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THE

EVANGEL

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Volume VI, Issue 2

A Messenger of the Kodiak Baptist Mission

Summer 2005

One year ago I received the news that I was not accepted to the University of Washington Medical School. It was just days before a planned trip to Cambodia which I had hoped would be a celebratory trip. Instead, it seemed to be a consolation prize, yet it planted the seeds for a return trip. When I was there I saw the tremendous need for basic medical care. People with wounds and diseases that never healed properly were left scarred or even crippled for life because of the lack of medical care. War has been a strong part of Cambodia’s history for 50 years until as recently as 1997, yet it seemed to be a country where people wanted peace and happiness more than anything. Many, if not most, of the educated people of Cambodia had been killed by the Khmer Rouge from 1975-1979 and the effects are still being felt to this day.

When I returned to Alaska, I immediately told the physician I had been working with about my experience and invited him to consider returning to Cambodia with a team to put on medical clinics for remote villages. A year later our team was arriving in Phnom Penh, Cambodia ready to face two weeks of working medical clinics. The day after getting there I received the news that I had been accepted into the University of Washington this time. The trip immediately turned into a celebration for me and we went on to serve over 700 people while working many different clinics.

I knew going into this process that if I were to be accepted it would not be without regret. When I returned I had a difficult time imagining my life without Kodiak and the Baptist Mission in it. Many people move on to a new job or place because they do not like what they are doing now but I love what I do in supporting the ministry here at the Mission. I love where I live. I love the people I work with. Trevor once told me that as Christians we are not called to leave a place but rather we are called to a new place and that is how it has been for me. In no way do I feel called to leave the Mission but rather I am called to do a task which God has prepared for me. I will miss my time with the children and my other daily tasks. I will miss editing, writing, folding, stapling, sorting and mailing The Evangel as I have done since we started sending it out, but I leave it in Kelli Wellensiek’s capable hands. One way or another, the Lord always provides and His work goes on. I hope to return as a medical doctor but one can never predict the ways of the Spirit of God and where I will be led. So as I step away I hope that you will not only pray for me and my family as we start this journey but also that new workers will be delivered to the Mission and His work here will grow.

Hello everyone. My name is Kelli Wellensiek. Many of you probably remember me from the previous newsletter, but I felt a more formal introduction was needed. I am a 23 year old recent graduate of the University of Nebraska at Kearney with a Bachelors of Science in Organizational Communication with an emphasis in training and development.

Leaving the great state of Nebraska with a one way ticket was difficult but the excitement of entering a new stage in my life, fully led by the Lord, is one I’m looking forward to.

Having the opportunity to complete my senior internship with KBM this spring was a tremendous blessing and I am thankful for all I have learned throughout the past four months. I also look forward to the new opportunities the Lord is directing me to in Kodiak and pray for his continued guidance and blessing.

I look forward to the opportunity of compiling KBM’s newsletter. Although I have some big shoes to fill I look forward to getting to know you all in the coming months. Last month as I was labeling The Evangels it struck me as to the numerous homes we enter. It is a blessing to have the opportunity to keep all of you, our faithful supporters, up to date with our latest happenings.

As volunteers at Kodiak Baptist Mission, we have enjoyed sharing in worship with the Community Baptist Church. Early one Sunday morning we were wakened by an early phone call, inviting us to change our worship plans. Due to the bright sunshine, 50 degree weather, and smooth Pacific waters, many of our staff had decided to take the 90 minute boat ride to worship in the village of Ouzinkie on Spruce Island. Four layers of warm gear were quickly assembled for wear on the open deck over the very cold ocean waters. As we approached the dock, we saw KBM’s boat the Diakonos, named from the Greek word meaning “servant”. It is to be used to transport campers to Woody Island and other more remote camp spots, and perhaps to make Food Bank deliveries to small villages around Kodiak Island. At 8:15 AM, 16 people from the ages of 1 ½ to 89, along with Trevor Jones’ dog, Willow, left the dock.

