Group was originally divided in two but another group was unable to show and at the last minute we were asked and able to step up and help out. I am very proud of the group and how they have worked together
The work is rewarding because fruit is abundant. Over the Summer, Grace works feeds over 1000 meals a week to children in Alaska. These camps and park events go on for 10 weeks. We are week 7 so equity from previous weeks work passes on to us and gives us credibility with the families we see and work with.
A day looks something like this for us-
Wake and eat by 7:45
Preparation for activities and lessons for the different sites 8:30
Some mornings for those not working to make lunches or running into town for needed supplies we go on hikes and have time set aside on these hikes to pray for our teams, our mission and the people and missions of Alaska. Of interest, the suicide rate here is larger by percentage than anywhere else in the US. This is in large part because so many see no hope because they don't know Jesus. (Back to the schedule )
11:00 is our chapel time to worship and pray before heading into the parks
The afternoon is spent in ministry all over Anchorage, feeding children, sharing faith, and even finding service projects to complete while we are here.
Supper is between 5:30-6:30 and the volunteer staff here at Graceworks feeds us well.
In the evenings we head back to the community parks for activities and more ministry.
By this time we are pretty tired but it is Alaska so the sun is still bright. We have been able to make a run to Bird Point at 11:30 PM. So unreal that you can see so much at this hour. Pictures of these excursions are many because it is natural to want to capture the handiwork of God. The frustration is that it is futile. Yesterday God spoke to me saying that as frustrating to behold nature but not be able to capture it all so too must it be frustrating to God to see our potential not reached for him.
Last night after leading clinics in the parks we were able to go moosing. A funny term for riding around in earthquake park looking at the amazing sites and hoping to see a moose. We saw several and even some babies. There are moose everywhere here though even walking through the neighborhood where we stay at Calvary Baptist Church. A few hearty souls took a dip in the glacier fed lake. Your Sr. Pastor is smarter than that. Again home by 11pm but broad daylight still. You have to force yourself to sleep or you will fall out.
Great times, hard work, fruit for the kingdom. More to come as the week progresses.
Hale
