks to the need for us to be there. That they would come at all in the rain means they want something desperately. They may not be able to articulate it, but it was good for us to be there.
The evening was switched from the previous day. 2/3 of the group were able to walk about downtown and explore the city a bit, while the other group went and held their park party to great success. It was well attended and somewhat dry.
Christian Padilla led us in a devotional centered around the Great Commission. Afterward we shared updates on the stories that we have been getting to know throughout the week. It was incredible to see and hear these young people as they Ae investing their hearts into others. Prayers were requested for children or their parents. Then we took some time to pray that God would allow us to find a way to share the Gospel during our last day of VBS. Please pray for these opportunities today.
THEN we went MOOSING! All week we have endeavored to spot Alaskan wildlife with little success. We felt very encouraged by our bear sighting, and so we packed up the vans with fresh intel on where to spot moose and we set out, and boy were we rewarded! We saw at least 7 or 8 of them. Tall, and somewhat awkward looking, they were beautiful. It was awesome. Scott and I were probably the most excited, but I think everyone enjoyed seeing them. Oh, and Scott bought a hat. Please ask to see it.
