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THE

EVANGEL

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Volume VI, Issue 3

A Messenger of the Kodiak Baptist Mission

Fall 2006

I sat back in my chair, sighing heavily. Taking my glasses off; I rubbed my eyes. The colors on the Summer Day Camp Schedule were starting to run together as the lines blurred out of focus. It was the middle of May; two weeks before camp would start and I was faced with the fact that we were understaffed. Evan Jones Sr. always used to tell me, “Plan the program, God will provide the staff.” This year I was beginning to wonder. A full staff for 50-60 children is about 15. I had eight, plus three junior counselors. I went to choir practice that night and asked for prayer that somehow God would provide a way, but more importantly that I would be able to leave it in His hands and trust that He would take care of it.

Now four months later I look back on the best Summer Day Camp ever. People have asked; Why? What made it so good? I have to answer, “The staff.” You see God did provide. In fact, He provided in many different ways. We were still understaffed, but our numbers were a little lower. It was disappointing not to have enough campers to run the backpacking camp, but it freed up staff to work in other areas. The children were well behaved, making the counselors’ job more pleasant and less emotionally draining. The three junior counselors worked their tails off. Jordan and Patricia had been campers the year before and Madelyn was in her second summer as a junior counselor. Of the eight staff, only one was new.

Two days into camp Evan, who filled the role of camp chaplain this summer, made the statement, “We’ve been studying about this for the past couple of weeks…” All the counselors laughed and somebody asked where he’d been, but as I thought about it, I felt the same way. Our staff was so comfortable with each other and we knew each other so well, it seemed like we just picked up where we left off the previous summer.

By July, five more staff arrived, two of whom were returning from previous summers as Day Camp counselors. We became a smooth functioning team, able to anticipate each other’s needs, jump in without hesitation wherever we were needed, and work through whatever communication or relational difficulties we encountered. A special thank-you to Judson Baptist in San Bernardino, California for making it possible financially to send us four of their very best college students.

Many children accepted Christ this summer. God blessed us with beautiful weather to enjoy the outdoor activities. Children and staff had a fun summer. Both groups grew, matured, and developed; as individuals, as Christians, and as a group. I grew in my faith, and was reminded that God provides especially when we are willing to leave every little detail in His control.

Thank you Heavenly Father for sending and providing; Evan and Cindy Jones, Cherie Woitel, Anne Jones, Kelli Wellensiek, Joel North, Esther Reeves, Sonya Toppe, Stephen Foreman, Kirsten Dahlen, J.D. Watson, Kristie McMurray, Spencer Carnes, Carolyn Rubio, Chris Castanada, Jordan Clay, Patricia Miller and Madelyn Pearman.

I am thankful for the nine months of school before next summer. However, I’m already looking forward to the Best Summer Ever.

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:28 is one of my personal favorites. It carries a promise and a truth that humbles me every time I read it. My name is Stephen Foreman, I am a 5^th year college student from Nebraska and just recently completed my second summer as a day-camp counselor and enjoyed every minute. However, my time in contact with KBM over the past year has been invaluable to my spiritual and personal development.

It was in the last spring release of The Evangel that I placed an article, which put me in a position of reliance on Romans 8:28. I spoke of my experiences as a 2004 Summer Day-Camp Counselor and expressed a specific need of the Mission, a 7-passenger van. Now, months later I am happy to report the need has been met!

Late December was when I felt the Lord calling me to return for another summer of ministry at KBM, and I excitedly anticipated my return trip. After all I would have the opportunity to minister to the kids of Kodiak for another 11 weeks and to see many of the friends I had made the previous summer. However, I soon found, excitement was not the only thing God had placed on my heart.

Through prayer, I realized He wanted something from me. With this in mind I called Trevor Jones, Executive Director of the Mission. I inquired of any specific needs that I might be able to help with while still in Nebraska. Trevor, introduced me to the need for a 7-passenger van and the “Nebraska to Alaska,” campaign began. Throughout this ministry and especially in the beginning stages I relied heavily on Romans 8:28 for confidence in this project.

In February, after a conversation with Reverend Bob Turner of Belleville, Kansas, the ministry started to take off.

