THE EVANGEL Volume IV, Issue 1 A Messenger of the Kodiak Baptist Mission Winter 2003

In This Issue

Letter from Evan & Anne Jones

Learning to Fly

A Day in the Life

School Supplies for the Kids of Kodiak

Food Bank Undergoes Transition

Campbell Soup Labels

Dear Friends in Christ,

Most of you know that I have been fighting with a malignant brain tumor of the most virulent kind. It was discovered on Sept 10 and removed successfully on September 20, 2002. The tumor was quite large (the size of a plum). I have had no or very small residual effects from its removal. I returned to Fairbanks, where I successfully completed 33 radiation treatments. I then returned to UCLA for chemotherapy protocols. Anne has done a vast amount of research concerning my condition and we have elected to take a very aggressive approach to fighting this thing. It consists of chemo with multiple approaches and mixes.

Our visit at UCLA was very productive and we felt that the overall evaluation was upbeat.

The approach we are now taking is to kill the growth that is left from the operation, to starve it of blood supply and to build up immunity against it by using natural foods, and vitamins that have proven effective in some cancers. In all when things are going full blast I am taking 30 pills a day.

I am glad to be able to report that I have just completed my first heavy dose of chemo. I am wonderfully blessed by not being sick at all. I am a little tired but no real problems. I will be getting blood work done in a week or so that will tell me more about what is going on inside. All of the meds I am taking are in high doses so have some attendant possible problems. So far I have had none.

The real solution to my illness does not lie with all this. Speaking in earthly tones there is very little hope for my recovery. I also know that there is a Power beyond medicine and that the Great Physician who walked the earth in Galilee so many years ago walks among His people today. What is needful is the prayer of the faithful. Several groups have anointed me with oil and numerous churches have held me up in prayer. The elders of Kodiak (pastors of the churches) have anointed me and laid hands upon me. You too, are a vital part of my healing process, thank you for your prayers in the past and continue to hold me before the throne of God.

We do not know the future. I am fully persuaded that He who has led us thus far will never leave us or forsake us. I feel like Paul in Philippians 1:19-30. I hope to live until I die. Our lives are in His hands.

Blessings,

Evan and Anne Jones

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Director of CAC, Heather Norton gets some air time trying the Native Alaskan sport of two-footed kicking, taught to the staff by the students.

Several times a year groups of teens from the villages around the island come into Kodiak in “Immersion Groups” and stay with us here at the Kodiak Baptist Mission. The groups, consisting of thirty to sixty students, are mostly Alaskan Native teens who are coming and seeing the education opportunities available to them in town as well as exploring other aspects of Kodiak that we take for granted. We spend nights bowling, going to the movies or even just going to McDonalds. Most of these kids come to us with the same exclamation written on their faces that Josh had for my wife, “I can’t fly. I don’t have wings so I can’t fly.” It is often from years spent in villages where there are really no job opportunities and little hope of rising above what is handed to them in life. It sometimes comes from the alcoholism that is so prevalent in these villages.

We have one week to teach kids a new way of life and give them a glimpse into something they may have never seen before. We do believe that the educational opportunities presented to them by the school can make a remarkable difference in their lives but we believe even more strongly that having Christ in their lives will have a much more far-reaching effect and it is because of this that we work with them. On the first day there is always the sense that the kids are “feeling us out” trying to figure out where we are coming from. Most Native Alaskan kids tend to be shy and to bring them to the “big city” of Kodiak and put them in the charge of people they do not know only compounds this problem. Some will already declare they wish they were back at home on this first day and we do tend to push people beyond their comfort zones, but we start with some simple games so we can understand them and they can understand us. From this simple beginning we form a bond of trust that can grow into a mentoring friendship.

Some of the group tries to make it through one of the low rope elements knowing the next ones will be 30 feet in the air

On the second day we push a little harder and begin the high ropes adventure training course. The purpose of using the ropes course is not only to give people confidence in what they can push themselves to do but also to break down the barriers that separates them from each other. We have found that there is often antagonism between people of the same village because of race or the fact that some have not lived their entire lives in the village. There is also antagonism between the different villages. The kids approach the ropes course with a degree of skepticism and reluctance. There is a small amount of fear at climbing at a height of 30 to 40 feet on thin wires but even more there is a fear of doing something that would make them feel foolish in front of their peers, but when the slide for life starts (a 150 foot long zip-line) or Jacob’s Ladder is attempted (a ladder with rungs 5 feet apart going 35 feet high suspended by cables) the entire group is quickly pulled into cheering on the other participants and anticipating their chance to get to try it too.

Some of the students showed us a traditional dance while robed in traditional Alutiiq dress.

The flying squirrel was probably the highlight of the day for this particular group. It is an obstacle that is probably the easiest to do but one of the most fun. One participant is put in a harness and attached to a rope that goes through a pulley 50 feet in the air. The rest of the group grabs the other end of the rope. The participant (in this case the squirrel) and the group start together and then run in opposite directions as fast as they can. The “squirrel” is lifted off the ground looking like Superman taking off on a flight. Several of the kids did this obstacle and were quietly thrilled with it keeping the joy inside themselves but one young man stood out to me. For a moment he left his quiet shell and let out a “Wooooooooohoooooooo! It feels like I’m flying!” He then stretched out like Superman and shouted, “Look at me, I’m flying!”