The view of the vast Pacific, the beautiful white wispy clouds overhead, the many tall snow covered peaks and an occasional spouting of a nearby whale added to our awe and wonder at the marvelous world created by our God. At 9:45 AM we moved closer to the north shore to find the small beach where we were to meet three volunteers, who after starting Friday evening, had hiked eight miles through heavy brush and rain from near the city of Kodiak to this area. After hearing the boat’s bell the campers, laden with camping gear, joined us for the short trip across the channel to the small village of Ouzinkie. After debarking, we walked to Joyce Smith’s home to join in 10:30 worship.

Joyce, her husband Norman and their children carried the gospel to each of the out-lying villages for many years. They lived on the boat Evangel, visiting each village holding Worship Services, Sunday Schools and Vacation Bible Schools. Joyce still has the folding pump organ she used on the boat, and gladly recounts the joy they had in using music and scripture to introduce villagers to Jesus Christ. Later, she was the health officer in Ouzinkie, and voluntarily taught Kindergarten in her home. She is pleased that she was able to teach three generations of students how to read. She is an ordained minister and today at 87 still conducts weekly worship services in her 67 year old home (whether one or many attend), conducts Bible studies, and counsels those seeking her wisdom.

We entered the small chapel to the sound of music. Joyce was playing her organ for the singing. She slowly stood to give the sermon. Her scripture was from the 58^th chapter of Isaiah, where God says fasting is more than just not eating certain foods at special times. God is more pleased when we answer His call to feed the hungry, offer hospitality, give clothes to those who have none – in other words, to let His love live in and through us every day. Joyce shared her deep faith in Jesus Christ, and the gratefulness she has for the ways in which He has always provided everything she has needed for any service to which He has called her, suggesting that each of us open our hearts and minds to Christ for His leading daily. After singing songs of praise, we shared a pot luck meal, enjoying both the food and fellowship. Later, many of us took advantage of the lovely weather and enjoyed a strenuous walk across Spruce Island.

On the homeward journey we stopped at a beach on small Nelson Island, the remote home of a tiny group of Russian Orthodox nuns whose ministry is largely one of prayer, praise and study, with some communion with a few other persons. Evan Jones, along with young Chad Weise, took the rubber boat to shore, and carried boxes of food up the hill to their residence. Following Joyce’s message many of us on the Diakonos felt this part of our journey was the kind of service Isaiah had indicated would be pleasing to God. We rejoiced as two nuns stood on the beach, smiling and waving their greetings.

More whales shared our return. One humpback spouted and also rose up to let us observe his size and power. More views of the mountains dressed in snow, more soft lacy clouds and the company of seagulls and the eagles made us aware again of the beauty and glory of God’s great world. We were welcomed back by a VERY substantial sea lion enthroned on the dock at the entrance to Kodiak harbor.

This journey to go to “a” worship service had turned into an entire day of worship. The camaraderie of Christian brothers and sisters, the journey across the open sea, the group singing praises to our Lord, the message of our faithful servant of Christ, Joyce Smith, the walk in the beautiful woods, the display of God’s creatures, and the outreach of KBM’s food ministry to the isolated nuns made a day we will long remember as one of the most inspiring worship experiences we have ever had.

This day’s events lead us to our hope that all who work and visit Kodiak Baptist Mission will experience its uniqueness as a holy place in its present beauty, and will continue letting Christ’s love flow through them to those in need as did the many who answered God’s call to service here since KBM’s beginning in 1893. It is our prayer that others may share similar rich worship experiences in Christ’s service.

If you ever make your way up to Kodiak and stop by the Mission I’d ask that you’d stop by the Ayer Cottage entry way. It tells the story well of what lies past the door and into our home. Of course there are shoes and lots of them. They start with small little yellow rubber boots which look too small for any person. However, the feet which fill them may be small, but little Julianna at 21 months is packed with a giant personality. Her blue eyes, blonde hair, and giggly grin keep all of us on our toes and laughing. The next smallest shoe in our entry way is a black shoe with a bright red and blue Spiderman across each side. Whenever it’s time to head outside Gareth searches the entry way unsatisfied until his shoes are securely velcroed on his feet. With his wavy brown hair and deep green eyes there’s no question the girls will be after him some day. At times it amazes me, Gareth is only four, but prays profound prayers, asks mind boggling questions, and comments about how beautiful each day is. The last of the small shoes belong to Joshua Jones. His camouflage pull-ons are extremely worn. Josh has a new pair of shoes which sit next to these, but each day he passes them by and that fits his personality. At six Josh can tell you about any insect, fish, or interesting animal. He loves spending time at grandma’s house. He finds his homework boring, but he never tires of being outside exploring and using his creative imagination. When these three shoes are put together there is anything but calmness. Gareth always wants to know where his baby sister is and never falls far behind Josh’s shoes. Josh has become a little man caring for his sister and humoring us with his odd jokes that he finds so funny we all end up laughing. Julianna is constantly trying on bigger shoes and many times these are her parents.