Reverend Turner explained to me that he knew of a van we could get if a fundraising effort of $5,000 was met. This good news turned into great news in May when; after many correspondences, articles, and church visits in Nebraska and Kansas, the goal of $5,000 had been met AND exceeded by $1,000!

The van, a 1999 Dodge Caravan Sport with 40,000 miles and flashy KBM logos is now yet another working part of the KBM ministry. It is good to know that this van will provide a means to ease some transportation issues at the Mission, but it is fantastic to know that in ministries such as these God can work through people, even me, who are called according to his purpose.

The “Nebraska to Alaska” van campaign is more than a van, a donation, or a ministry. To me it is proof that God works to the good IN SPITE of our less than perfect efforts and that efforts’ in His name far exceed our meager expectations.

At Sonshine Christian Preschool, we have everything a three to five year old would want: colorful toys, blocks and games, a myriad of crayons, markers and paints, computers, a science discovery center, a dramatic play area, and a spacious playground with state of the art equipment. Then there are field trips outside Mission grounds: Baranof Park, the Fisheries Touch Tank, numerous beaches, etc. For good measure, here in Kodiak, majestic emerald mountains are thrown in the mix, as their reflections cast onto the mercury-blue surface of the North Pacific. To enjoy this all to the utmost, the children also have each other. In a very real sense, from 8am to 5pm, the world created for them is at their fingertips. All the tools and resources are there for them to become productive citizens, or at least at this point, competent and productive Kindergarten students. What child could ask for anything more?

Yet, it fascinates me to sometimes notice that perhaps this is not what the children truly desire. In spite of all the “things” these children are given, the material treasure trove available to supplement their education and growth, the scores of activities they are encouraged to partake in, none of these compare to the one thing they seem to cherish the most, our attention. They can play and learn their little hearts out all day, surrounded by all the bells and whistles of childhood, however, they are often not satisfied unless they know for certain that a teacher is watching. I don’t know how often each day I hear the words “Mr. David, look at me!” They want me to look at their accomplishments and say “Well done!”

As “adults” we often experience a parallel. It seems that in today’s society we have limitless resources available to help us become “better” Christians and grow closer to the Lord. In addition to good old fashioned church and fellowship, we have thousands of books to choose from telling us how to read the bible more effectively. We have tapes, programs and special seminars, V.I.P. speakers, concerts, potlucks, and scores of spiritual “bells and whistles” to choose from such as key chains, plaques, mugs, e-cards and wristbands. Even ministry itself can become kind of a whirl of constant activity, interrupted every so often by a five minute devotional.

While God can use all these things to help us grow, we know that it’s not what we truly desire. What we really desire is that personal affirmation from God. To have personal communion with Him, the kind Adam experienced walking with the Lord in the garden, in the cool of the day. Nothing compares with the sweet simplicity of time spent in the presence of the Lord, and the wonderful affirmation and peace He alone can provide to our hearts and minds. None of our exterior endeavors matter unless our Lord is looking on and saying “Well done”, not because of our works, but because of His great love for us, and the joy He takes in watching us live, work, play and grow.

It was a rainy, summer, Saturday morning, a Saturday morning that should have been spent sleeping. However, I had a challenge course to facilitate for a local youth group, and my excitement level was less than desirable. “Perhaps they won’t show up or even cancel because of the weather”, I thought. I was determined not to move from my warm and dry bed. Yet inside reminders of how the Lord had spoken through me on similar days continually played out in a never ending cycle of conviction. I finally glanced at the clock and realized that I had better move.

I was off like a thundering herd of banana slugs across the parking lot to the gear room. As I reached my destination my sour attitude began to change, I sat on the steps praying, “use me Abba Father, just use me.” With that I gently whispered “okay God here we go” and began setting up the high elements for the course.

I soon found myself harnessed, thirty feet above ground in a Sitka Spruce tree watching the horizon. It was as if the morning had been wrapped in a cocoon, just waiting for the perfect moment to reveal itself to me. God was moving! I finished setting up the course just as twenty teenagers arrived, ready for a full day of challenges and dressed in a volley of enthusiasm and excitement. Spiritually, I felt the least prepared or so I thought, but between the front of the Administration building and the gear room the Spirit began to stir. I opened with an introduction of the day and laid before them my challenge. “Whatever you are dealing with at home or in your life, leave it behind and live outside yourself,” it was a start.