We build on this small opening to make relationships with these young men and women. They naturally want to know about us and begin to ask us about what we do and what we believe. It may seem like a lot of work to have a short time to witness but we feel like showing these kids the way of Christ is the most important thing we could ever do. We hope that through the power of Christ we can teach these students that they can fly every day. That they can mount up with wings of eagles and soar, in school, in work, and every day of their lives.

Our Chapel service for the staff began each day as a way to focusing our minds on the real meaning of the day. It wasn't to have the best planned activities, or the best behaved children, but to show the love of Jesus Christ. I'll never forget when Lucien would pray for patience. The Lord always answered his prayer with a day that needed more patience than ever.

We would leave the chapel room to be bombarded with bright eyed, bushy-tailed children giving us hugs, and talking a mile a minute of what had happened since the last time they saw us. I will always remember a little girl that even if she was a mile away would yell my name at the top of her lungs, run with all the strength she had, fall into my arms as I scooped her up from the ground and every time say, "I love you Miss Kelli."

Everyone would head into the camp’s morning chapel, as we sang songs, watched puppets, and listened to a little message. We would then head out for our morning activities. There were so many wonderful memories during this time. Thinking back though I feel I was the student to the children. Lunch time could not come soon enough for anyone as our stomachs were growling as we headed back to the gym. However, in that time waiting for lunch some of my fondest memories lie. We would dance and sing funny songs with the children to keep them entertained. Thank God there were no video cameras!

After our lunch was eaten we had mentor time. This was a wonderful opportunity to get to know one age group of children well. We had many wonderful conversations, and read some great stories. I remember one day we hiked out into the woods where the moss covered the ground. We found a place where just enough sun was shining through and made camp. My body was the pillow for many children's heads as we talked and relaxed together.

Kelli playing guitar during chapel

We would always join for a second chapel in the afternoon. I along with Evan Jones, II played guitars, and many times those children carried us through. Those little bodies belted out all the voice they had. I didn't know children could sing so loud, but they sure did! I wonder how many strings we broke just trying to keep up! Those chapel times were very special to me. I loved to watch these children soak up the wonderful gospel of Christ, and to some these chapel services were all they would receive.

Our afternoon activities followed chapel and were very much like the morning activities. However we did the dirty things, like riding horses, kayaking, fishing, and the list goes on. Fishing with those children was unreal! I still do not understand how lines can get tangled so easily, and why exactly I have to free their line from the rocks. But watching their faces when they had caught their own fish was priceless, even if I had to take the hook out of its mouth.

Many of us counselors agreed our favorite time of the day was at the end of day camp. When all of us, and the children joined for free time in the yard until every child was picked up. Some days we soaked up the sun and talked with the kids, other days we had some intense games of four square. The buoy swing was always in use, and there were plenty of smiles to go around, funny stories of the day were shared, and a good time was had by all.

Looking back at each day of day camp a verse comes to mind. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is only the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21 I do believe that was true during the summer of 2002.

Faith Bancroft sent out the word. Children in Kodiak needed school supplies. With the families utilizing the Food Bank increasing, many parents needed help with the extra expense of buying supplies for their children to start school. The response from so many individuals, Vacation Bible School, Sunday School classes, women's Bible studies, and churches as a whole was overwhelming.

We were able to supply 184 children whose families used the Food Bank with new school supplies. Then we moved on to supplying college students in need with supplies. Next the schools were contacted. Are there students who need supplies, but may not use the food bank? Absolutely! Was the answer that came. Several teachers with students in need came and chose supplies. They distributed them to students in their classes. Still the supplies and donations continued to pour in.

Last month we continued to spread your generosity across the island. The Officer Spouse's Association associated with the Coast Guard Base here on Kodiak delivered supplies to nearly 300 children in need at the outlying villages on the island. Their program, Santa to the Villages, takes Christmas presents out to the remote villages to be given to children who otherwise may not receive much for Christmas. "We are excited to partner with the OSA and deliver these supplies to children who can get so much use from them," commented Ruth St. Clair, Food Bank Director, "Without the kindness and support of the outside churches this would not be possible."

Thank you to all of the churches that sent supplies. When this project began, I am sure that Faith, former Food Bank director could not have imagined the amazing return her request could have generated. We are truly blessed through your generosity.

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Ruth St. Clair replaces Faith Bancroft as the Kodiak Island Food Bank director.

Faith Bancroft, director of the Kodiak Island Food Bank since its inception two years ago, has answered a new call. On August 1, 2002 Faith resigned her position and returned to Rhode Island to begin work on her Master's Degree.

Faith spent many hours working to build the Food Bank. With her expertise and talents the Food Bank has met a vital need in the community, especially with the downturn in the fishing industry and Kodiak economy as a whole. Many people are struggling with these challenges and Faith was able to sensitively assist her clients to get the help that they needed.

Thank you Faith for your hard work - you will surely be missed!

Ruth St.Clair is the new Food Bank Director. Ruth began her time at KBM as a Day Camp Counselor, teaching horse safety and riding, this past summer. Ruth, her husband Bill and their three children, Abbey, Zach and Hannah live here in Kodiak. Originally from southeast Kansas, Ruth and her family have lived in Kodiak for one year.

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Campbell's Soup Labels

KBM is still in need of more Campbell’s Soup labels. We encourage you to collect labels from everyone in your church and then send them to us when you get a box full. We are half way to our goal of 1,500,000 so please keep sending them. The following labels are needed.

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