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“I’m not quite sure how we are going to pull this off.” One of us had said this at least once a day as the beginning of Kodiak Baptist Mission’s Day Camp program approached. We simply didn’t have enough counselors to fill all of the positions. Really, we weren’t even close with only about half the staff needed. Several people who we had been counting had realized they simply would not have the funds or the time to make the trip to Alaska. We gathered and talked about limiting the number of kids who could enter this popular program but quickly dismissed the idea because of the importance it has played in how families plan their summer for the past two years. It was decided that we would simply go forward and pray that God would provide.
The last week before Day Camp started we received a few more applications and then we found four people locally who were willing to help full-time plus a few more people who would help when they could. Although still short-staffed God provided once again for KBM.
The first day of camp went smoothly and there really were no major disasters. It seems that disasters can be expected when working with kids as everyone (kids and leaders) learns a new way of relating to each other and the environment around them. God not only provided a staff, He also provided the people who would be able to effectively minister to the kids of Kodiak. Within the first week we went beyond just working with the kids and began to actually minister to their needs. Within the first three weeks of camp, four kids had accepted Christ as their Savior. As the summer went on more and more dedicated their lives to Christ. Many knew Christ already and, although very young, grew to become more mature Christians as we studied the life of Christ through the book of Luke.
Everything did not always run smoothly. Fifteen to twenty counselors stayed in the same house. Not only did we work together but we also ate, played and slept all in the same building. When we are forced to share space with others different from us, it helps us to grow as Christians and discover a little more about ourselves. As the summer went on, not only did we help the kids grow, we were forced to grow also. Obstacles to our path became opportunities to strengthen our faith and grow in the Holy Spirit.
Many times each of the counselors wondered if we really were reaching some of the tougher kids but that changed in the last week for me. One of the boys, who has often had trouble doing what is asked of him, came up to me when I was alone and said, “I wish you were my dad.” I felt a little sadness that this boy did not have a dad who he could see every day; that his family was living under two roofs. I did feel glad, however, that the Mission brought together an atmosphere where workers, young and old, could actively demonstrate God’s love to the children of Kodiak.
We are already beginning to recruit counselors for Summer 2002. If you or someone you know might be interested in working as a counselor at KBM’s Day Camp, please spend time in prayer asking for guidance and write or call Heather Norton here at the mission. An opportunity that will make you grow and push you beyond where you thought you could go awaits you.
—Evan J. Jones, II
My road to KBM is a bit unusual. I retired from the Coast Guard last year here in Kodiak. I had met Faith, the food bank director, at a Bible study, and since I had some time on my hands I started volunteering at the Kodiak Food Bank. That was how I met the people at KBM.
Leading into the summer, Trevor approached me with the idea of being a counselor at the summer day camp. Initially I was resistant. I had plans to get out of Kodiak and go to Bible College, and I didn’t see myself as someone who would be good at working with children. God was at work in my life though, and used a couple other people to cause me to rethink my position. I finally decided to take the plunge just shortly before the start of the camp.
At 45 years old, I was roughly twice the age of the other camp counselors, and I was still not too sure about working with children. The week of training we received gave me the confidence that I could at least survive the summer! The team of staff and interns around me was a big morale booster as Monday morning of the first day of camp began.
The older I’ve gotten, the faster time seems to go, but the three months of camp seemed to fly even faster than “normal.” It was a time of special blessing from the Lord for me. God stretched me in a few new ways, and taught me so many new things. Not only did I survive, I enjoyed the experience immensely. I’m even very seriously considering coming back next year to do it again!
It was fun becoming the favorite jungle gym of some of the youngest kids, but even better was feeling used of God to touch them spiritually. What a joy to become part of the life of those precious children. How can you put a price on being honored by a child taking you into their confidence and sharing their life and his or her struggles with you? It can almost break your heart to see how matter of fact someone so young can be about some of the things they deal with every day in their families. I got to mentor the 6th- 8th graders, the oldest group at camp, which was a special joy. Perhaps the highlight was the week we memorized Romans 6:20-23. My prayer is that God will use that scripture in their lives as they face decisions for the rest of their lives.
I already loved Kodiak. The mountains overlooking the ocean, and the Alaskan abundance of wildlife make it spectacular. Even beyond that KBM and the people here have become special in my life. God has met me here, taught me new and wonderful things, and blessed me richly.