Challenge after challenge was completed and the continuing theme of leaving the worldly things behind us and striving for a deeper relationship with our Lord was brought to the forefront. It was evident that the Lord was working through me. Whether it be my insight into individuals or engaging their minds with the gospel message, I became less and Christ became more.

I realized that day the absence of the sun had become a blessing as it allowed the brilliance of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to shine all the brighter. At the end of the day I was tired and drained, but thankful that the Lord had equipped me with all I needed to do his work that rainy, summer Saturday morning.

Throughout the summer months the ground of the Kodiak Baptist Mission was anything but quiet. Groups and

individuals from all over the lower 48 traveled to the Mission and freely gave of their talents and abilities. The summer began with a young group from Columbus, Indiana followed by a collaborative effort from McPherson, Kansas and Stockton, California. August rushed in with a group from Buckhannon, West Virginia and rushed out with our final work group of the summer from Sea View, New Jersey.

Along with our four hard working groups came many individuals and couples to serve. Over 120 people made their way to the Kodiak Baptist Mission and the worked they accomplished has been second to none.

The preschool and administration building received new paint jobs. The inside of the adult and children’s chapel was painted as well as the After School Recreation for Kids (A.R.K) room and the basement of McWinnie Cottage. Much work was done on the inside of the administration building including dry walling, electrical, and the building of new stairs. The Food Bank and Thrift Store are always in need of faithful volunteers and many individuals dedicated countless hours of work by sorting clothing and distributing food. A new electrical service was also set in place at the Food Bank. Many of the homes at the Mission received some much needed TLC. Decks were painted and stained, windows set in place and much cleaning was done. The white fencing around the Mission was also completed and looks wonderful. A bathroom was finished in the Pavilion, as well as waterproofing the logs and Lucien, along with his dedicated helpers, faithfully prepared three meals a day. Volunteers daily prepared the snacks for all of the day campers and were flexible with the many requests brought to them.

Three of the teams had the unique opportunity to serve at the Ouzinkie Mission where Joyce Smith serves. With early morning departures on the Mission’s boat Diakonos, long days of scraping, priming, painting, cleaning and the hour boat ride back (enjoying the view of whales and priceless sunsets) made for very tiring, but satisfying days.

This summer has been one of our best, and as we look back it amazes us to see all the work that has been accomplished. Colossians 3:23 seems to capture exactly what all these individuals did this summer. Work at everything you do with all your heart, work as if you were working for the Lord. Not for human masters. It brings me great joy to know the Lord hand picked each individual that served this summer. The KBM family has grown and I look forward to those he will bring in the future.

Ruth and I came to the Mission in mid May, and we are scheduled to leave the first of September. You have a right to wonder why we forced ourselves upon the Mission for the entire summer. But after receiving permission from Dick’s Sunday School Class to leave for the summer, upon the promise of coming back in September, we were free to make the journey.

Having family at the Mission played a major role in putting KBM in our thinking. To come would give us the opportunity to get acquainted with our daughter-in-law and our grandchildren. The encouragement and prayer of our children created the support we needed to decide to come to the Mission. We knew what they did at the Mission, but what was really involved in the work of the Food Bank and the Thrift Store was totally unknown. We came to share in their work in order that we might more wisely intercede for them.

Upon our arrival at the Mission we were given our assignments. Ruth appreciates the privilege of being receptionist,

and helping in the office. Dick enjoys the challenge of the responsibility of the commentary in the daily chapel service. Helping in the Food Bank is also a constant reminder of how good the Lord has been to us. The obligation to love others as we love ourselves (Matthew 19:19) really gets to be a challenge regarding the depth of our commitment to the Lord. How much do we really care about the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs of others?

