“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thess 5:16-18

 

And so when CA Thanksgiving (October) or US Thanksgiving (November) rolls around, we DO think about being thankful. But God has stretched us this autumn to practice rejoicing, praying without ceasing, and giving thanks IN everything. 

The Truck (and camper and trailer) Saga:

Steve flew to Billings on October 16. He was able to pick up our truck. We were able to thank God for some fabulous donations that have helped cover this cost! His plan was to quickly visit our Wyoming family and then drive home. But…the Alaska highway was closed in one part due to black ice, heavy snow in other areas. Instead, he drove to our OR office where the items are stored away until spring! He flew back home on October 22. 

​

Earlier in October Saga:

We facilitated a Biblical Counseling Conference on our Campus. We had about 40 in attendance from October 8-11, with keynote speakers from 12 Stones Ministries, Indiana. We spent a week+ getting handouts printed, binders purchased and compiled, housing arranged, and other various details. Some of our staff provided the meals and helped in numerous other ways. The Conference was well-received and the speakers were great. All in all, the consensus was that it was appreciated and successful. It was a time to celebrate God’s leading with thankfulness for the Conference.

​

Meanwhile Saga:

Early on October 8 we received a call from Phoenix, from our niece, that Steve’s mom had gone by ambulance to a local hospital. She was in severe pain. They tried to keep her comfortable and administer pain relief while waiting to see if the intestinal pain would subside. During our Conference we checked on her status. We had both just returned home the evening of October 11, after Conference-related duties, when we got a conference call with our family and the attending physician. Thankfully, Mom drove all decisions. 20 minutes later she was wheeled in for emergency surgery due to a small intestine blockage. We booked tickets for early morning. Before heading to bed we had the news that she was out of surgery and now for the recovery.

We spent about five days there in Phoenix, helping however we could, but then Steve needed to retrieve our truck from the repair shop. I flew back to Alaska and he flew to Billings! We were so thankful for God’s answered prayers for Mom and her recovery.

​

But Now Saga:

And…

Four days ago we had another family call to let us know that Steve’s sister was now admitted to the hospital. As they treated her for infection, other things seemed to be concerning and we received news that she had suffered a stroke. Please pray for our dear Cheryl, for recovery, and for wisdom in responding to her health situation.  Pray for us as we head back down to be with the family and help wherever we can.

​

We KNOW…..

We all face circumstances that we did not plan, twists and turns that cause us to adjust accordingly. That’s part of being human and living in a Genesis 3 world. But along the way…we are praising God for answered prayers, for opportunities to share about God, for the way so many of you pray for us, and for many of the other ministry opportunities we have had here at home - when we had planned to be elsewhere! These were God-ordained opportunities, and we are thankful that He chose to use us! And this is true for you, also, as God provides opportunities for each of you to serve Him in your home and ministry context. Together, we practice 1 Thess 5:16-18.

 

 

 

Serving in Partnership with You in Alaska!

 

Steve & Jill