—Russ Tschettar
It was a Friday, the last day of summer camp. The kids had just eaten their lunches and were heading into mentoring time. As the other grades left I gathered my 1st graders and I let them run and play in the grass for a few minutes. Thereafter my kids headed down to an outside chapel and began to play, run around and well, just be kids and have fun. With a smile I headed down, laughing and listening to my kids running ahead of me and from there, walked into the chapel. Joey and Alexa walked in front of a wooden Cross, outstretched their arms and pretended to hang from it. In a simplistic way all that they had learned from chapels and mentoring time reflected in a moment like that and through their actions they remember Christ.
A
few minutes passed by and as I looked out into the mischief my kids were into I
saw their faces gleam happiness. One was in a tree and the other two wanted to
be on the same branch. In the midst of their childish freedom the Lord pressed
upon me to pray. The next few moments felt like a blur, lost in God’s Hands of
love and compassion I found myself surrendering to His will. In the center of
that time a conversation began to grow and take on form with my kids. The Lord
instilled a life-changing question and soon an answer would follow. Joey, one of
those kids that you look upon and see the reflection of God’s love, asked a
question that I had longed to hear-God turned the conversation to Jesus and from
that came a question about salvation. He asked if he could accept Christ into
his life. The simple prayer of salvation was repeated and I began to cry.
Standing in the front of the campers during chapel captured the meaning and purpose of why I came to the Mission. With Tom on one side of me, Alexa on the other and Joey atop my shoulders I asked them a few questions, “Who lives inside your heart? Who loves you?” “God,” they responded. The reasons for coming were answered in that instant and not just for counselors, but for the staff as well. Choking back tears of peace and joy it was simply the Lord who worked through us all. It is all about You Lord and not about us.
—Joel North
“Now
to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according
to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in
Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Eph 3: 20-21
(NIV)
In the last three months Liontamers has seen the truth in this passage. God has done exciting new things, things I never imagined. Some of the things God has accomplished include:
q
Where before average meeting size was 1-2, of late the average meeting size is 6-7, with a new all time high of 15 at one meeting!q
For some time I have wanted to begin a more in depth 12 step program. God’s time is now. A group has begun working through The Twelve Steps- A Spiritual Journey.q
Seven people have been led through a prayer of repentance and faith in Christ Jesus; we rejoice with the angels of God. (Lk 15:10)q
Individuals from volunteer work groups coming to work at KBM have attended meetings, including people from Rhode Island, Indiana, and Virginia.q
As a result, Judy, from Rhode Island, has become an intercessor on behalf of Liontamers.q
Another lady from Rhode Island, Dianne Sprague, has a ministry in a women’s prison (approx 240 women). Her ministry is Women in Transition, a not for profit organization whose mission is to work with women who are or have been in prison. Most of the women have problems with drug usage. The Chaplain of the prison is considering using the Liontamers program. There are around 2500 women a year who pass through the prison system. Dianne is exploring the possibility of starting a Liontamers program for the women getting out of prison also.q
A group from Virginia is in the process of starting a Liontamers group there in Virginia.q
Some time ago we started handing out Jesus videos. So far 25 children’s videos, 90 adult videos and 10 Spanish videos have been handed out. With each video a Liontamers business card is included so that anyone wanting help or further contact has a point of reference.q
God has touched me with His healing power. I have been diagnosed with apnea, and as a result of treatment am now able to get rest and a good night’s sleep. I have also lost over twenty pounds and am feeling better than in years. Last summer was a constant struggle just to make it through each day, this summer I actually had energy despite feeding more people and being much busier than last summer.Where will God take us? Only He knows, but it will be thrilling to watch and marvel at all He accomplishes. Would you like to be a part of building God’s kingdom through Liontamers? More than anything we need prayer intercessors. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but is in the heavenly realms. (Eph 6:12) Pray for Kodiak Liontamers; healing can be painful, and it requires courage and commitment to see the process through. The in depth program is a thirty week process which of course requires a big commitment. Pray for the Spirit’s guidance and blessing on Dianne in Rhode Island, as she wants to start a program. Pray for the Virginia Liontamers; in addition to the normal struggles involved in the healing process are the struggles in getting the program started. Pray for the Jesus videos that have been and will be given out; pray that they will be seeds planted that will bear much fruit. If you feel led of God, you can also support Liontamers monetarily. Make checks payable to Kodiak Baptist Mission, memo Liontamers.