Another reason for coming was to grow in our faith. A different type of ministry would both challenge and stretch us. Since God is infinite there must be infinite things about God we ought to learn. The variety God has put into His creation reminds us of the fact that we need to expect variety in the way God works. It is always instructive to see how God’s gift of grace equips people to fulfill His promise that His word will not return void, but will accomplish His purpose (Isaiah 55:11).

Being on an island in the ocean makes a landlubber wake up and take notice. Every time I see the ocean my mind is drawn to the words of Isaiah 48:18, “If only you had paid attention to my commandments, your peace would have been like a river; your righteousness like the waves of the sea” (NIV). To obey the Lord is to find that our “good works” (see Matthew 5:16) will be like the waves of the sea. When I examine the waves I notice 1) there are always waves coming in; 2)each wave has a beauty all its own; 3) each wave makes a different impact on the shore. If those same characteristics describe the life of obedience, how great is the need of growing to be more and more like Jesus? The blessing of being here at the Mission is learning more about the joy of obedience.

It’s an early morning at the Kodiak Baptist Mission, the clock flashes 5 AM and anybody else would sleep for a couple more hours. For me though, this is the beginning of a beautiful day to serve the Lord and experience God’s grace. The view from the Mission’s picnic pavilion at sunrise and the sound of bacon cooking tells me I am at home. The story of how I got to this point and time, to wake up and serve, has been a long journey of prayer and God’s timing.

Coming from parents who faithfully served the Lord taught my brother and me about serving God and others. It took quite a while to figure out how I could best serve God. I am not blessed with a character to work with children or lead a bible study and it blows me away to think of how God led me here three years ago. I began cooking for my family and others in senior year and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was not until I worked at a restaurant, for a summer job, that I really became hooked. The spring of 2002 I met Lucien Bernard, the chef at the Mission. I never imagined meeting him would lead me to come to the Mission and work, but the Lord did.

Some part of me always knew I would work in Kodiak. My father had served at Camp Woody, my brother had faithfully served many summers and one full year at the Mission. They would always tell stories about the kids and the day camp program. While sitting with Lucien, God started to plant the seeds of cooking for KBM. By the spring of 2003 my plane ticket was bought and I took a step of faith into the summer.

My first summer I began building a name for myself and did my best to shake off the common phrase “the brother of or the son of”. I worked the entire summer waking up early to cook breakfast for the work groups and serve the day camp counselors lunch and dinner. I also knew that besides cooking God had a plan to help me grow and learn. I spent an abundance of time in prayer, reflection and reading my Bible.

Now looking back over the past three summers of serving at the Mission, God has given me a passion to serve His people. I am currently attending culinary school in California and prayerfully seeking a job. It is by God’s grace and mercy that I have the privilege to serve my adopted family. I have truly become a member of the body of Christ at the Kodiak Baptist Mission.

Summer is now over and after a weeks rest I have begun preparing for the next main event, the Currier and Ives Christmas program. This means baking and freezing Christmas cookies for the holidays.

I am very excited to report that our Lord has answered our prayer! As you know in my last letter I requested that you pray for a new kitchen range. Well, only two or three weeks after my request I received a call from a gentleman in Pennsylvania. He explained that he would like to help purchase the new range I had picked out (it was $6,000.00 on sale for $3,000.00). He sent me a check for the cost of the range, and then he contacted the group that had come to KBM with him in 2003, and the money was raised for the cost of shipping. So the Lord was faithful and provided us with a brand new commercial kitchen range. Thank you Bob Tillinghast and the 2003 Pennsylvania work group for your great faithfulness in answering the Lord’s call. God bless you.

The Lord was also faithful in answering my prayer for the much needed help throughout the summer season and truly has blessed me. He first sent two individuals from California, Kathy Smith and Andrew North. Andrew returned for his third summer helping and it was Kathy’s first. They were a wonderful blessing and I could not have made i

t without them both. Kathy, with her great cooking experience, took on all kitchen responsibilities and it ran very smoothly. Andrew received the responsibility of feeding the Day Camp counselors. This included; preparing, transporting, and serving two meals a day, five days a week and cleaning the kitchen at the end of each work day.

After Kathy and Andrew left, one work team was left to serve. This group (Sea View Baptist from New Jersey) provided me with two helpers, which gave me great joy (and laughter) to end the season. Their willingness to serve and make my job easier was wonderful, and greatly appreciated.

