GroshLink

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. -- Psalms 91: 1-2

 

This morning, Theresa's dad Carl left for Alaska with a LightShine mission/work team project in Alaska. Their labors will be focused upon ...

1. Globe Creek Camp (week 1):  Mike, while volunteering with the youth at his church, found out there was no handy, and inexpensive, camping programs for kids near Fairbanks. The vision was born to provide a reasonably priced place where the kids from Fairbanks can enjoy camp and learn about Jesus. After some years and much prayer 40 beautiful acres were secured one hour north of Fairbanks at mile 37 on the Elliott Highway. Camp started that year in tents. Meanwhile, Mike set about the work of building a camp. Steve, a high school teacher, found out about this project and moved his family from Texas to volunteer as Camp Director. One year later, in 2008, the first LightShine team went to Globe Creek camp and helped Mike build two cabins in one week. Mike's response, “You guys are awesome!”


2. Seldovia (week 2): Approximately four years ago Scott, who works for Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR), purchased an old homestead on a beach in Seldovia practically on the tip of the Kenai peninsula. Scott is a committed Christian and he wants to use the property as a Christian Retreat Center. In the past four years they have hosted pastor retreats and respite weekends in spite of the fact that the old cabin is very small and has been used pretty hard over the years. Two years ago Scott and his family had the privilege of hosting the Truelove family. Mr. Truelove had been diagnosed with terminal cancer and the family knew he had only a short time to live. Their trip to Seldovia was the last family fun trip they enjoyed together. On the way out a killer whale approached out boat, surfaced then dove under it. In Scott’s words “It was awesome even for this old ‘sourdough.’ I think it was a gift from God to bless that family” Mr. Truelove went to be with the Lord within 6 months of their trip. That is what this place is about!

What prayer requests did Carl (center of back row) leave with us? 

Pray for the safety of the team, every one to get along, etc.  But most important, pray for the people. There is a great need to know the love and security of the Lord. There is a very high incidence of poverty, hopelessness, alcoholism, and abuse.  Child sexual abuse is extremely high. The team and the camps need to express and model a new possibility of living, one that includes a loving savior. We will be in contact with some of the local folks but the long term nature of the faciltilies that we will help provide is where this will happen year after year.

Note:  More on the trip will be posted over the course of the next several days.