Feel free to contact me for further information. I have available Scriptures for 82 separate meetings on computer disk, and addresses for other materials for anyone wanting to get a Liontamers group started.
To God be the glory!
Lucien Bernard
Alaska in our minds, a dozen of us from Park City Community Church, Utah, held the stereotypical vision of huskies pulling sleds over frozen tundra—a land of igloos, die-hard batteries, northern lights and smiling faces framed in the furry hoods of heavy duty parkas.
The place of Kodiak Island surprised us in actually being less rustic than we’d imagined. The people we found at Kodiak Baptist Mission created an experience infinitely more intriguing, complex and rewarding than any we might have anticipated. We found ourselves surrounded by staff and volunteers who proved to be warm and welcoming, hardworking and kind beyond measure.
We’d come here from a fast moving world that revolves around cell phones, email, faxes and beepers, modern conveniences, the newest cars and elaborate homes, great ambition and personal achievement. Our town has so many people striving to squeeze the juice out of life; they’re left with the pulp rather than the joys. In Kodiak, we found a much slower paced lifestyle that focuses on the simpler joys. The food bank and sale house at KBM provide necessities of life while extending hope, faith and love. To someone who is down on their luck or needs to clothe and feed their children, the mission provides not only a helping hand, but a belief there is salvation in trusting the Lord.
Each morning, we met for a quiet time of meditation and prayer with the staff in a tiny chapel filled with thanks and praise. There were touching moments of hearing the simple prayers of these selfless people. They ask for health for themselves and others, both physically and spiritually, that they might carry on their work in Jesus’ name. By contrast, in the world of Park City, Utah, where we live, the emphasis is generally more the solitary search for personal happiness and the wealth of material goods. Unfortunately, it is more often competition to excel at business, sports or the acquisition of a finer lifestyle and less concern with the needs and concerns of our fellow man. Ours is the home of the Winter Olympics 2002 and all the resulting growth and trappings that necessarily come with that designation.
Did you know? KBM is especially looking for individual volunteers during the winter months. If you have the will and a few weeks to dedicate to the Lord, consider spending some time in Kodiak. Give us a call to find out more.
During our stay, we had the privilege of visiting with Joyce Smith at Ouzinki who told us many stories of her years on The Evangel. She and her husband ran a Baptist mission boat that visited villages tucked away in fjords and many narrow, hidden waterways. They brought with them food, medicine and Bible stories the people had never had an opportunity to hear. On Spruce Island, population approximately 250, where she lives, Joyce has taught as many as three generations of kindergarten children by offering a Christian school in her home. The walls of her home, the cabinets of her 1936 kitchen are lined with photos and handwritten messages of the heart, and memories from a long and beautiful life. She now volunteers at the public school everyday, once again teaching the children of Spruce Island to read.
Our minister, Pastor Scott Schiesswohl, said, “We have visited a saint among us today.” There is no doubt Joyce Smith and her late husband, Norman, had such rewarding lives as a result of their devotion and ministry to the people of Kodiak Island. Even in her eighties, there is a sparkle in her eyes, a glow to her skin, a beautiful smile on her face and a warm greeting for strangers from Utah.
We especially thank Trevor Jones and Pastor Todd Putney for making our visit possible. We feel we have been blessed and privileged to have been a part of the mission work on Kodiak Island, even for a fleeting moment in our bustling world.
—Jean Baker
The SOUPER BOWL OF CARING is a nation-wide event that raises money and goods for helping ministries. It is an effort to glorify God and care for the least of these by encouraging people to help fight hunger on Super Bowl Sunday. You could help by:
Promoting a Souper Bowl in your church.
On Super Bowl Sunday ask people to give one dollar (or more!) in a soup kettle as they leave worship. The gifts are sent to KBM for the Kodiak Island Food Bank ministry.
You could add a collection of canned goods for a local food pantry.
Who can help? Youth groups, Mission committees, Sunday School classes, anyone and everyone who wants to make a difference.
For more information please contact Faith Bancroft, Food Bank Coordinator: (907)486-4126 or visit www.souperbowl.org
Prayer support
More Campbell Soup labels. Our goal of getting a new van has just gotten a little harder with the required labels increasing from 1,200,000 to 1,500,000. Now more than ever we need you and your church to send labels to us so we can achieve this goal.