Some of you may remember a young lady whom I had asked prayer for. She was suffering from cervical cancer and given only six months to live. I was given the opportunity to lead this woman to Christ and mentor her throughout this difficult time. Upon completion of the Chemo and radiation, another body scan was taken and they found all the cancer around her heart and neck was gone.

My name is Britteny Bethencourt and my mothers name is Rebecca Ahlstrand. My mother was diagnosed with cervical cancer and the doctors had given her 6 months to live, telling her she was “terminally ill”. My mom is the strongest, most big hearted person I know, and she didn’t accept what the doctors had to say. Soon after my mother had a pet scan taken, in which the results were not good, the cancer had spread to her neck, lungs and was surrounding her heart. She went through a 6 week session of radiation and chemo-therapy and is currently undergoing another 6 weeks of radiation. She also went through internal radiation for three days and 60

straight hours of radiation, where she could not move to eat or get up. Since the bad results from the pet scan, we have received some awesome news. News that helps us understand the miracles God can really do. My mom no longer has cancer in her neck or around her heart. The mass that was on her cervix is now half the size it was.

My moms faith has grown so much, it’s unbelievable. It is amazing how God is working in our lives and I am very happy to say my mom was baptized on July 17^th. Lucien even flew all the wa down to hot California to be here. I think it was the happiest day of her life. Since knowing Lucien, our lives have changed dramatically. We are learning more and more about Jesus, and my mom and I live our lives following in the footsteps of Jesus. I don’t think we could ever be happier. Words cannot express our gratitude and thanks for all the prayers there have been and that are still coming from complete strangers. Thank-you so very much from the bottom of our hearts, we appreciate you all very much. Please continue to keep us in your prayers and we would love to come to know some of you personally and perhaps pray for you.

As of September 12th, Rebecca completed her second round of radiation and met with her doctors. The cancer mass at her cervix is gone. She will have a pet scan in two weeks, but we are praising the Lord for His great mercy.

This past summer has been a very successful season for me in my kitchen and in many others ways. I believe it is only because of all your faithful prayers that have been lifted up to our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank-you so very much for all your support.

Please continue to lift the Lion Tamers up in prayer as we move into a new study of the scriptures pertaining to recovery from bondages.

Also pray that the Lord will provide the other equipment needed to support a food service program. My heart is presently focused on a new commercial refrigerator/freezer. We presently have 3 household refrigerators, they not only are inadequate for food storage, but also the amount of power they require is much to high.

Remember my sister as well Sylvia Bernard. We recently got news that the cancer has now spread to her liver. Please pray for God’s will and that the pain would be controllable. Also that God’s love would spread through her and give her a peace

The view outside the Food Bank has improved greatly. How? I’m glad you asked! A forty foot-long container is parked right outside; it’s all you cansee. It isn’t that I thought the view was bad before, and now I don’t have to look at it. No, what is inside the container is what is important. Recently the company that had the contract to ship government commodities to us from Seattle sold out, and that left us without food deliveries for some time. You can stuff a lot of food into a forty foot container, and it is full.

The view is much better inside the Food Bank too. The shelves were getting bare, but now they are full. It is a wonderful thing to have the problem of trying to figure out where to put all the food! Seven new items are on the list to give out to our clients, more than doubling the amount of USDA commodities given to each family.

As good as full shelves look, even better was what you could see last Monday. We started the day with four workers and a lot of clients waiting for food. When the wait for food got very long, rather than complaining, some of them volunteered to help. We more than doubled our workforce. One of our new volunteers was a high school-age girl. Food went out the door a lot faster. Even better, we had a great time and got to know each other better. These aren’t clients, they are friends.

We start every distribution with prayer that God’s grace and love will be given out in much greater quantities than food and clothing, and that he will be glorified. It is an awesome experience to watch him answer our prayers. We serve an incredible God.