Cindy and Evan probably have the most diverse shoes imaginable. Cindy is a beautiful woman with amazing taste. She has a beautiful pair of pink shoes, but not far from those are her rugged hiking boots. Evan’s size 15 Gortex shoes are hard to miss each new pair looks similar to the last pair he had. Evan does not get to caught up with the little things, but always strives for the best. When you combine Cindy’s pretty pink shoes and Evan’s dependable size 15 it’s a unique and amazing combination.

There are a pair of shoes which stick out and at times stink a bit in the entry way. Esther’s boots are a daily reminder of the five horses we have and her unending commitment to them. Esther’s days begin with life guarding, followed by chores and at the end of the day it’s always interesting to see what other shoes she’s worn. It doesn’t matter if its snowing, raining, freezing cold, or nice and toasty Sonya’s Chaco sandals are always in the entry way. Sonya has many pairs of shoes, but the Chaco’s fit her personality. Sonya’s going to be the same whatever day of the week you see her. She is determined that even through the ups and downs in her life she will follow the will of the Lord wherever that may lead. Every three months a new pair of shoes joins the group. They’re beautiful and white the first few days, but it doesn’t take long for the black rock and dirt to wear them in. Kelli’s running shoes are much like her. She’s determined and although at times we all find her crazy for the conditions she runs in she’s committed and dependable. It’s hard to choose a shoe that David wears, but his brown sheep skinned slippers are one of a kind as he is. David adds an intriguing dimension of culture to our home. He loves drinking tea, listening to his short wave radio, and eating anything from Germany is a treat. We call him the Barbarian, but to watch him play with the children he’s really a big loving kid.

If you walk into our entry way you may thinks it’s a mess, smelling, and full of dirty shoes. But it’s our entry way. Each pair of shoes belongs to a unique one of a kind person that the Lord has brought into our home. We do not always get along, but the love the Lord has given us as a family keeps us tightly bonded.

So the invitation stands, come visit us at Ayer Cottage, take off your shoes at the entry way and join our family for a night you’ll be so blessed because you did.

We couldn’t have asked for better weather as Russ and I flew to Old Harbor. As we passed over the snowy peaks I marveled at our Father’s magnificent creation and thanked him for the opportunity I had to travel to Old Harbor. It has been in our prayer for some time that the Kodiak Island Food Bank would have the opportunity to reach out to the surrounding villages. I have to say the Lord was completely with us on our maiden flight to Old Harbor. He blessed us with only having to purchase a single, one -way plane ticket and placed the right people in our path that would make our efforts a success.

Upon arrival we made our way to the Tribal Center and waited for individuals to apply for our services. After a couple of long hours Russ and I decided to take a lunch break. While eating we began talking with a long time native of Old Harbor. She and her family had lived there for a great many years, dependant on the fishing industry. However, just recently her husband had up and left her and their two children. Her strength and matter of fact way of explaining it surprised me. After lunch Russ and I returned to the Tribal Center where we had the opportunity to sign two individuals up. However, we soon realized we needed to go to the people. We had a wonderful afternoon going door to door explaining the Food Bank and signing people up. At the conclusion of our day nine families were ready to receive food.

Throughout this process the Lord has been the center. It has been amazing to see how our Father so delicately crafts his plan. As Russ, “Says it’s our duty to fulfill Christ’s call by feeding the hungry. “ In the short time we’ve been serving Old Harbor it is obvious to see the Lord working.

M/V Lazy Bay, a boat which regularly traveled to Old Harbor has made our first two deliveries free of charge. Mark and Heather Overbeek whom are Interact Missionaries deliver the food along with an Orthodox priest. The love of Christ is being shown even to the farthest corners of Kodiak and it’s encouraging to see more and more families begin to take advantage of this service.

