VBS at Calvary Baptist Church in Ninilchik, Alaska

This was the last week of our summer mission in Alaska 2011. I (Justin Stauss) am privileged to write the last blog for the team.

This week’s VBS went very smooth. It seemed that the week flew by! We had an average of eighteen kids in VBS each day. I had five girls and one boy in my class. The girls were very sweet! They brought the whole team a gift at the end of the week. The gift was a handmade paper box with a note of thanks and drawings of horses for each of the team. The young man in my class was very helpful. He helped me by holding pictures of the lesson and by helping others learn memory verses. We had a very nice cabin* in which to stay in this week. Vick and Jill Harlings were our host and what great host they were! I cannot imagine a better way to end a great summer in Alaska! The Lord has been so good to the team this year. It is truly unbelievable how God works, how everything that was needed was provided. How prayers were answered. How blessed we were at easily young children learned.

Today, the sixth of August, We are traveling for the last time as a team to Anchorage [190 miles] where the team will fly out in the evening. This summer has been an amazing experience for us. Thank you for your continued prayers and please keep the Barnetts in your prayers because they will be traveling and busy for the rest of the year. Goodbye from the MSM 2011 summer team!

*The Harlings call their place their cabin. If you would like to see what they call a cabin then follow this link:http://www.bayrealtyalaska.com/AreaHomes.asp?key=9219

Fundamental Baptist Fellowship and Experiencing Alaska

Hello everyone! I (Abby) am very sorry for such a late blog post. We have had a very busy this past weeks! July 25-27 we attended the FBF Alaska meetings and July 28-30 we experienced Alaska. This was the 20^th Anniversary of the FBF in Alaska. The meetings were hosted by Hamilton Acres Baptist Church in Fairbanks (Pastor Bruce Hamilton). It was a blessing to hear Mr. B share the history of the FBF in Alaska and to listen to the various pastors tell how the Lord has used the fellowship in their lives. One of the speakers that was especially encouraging to me was Dr. John Vaughn. Dr. Vaughn reminded us on Wednesday “ God has already equipped you with everything you need to fulfill His will for your life.” It is often these simple truths that we need to be reminded of in our Christian life! On Thursday the team traveled back to Wasilla. On Friday we drove to Hatcher Pass and hiked around the Independence Mine State Park. We also got to walk out on the Matanuska Glacier. It was slippery but soooo beautiful!! The team got to take a cruise on Saturday

out on Resurrection Bay. The cruise stopped at Fox Island where we ate salmon and prime rib. We got great pictures of the various wildlife in

Alaska. We saw porpoises, puffins, bald eagles, seals, and humpback whales. God has used this past weekend to remind me of how great

a Creator He is! It has been a privilege to serve Him this summer.

Joyfully,

Abby

Fort Yukon Ministry

We arrived Saturday at Fort Yukon, a small village north of the Arctic Circle. The only way into the village is by plane, or barge. We went by plane. There was some bad weather that morning, so there was a slight delay in flying, but we made it safe and sound. We met Pastor Craig and his family, and settled into the house we’d be staying in. The doctor of the village, Dr. Sastic, and his wife graciously loaned us their home while he was out of town. Katie, Abigail, and I (Emily) particularly appreciated the VERY comfortable beds.

On Sunday, we went to Pastor Craig’s church, Arctic Circle Baptist, and performed the special music. We greatly enjoyed the study that the church has been doing over the Minor Prophets, and gleaned a lot from the messages.

Monday through Wednesday we held our teen ministry. It was very encouraging to see a really good turnout from the local teens. The first night we played volleyball, and the teens just kept coming. We had about 18 that night I believe. The next night we had a pizza party, played a few games, and Justin and I gave our testimonies. God really helped those to go well. I pray we were able to reach some of the teens hearts with them. The last night, we went to a small island where the pastor has been cutting timber and milling logs for a multipurpose building addition to the church. The bugs weren’t nearly as bad as we thought they’d be, which was a HUGE blessing. We did some skits, and then Abby and Katie gave their testimonies. Although no teens were saved this week, seeds were planted, and I pray that their hearts were open to the gospel. God’s word does not return void, that is one comforting thought.

We are now back in Fairbanks, enjoying a few relaxing days at the St. George’s house. We did a bit of sightseeing yesterday, including seeing Santa at his house in North Pole, Alaska. Katie sat on his lap. Next week we will be attending the annual Fundamental Baptist Fellowship Monday through Wednesday, and then traveling back to Wasilla. Please pray for us as we finish up our ministry over the next few weeks.

