Alaska 2016 - 2nd Update

We are about a month away from departure, and last night we had an orientation meeting. It was a chance for members to meet each other, go over travel information, and briefly discuss projects.  We had pizza, prayed, and discussed different aspects of the trip. I believe we have a good team, and our work is important.

We will be making final preparations for fish camp. Pastor Will indicated that last year more than 1000 pounds of salmon and approximately 2000 pounds of halibut were processed there.  The meaningful effects of fish camp are chiefly two:  helping folks catch and process fish and building relationships with them in a camp-like setting.  This has led to opportunities to speak about Jesus. Pastor Will indicated through Rod that a very significant part of fish camp is time spent after a long day around a fire pit talking and singing.  It allows for ministry through relationship.

Fish camp begins July 5.  We will be there the week prior to that.  Our team has the maintenance/construction/production experience and guidance we need for our projects.  Some of the work items include the following:  installing soffit, exterior painting, spreading gravel, putting in a couple windows, beginning build out of a mobile kitchen, making wooden toys for an outreach in Anchorage, placing "blocks" or something on rafters, and others.  The list may change slightly.

We will experience a beautiful part of Alaska. While it won't be Virginia summer weather, we are prayerful for a few sunny days. We have seen quite a few pictures of sunsets behind Mt. Redoubt. I look forward to that.  We will be prepared for cool, wet conditions as we work. There will be a leisure day, but there aren't specific plans for that, yet.

For those of you who have supported us by donations or buying gift baskets, thank you so much. Our trip is paid for. You have been very generous. We want to give you the opportunity to see what we are doing.  I may put one more update here before we leave on June 24.  We will try to offer brief updates on Facebook while we are there.  That depends on cellular service availability.  If there aren't Facebook updates, then it will be because of limited cellular service.  Following the trip, I will again provide a report or two here about the trip.  We are one of more than 10 teams supporting North of Hope projects in Alaska this summer.  You can see other pictures and updates on the North of Hope Facebook page.  Thank you again for your support.