It is our prayer the Kodiak Island Food Bank can and will continue to spread the love of Jesus Christ to more and more villages. We are now working to include Port Lions in our services and look forward to the work the Lord will do in and through this ministry.

We have had the opportunity to expand our food bank ministry; however, we recently have suffered a shortage of food donated by our local grocery stores. This has forced us to purchase food for distribution. Please be in prayer that as our ministry grows we will have the resources to follow.

Evan and Kelli have been asking me, or maybe more like encouraging me to write an article for the Evangel. I continually tried to come up with some ideas, but had this mental block. Finally, I asked Evan, “What should I write about?” He brought up the idea of, “What about your friendships here at the Mission?” It made sense my dear friend Kelli Wellensiek just got back from her trip down to the lower-48, where she graduated. I remember when she left the emptiness I felt for my friend. Kelli’s much younger than I, but there is a bond between us that is very special. The office became quiet, almost too quiet and to make matters even more difficult many of my other close friends like Mary and Sonya were gone as well. I consider everyone I work with here at the Mission a brother or sister in Christ. When one of us is gone there is an empty spot only they can fill.

Many people think it would be great to live on an island. No stress, no traffic, you know everyone at the supermarket, right… Well, it’s true, but with this paradise comes other things, such as loneliness, isolation, and a feeling of being trapped. Kodiak is one of the most beautiful places I have ever lived, but I feel these feelings often. It takes special friends to be able to bring you through these times. God has put us here to serve him and to work with the children and families of Kodiak. He has created a family for us here and this family is very different than what you would expect from a typical one. I am blessed to have my dad, Lucien, here with me, but even Dad can’t help sometimes. Winter can be dark and dreary, but my friends are there for me when I’m feeling alone. They encourage and at times force me to do things I normally wouldn’t. They make me laugh at their silliness, and most importantly they faithfully keep me in their prayers in chapel each morning. What more could you ask for from a friend? Sure, we all get angry or have feelings of disappointment and hurt at one time or another, but what family does not experience this. We know the love of God will always get us through, no matter what the situation. It is our faith in Him that gives us the courage to make it through the winter months and the tough times that follow.

So what happens after winter? Well, we make lots of new friends who come here to visit in the summer months. We have counselors for the children, and work groups from the lower-48, who come to help with some of our maintenance and projects for the Mission. The summer brings new friends and lots of fun for us, which makes the winter months all the more bearable. Don’t get me wrong a snowy day here in Kodiak is absolutely beautiful, and I always pray for snow, it’s the loneliness of the Island. Then, we have friends like Kelli, who no sooner get back to Kodiak and greet you with that million dollar smile of hers and you can’t help but smile back. She made my week when she came home and gave me encouragement to continue my work. That is how I and many others feel about all of you out there that receive and read The Evangel. You are our family and our friends and we appreciate your prayers and support. Without you the winter months would be a bit unbearable. But, today the sun is shining, the grass is turning green and our first counselors and work groups will be in by the end of the week. A new season’s upon us, a season I’m thankful I have to share with my friends.

I believe we will have in excess of one hundred fifty people volunteering this year at the Mission. This is great news as we are absolutely dependent on volunteers! What would make people leave their homes, pay their own transportation, put up with the rain, work hard and become our most generous supporters? Nothing less than the miracle of ministry, God calling people out of their own comforts to be his fellow workers in changing the world. I marvel at the talents of the people that God sends us. Only because God provided the exact people we needed to keep the Mission going were we able to turn down the almost one half million dollar funding with strings, and transition to private funding and a whole new arena of programming.

My dad wrote this eight years ago as the Mission changed from government funding to being supported by the Church. In many ways not much has changed as family members who live in other places around the world come and join us for a short time. Some we know well and others we welcome into our home for the first time but all are a blessing. Indeed what would make people leave the comfort of their own home? Each person may have their own personal reason but we know that the love of Christ is behind each one.