Midnight Sun Ministries VBS at Pioneer Baptist Church in North Pole

First of all I want to say I really don’t want to write on this blog but I was forced to do it. But what’s more important isn’t what I want to do. VBS went well last week we had around twenty children everyday. I (Katie) had seven children in my class and not one of them missed a day. It was so amazing. We had so much fun, and they listened really well. It was a little bit different this time around. The church is made up mostly of military families since there is a base nearby. The kids loved VBS and went home telling their parents all they had learned. I ended up making one of the boys cry, but in the end he was my best friend. Many of the children did not want it to be over. Even though I am a “teacher” I have learned a lot this summer and I really thank God that I am on this Mission Trip. The team stayed in the St. George’s home. They are really happy and giving people. They had a two-seat bicycle and Emily and Justin decided to try it out to be honest it didn’t really turn out that great. Emily ended up flipping across the sidewalk, which was a funny sight to see. I miss home so much and I don’t know what else to say. Hopefully you can get more out of the next blog.

This week we are at Fort Yukon in Arctic Alaska. This week’s ministry is not a VBS ministry but a ministry directed to the teens in this Athabaskan village of about 600 people. Pray that God will use us this week.

Midnight Sun Ministries VBS at Talkeetna Baptist Church

VBS has come and gone here at Talkeetna. This week has been great! Children came from near and far this week. We had one family that walked a trail from their home to the river, took a 45-minute boat ride and then traveled 12 miles by car to reach the church.

The children seemed to have a great time, and so did we. We were very glad to see one soul saved and others asking questions. Pray for a kid that was in my class that showed a real interest in the thing of the Lord. His name is Brandon. In fact, when Mr. B asked if we should have another week of VBS he was the first to raise his hand.

We enjoyed seeing the sights of Talkeetna and the surrounding area. The weather here in Alaska has been very nice yet almost unreal to me (Justin Stauss) because I am used to very hot weather this time of year, (103 degrees is not unusual at my home in Texas) We also enjoyed an evening of fellowship with the Durhams and even got to shoot a couple of handguns which is one personal favorite. Being the only other guy on the team is a new experience for me, coming from a family of six boys and two girls. I would say I’m being educated.

From Talkeetna, we will head to North Pole Alaska where we will hold our third VBS. Thank you for your prayers. Please pray for our next VBS, that that the children will understand what is taught and come to know Jesus Christ as there personal Lord and Savior.

Midnight Sun Ministries VBS at Pilgrims Baptist Church in Wasilla

Praise the Lord! We had a wonderful week of VBS at Pilgrims Baptist Church in Wasilla. There was an average of twelve children each day. Four children trusted in Jesus as their Savior during the week! I (Abby) taught the pre-primary class. Pastor and Mrs. Tucker were a blessing to work with. At the end of the week prizes were given out for the most verses memorized and perfect attendance. Dillon, age 5 got the prize for coming the farthest to VBS. Dillon would proudly tell us each day that he came from America (Virginia). He told me to be sure and come visit him someday so we could play.

We have also had some good memory-building times. On Wednesday the team decided to buy pizza for Mr. and Mrs. B. We had neglected to tell the Barnetts that we wanted to change our meal time to after the service and we want to walk to get the pizza. So…we got in trouble. Mr. B drove us to get the pizza. It turned out we could not get it at the place we wanted so we tried Papa Murphy’s Pizza. It was then we found out that in Alaska they do not sell cooked pizzas! We were handed an uncooked pizza and felt absolutely terrible (there was no oven in the church). The girls suffered emotional trauma and the boys got a good laugh! Mr. Barnett is very understanding and we cooked the pizza the next day at the Tucker’s house. We are now at Talkeetna Baptist Church with Pastor Wes Hudson and family. Crystal Hudson headed up a 4^th of July children’s production called the Great American Time Machine. It was well done and enjoyable! We as a team are excited to see what God is going to do in and through us this week in Talkeetna! Thanks for praying!

Joyfully,

Abby

PS: More pictures coming soon.

MSM Summer 2011 Team Week One: June 21-26

This first week has been an excellent one. By God's grace we all arrived in Anchorage safely, with a few delays. I was stuck in Philadelphia until 10 pm (I was supposed to leave there around 4 pm) due to engine trouble on the plane, but thankfully I was the only one on the team who had troubles. We drove from Anchorage to Wasilla and arrived at our host church, Pilgrim's Baptist, at around 2:30 am local time.

Wednesday was spent mostly recuperating from our trips, and getting to know one another. The Barnetts took us sight seeing a little bit by taking us to see the Iditarod headquarters. It was neat to see the old dog sleds and trophies, and we even got to ride on a dog sled (on wheels, since it's summer) and hold some newborn puppies. Needless to say, I enjoyed myself. :)

We decorated, planned and canvassed for VBS the rest of the week, and were able to meet some of the members of the church, and friends from the surrounding area. Today we joined our host church for services, and performed the special music.

Tomorrow marks the start of our VBS. We are both excited, and a little nervous. I am especially nervous to be teaching my group of teen girls. However, God can and will work through us, and I am excited to see how he will. As Mr. Barnett told us today, "I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me." -Philippians 4.13.

I look forward to seeing what God will do in our lives, and in the lives of those we come in contact with over this summer. Please be praying for us as we minister here in Alaska.