Also of note at the Food Bank, this month marks one year of distributing food once a month at the Senior Center. Not only is it an expansion of services, it is a blessing to interact with the seniors. They are so appreciative and such fun to be around. As much as they appreciate us, I think we appreciate them more for the joy they have brought to our lives

There are footprints all over the Mission. You can see them everywhere if you look. When I look I see Esther’s footprints leading down to the barn to feed the horses every day. I see Kelli’s footprints running back and forth in the yard where she chases after kids in the after-school program’s games. I see Anthony’s footprints all over the garage as he continually keeps a fleet of cars running that don’t always want to run. I see Joel’s footprints beneath the high ropes where he guides the many children through the course.

I also see the footprints of many who no longer work at the Mission but left their indelible mark. When I look at the flower beds I cannot help but see the footprints of Dina Derider. And though her vision may slowly be slipping away with age she has left a sight for the rest of us to see. I see the footprints of Carolyn and Cindy who poured their hearts into the Sonshine Christian Preschool, but their paths took them away from the Mission.

I see the footprints of those who have gone on before us. I see my dad’s footprints and Karrol Clarke’s footprints. When the Mission was left with no funding after turning down the state grant they stayed on at the Mission and chose to work for free. I see Karrol’s footprints in the office as she stressed over the books trying to keep track of every dollar spent. I see how her steps took her to organizing the office and being the face that everyone first saw when they came

to the Mission. Though the stress she experienced from the work sometimes seemed overwhelming to us around her, I can see the love she left in those footprints and the mark she made so the Mission could continue into the future.

I see the footprints that Karrol made down a path she did not want to go on: the same path that my dad did not want to go on. As she traveled down this path, there was grief, but when you saw her route you could see the joy and celebration of a life well lived. When she came to Kodiak for the last time I still saw a woman who was blazing a trail of sorrow but mixed with a quiet and overwhelming joy. I see her footprints as she traveled down the same path as my dad to be with Jesus Christ. Will her footprints here at the Mission slowly fade in the memories of people? Will those coming in still see what she has done? I don’t know but I know when I look around the Mission she is not gone. I can see her footprints all around me and I am blessed because she saw this journey through.

Karrol Clark, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, August 7, 2005. Earl Clark, 900 Summit Dr., Richland Center, WI 53581-1526

School as begun and while we do not have the same large number of children entering KBM each day their joyful sounds still ring throughout the Mission. The Sonshine Christian preschool and Daycare numbers have jumped back up again as we enter this fall season.

Anne Jones as stepped forward as an interim preschool Director, however, our need still remains to fill this position. Any interested candidate must show a strong commitment to Christ with a love for children. A degree in childhood development or a related field is also required.

Kodiak has a unique opportunity to extend our ministry to new places but the help of a certified architect is needed. If you or someone you know is an architect and would be interested in working on commercial buildings for furthering the Gospel, we would like to talk to you.

Late in the afternoon the Twelve came to him and said, "Send the crowd away so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside and find food and lodging, because we are in a remote place here."

Paula Bush told a story of people one Sunday at Community Baptist Church when she shared that her family was one of the many that lost all they had in the path of Hurricane Katrina. All nine of her siblings had been accounted for, however some were in shelters, others were staying with family members and her father was trying to remain in his home, which had become a single room. Her sister-in-law had been shot in the back by looters, leaving her in the hospital and her two children without their Mom. Paula explained that she would be leaving early in the week to help the family in whatever way possible. She hoped to take with her some essentials like clothes, shoes, and school supplies.

The Kodiak Island Food Bank opened its doors and allowed Paula to gather whatever she thought would be useful for her family free of charge. Clothes for kids, men and women were chosen. School supplies and a few toys would help bring a little more cheer.

It is amazing to think how far away KBM is from this tragedy, yet we were able to lend a helping hand. At times it seems we have little to offer, but we still do our best to hold to Christ’s calling for us to feed them. I pray that the small contribution we made will help spread Christ’s love to those we don’t even know.

Paula’s story reminds me of so many of you who give generously to the Kodiak Baptist Mission. Whether through donations, gifts, time, or any other way your contribution is important. Some of you have never seen the Mission, yet give freely. These success stories are just as much because of you. We are always being taught God is faithful in every situation and that when He says, “You give them something to eat,” he will never leave us short.