The reunion of Bill and Barb Hass was truly a joyous occasion for the Mission. The Hass’ have made fourteen trips to the Mission and Bill Hass was able to celebrate his 90th birthday with us. Still they have so much to offer the Mission and have been instrumental in organizing our archives. Each time they return we have a new pile of material for them to sift through and compile. Norm and Barb Baggett also returned for another tour and brought his skills to the maintenance area and Barb brings her culinary skills to lead the many Day Camps cooking classes we hold.

We welcome Pastor Dick and Ruth Tschetter to the Mission for the first time as they visit their son and work in the office or anywhere else they are needed. Rick Reeves is also visiting us for the first time as he spends time with his daughter and is used in anyway we need. My father also said, “If you are too good to clean toilets then you aren’t good enough for the Mission.” The volunteers we get seem to learn this quickly as the needs of the Mission are constantly changing and the workers need to be also.

As the summer presses on we welcome work groups from Kansas, Indiana, California, New Jersey and West Virginia. These people come, giving up their vacation and spend time devoting themselves to the work of the Mission. Without the help of these many people the large projects we do could never be accomplished. Often we get so lost in the work with children, the Food Bank and our many other projects that the buildings often get neglected and with the extra help we are able to catch up on our painting, cleaning and construction.

So even eight years after stepping forward in faith that the Lord would provide all of our needs, He still has not let us down. So my father’s words still ring true, “God provided the exact people we needed to keep the Mission going...”

A few weeks ago the Assets Festival was held at the high school here in Kodiak. It was an end of the year celebration where the children had the opportunity to present music, dramas and even a circus to their families and community. Along with the entertainment came many clubs, groups and organizations which serve the children of Kodiak in numerous ways. It was a privilege to attend the Festival, and while there we were blessed by so many familiar faces.

This year KBM took on the large task of conducting three afterschool programs. Monday through Friday our faithful staff and volunteers made their way to two elementary schools and numerous children piled out of our vans at the Mission. Wednesday seemed to always be our marathon days because of the children’s early out schedule. The kids at the elementary schools had the opportunity to learn ice skating. This endeavor took every hand available from distributing skates, maneuvering them onto feet, resizing, trying again, to finally gliding out on the ice for the first time. At times I wondered if the children spent more time on their blades or behinds, but laughter was never difficult to come by and many close relationships were formed. Other days were spent playing intense games of dodge ball or learning one of Ms. Cherie’s unique and always fun games. While we could not always speak the same language as the children, a smile needs no translation and a hug made each day worth the time spent. As spring approached, skating changed to music or drum playing. Our fearless leader Heather always kept her staff on their toes and when Fridays came around it was a much needed time to recoup.

The after school program at the KBM campus was unique in itself. The volunteers always had the challenge of catering to children from 5 to 13 years of age. There were many explorations to the beach, cooking with Mr. Lucien and of course sledding and having snowball fights in the snow. While these children still have a couple of weeks before ARK (Afterschool Recreation for Kids) is finished they are enjoying spending these sunny spring afternoons playing in the yard, flying high on our buoy swing, picking dandelions, and digging up worms. It will be nice on June 6^th when summer day camp begins and there is a change of pace from our afterschool programs, but it will be nice to look back to the spring and our many unforgettable memories. This was evident as the familiar faces made their way by our booth and smiles of happiness and hugs of thanks were shared. Praise God for his many wonderful blessings and the privilege to serve Him by serving His little children every day.

The green rushes into Kodiak and before I even realize it I look up and the hills have transformed from a light brown to an almost mystic green. The Crab Festival is approaching and the children are already eager with the anticipation of cotton candy and an innumerable choice of perhaps as many as six rides. This is the herald of summer approaching and the minds of the children turn to school ending and summer vacation beginning. Many kids think of freedom to do what they want with their family and friends but others wonder what they will do with their time. These are the kids we created KACLAC for (our after-school program in the schools) because they would show up at school as soon as the doors were unlocked and not leave until the last teacher left. Their parents would work long hours at the canneries and their homes seemed so lonely. Summer is usually greeted with excitement for most kids but for these young ones the prospects were not as enticing. The Mission is filling this void by offering scholarships to Camp Woody where low income kids can attend for just $10. We distributed the certificates to Kodiak Island Food Bank clients and to kids in KACLAC hoping to reach a part of the Kodiak community that we really have not effectively ministered to through camping ministries. The KBM Day Camp distributed registration forms explaining how kids could come and spend their days riding horses, cooking, hiking or many of our other activities. We are constantly seeking to further Christ’s message anyway we can and we seek to reach those with the Gospel who have not yet been reached. Taking a step into a new realm will be difficult for many of these kids because they are used to the security of being with their ethnic communities. I hope you will pray with us so that the kids who have received this information will use it.