-Emily Alsmeyer

Tabernacle Baptist Academy Senior Trip to Alaska

It was our pleasure to spend two weeks with the Barnetts ministering in Alaska and seeing the wonderful sights our God has created as a senior missions trip for seven of the nine graduated seniors from Tabernacle Baptist Academy in Virginia Beach, VA. The Barnetts are an energetic couple who really kept us hopping for the entire two weeks.




We started our journeys by flying into Anchorage late Tuesday night, May 31, 2011. The Barnetts picked us up from the hotel in Anchorage on Wednesday morning and we headed to Higher Ground Baptist Camp with some sightseeing along the way. We enjoyed our time at Soldotna Baptist Church that Wednesday night as well as our fishing and clamming on Thursday and a tour in the Gulf of Alaska on the Kenai Peninsula on Friday. On Saturday, we went back to Anchoarge to prepare for ministry at Marantha Baptist Church on Sunday morning. We enjoyed fellowshipping with Pastor England and his family and church people that morning. We spent the evening service in Palmer with the folks at Immanuel Baptist Church. We had opportunity to give testimonies, sing, play instruments, and preach for those churches. We sought to be a blessing to them, but we were blessed in return.




Monday and Tuesday were packed with work details at Pilgrim's Baptist Church in Wasilla. Pastor and Mrs. Tucker kept us busy with carpet cleaning, window washing, minor stage remodeling, and anything else they could think of. We had a wonderful time working together. The long days with so much light led us to long working days, but that just meant that we got more done! The team commented on what a blessing it was to see the joy in Pastor Tucker's face every time we asked for another job! We spent those days at Pilgrim's studying the Book of Titus together as a team in our team devotion time. That was a blessing for all of us as well.




Wednesday came and we loaded up the van and headed for Camp Challenge and Fairbanks. On the way to Camp Challenge, we saw Mt. McKinley and got to visit with the Hudsons from Talkeetna Baptist Church. Now Mr. B had been telling us what an interesting time we were going to have at Camp Challenge since the Hilton was full up out there! ;-) I know that there was some apprehension, but we knew that we could do it! The road into camp was long and dusty, but praise the Lord the van and trailer made it back to camp with no problems. We had dinner that night with the Grahms and the work team that was there from Front Range Baptist Church in Fort Collins, CO. We took the night off and retired somewhat early to rest up for our work days at camp. We spent the next two days doing various jobs around camp. The girls did a lot of cleaning and picking up from all the work that had been done over the last few weeks in an effort to help get things ready for camp. We got to help with inventories and whatever else they needed us to do. The guys worked on some minor finishing jobs in the new bathrooms in both the girls and the boys dorms. We all had a good time out in the wilderness bathing in bug spray and swatting mosquitos as we worked! Mr. B introduced us to the necessary "FOB" at Camp Challenge and I know that all the seniors eagerly waited to hear his call for our daily "Flat on Back" break!

On Saturday, we packed up all our stuff and headed to Fairbanks. We all enjoyed our hot showers and beds in the hotel in Fairbanks after our stay at Camp Challenge! The Barnetts showed us around Fairbanks. The Alaskan Pipeline was impressive for those of us from the east coast! On Sunday, we had the privilege of ministering at Hamilton Acres Baptist Church with Pastor Hamilton and the wonderful people there. We got to meet the people in the church as well as fellowship with the folks with whom we had been working at Camp Challenge. We heard some great preaching and were challenged to hold nothing back in our service for our great Savior.

Monday was a long day since we had to travel all the way back to Anchorage from Fairbanks. We took the scenic route along the Alaskan Highway and even got to walk on the Matanuska Glacier before we rolled back into Anchorage late Monday night. After a good night's rest, we packed our trailer for the last time and took a short tour of downtown Anchorage. We got to eat that afternoon at the Sourdough House before we had to go to the airport.



The airport brought bitter-sweet feelings for all of us. Our team had grown to love Alaska and the beautiful sights it holds. But even more than that, we were sad to leave the Barnetts. They had become part of us. Although all of us were excited at the prospect of seeing our familes again, we were sad to see the Barnetts drive away in the white van. At least we know that we didn't have to say goodbye because whether we get to see the Barnetts again on this side of heaven or not, only the Lord knows, but we will one day fellowship along with them for all of eternity.



These two weeks will not soon be forgotten by any of us. We have an enlarged vision for the ministries and needs in Alaska. The Lord taught us many wonderful things through which we have grown closer to the Lord and closer together as brothers and sisters in Christ. Thank you, Mr. & Mrs. B, for giving your time to lead us around and show us the need in Alaska. The Lord only knows all the things you did for us. We love you and look forward to fellowship with you again when the Lord leads our paths to cross.

Amanda Baker for the 2011 Senior Class Alaskan Mission Team from Tabernacle Baptist Academy in Virginia Beach, VA

See Facebook for pictures of all the fun we had!