In a few weeks we will be back in full swing with the summer programs. I am anticipating seeing six work groups this year, and will be cooking for most of them. This is always a joy for me, but it is also a lot of hard work trying to keep everyone well fed. I praise the Lord for His provision of two extra helpers for the year. I praise the Lord for this blessing. I especially enjoy seeing familiar faces and also new people from all over the U.S. Being able to share with them all that the Lord is doing here at the Mission, and what He is doing in my ministries in cooking, and with the Lion Tamers recovery groups.

For the past 4-5 months we have been studying the book by Neil Anderson “The Bondage Breaker.” This has been a fascinating study for sure, and without a doubt we have been introduced to the evil forces up front. The Lord has revealed Himself to me in so many wonderful ways through the study of His Word and have an unquenchable thirst.

The Jesus Video Project is ongoing. I don’t have any accurate number of how many videos have been given away; it is well over 2,000 since I began this project a few years ago. I have hopes of giving out all of my video stock at our annual Crab Fest at the end of May. Please pray that the Lord will bless all the individuals who have already received a video and all that will be distributed at the end of this month. Please pray for a great harvest.

At this time I seek your prayers for a very special young lady. Her name is Rebecca and her daughter Britteny. Rebecca is a very good friend of my youngest daughter Cheri, in Southern California. Rebecca has been diagnosed with cervical cancer and given 6 months to live. She and her daughter called me several days ago and asked me to pray with them. As a result of this prayer they asked Jesus to take control of their lives and laid their lives at the foot of His cross. The love of Jesus manifested Himself through me, and His love flowed through me to them. It was the most incredible moment in my entire life. I now call them my daughter and granddaughter, simply because Rebecca never knew her father, and they are truly my spiritual children.

I praise our Lord Jesus for His great love. We are now claiming victory over this cancer; our battle plan is to defeat Satan through forgiveness, and repentance, overturning many strongholds, so that we may come before the throne of grace with a humble and holy heart, seeking the Lord’s wonderful mercy.

Please keep us in your prayers. We have committed to meet daily to pray and repent as the Lord leads. Please pray the Lord’s leading and His wisdom as I disciple these two saints. I ask that if your church has a prayer chain, to please lift these two up before the Lord, praying for God’s abundant grace to be poured out over them, and of course we are seeking God’s great mercy in healing Rebecca from cancer. Here is a portion of a letter written by Rebecca’s daughter Brittany.

My mom’s best friend Cheri who was fighting for her own life brought her father into my mom’s life to pray and he opened a whole new relationship and gave us a whole new hope. On May 11th with the help of who I now call my new grandpa who has given my mom a new found faith in Jesus my mom now has repented all of her sins, been saved, and is being Baptized on July 17,2005. She has decided to FIRE the doctor who has given her no hope, because she has hope, we have hope! She has decided to go ahead with her chemotherapy every Tuesday starting May 24th and radiation 5 days a week; she is meeting with a nutritionist that specializing in cancer on May 19th to consult her diet during these treatments. I am so thankful for what my new grandfather Lucien has done for my mother, I see peace and hope in my mother now and I just pray as we go through this journey you will all remember us in your prayers and again we thank you for all you have done so far, please don’t stop and never give up hope. My mom has always raised me to have the Lord in my life I have attended catholic school all my life and I have learned to never give up on the Lord that he will always be our Savior and will always be there with us in times of need. I thank my mom for that and now I take the time to thank my new grandfather Lucien for showing my mother the way to the Lord. Please keep all your prayers going.

Carolyn Weise, our preschool director is leaving on June 17th and we are putting out the call for a new director for the Sonshine Christian Preschool and Daycare. Any candidate must show a strong commitment to Christ with a love for children. A degree in childhood development or a related field is 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.

Pray about these opportunities and if you feel called to this ministry please contact Trevor at the Mission.

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus .