Clear & Honest

From what I understand, some of the most disliked corporations are those that are dishonest and misleading - intentionally. It had occurred to me, and I've brought this up before, that the church is often disliked for the same reasons, for being dishonest and misleading. Though, I hope it isn't intentional. We are often ranked right up there with Big Tobacco. However, what does seem to be working in this electronic world of the Internet, where there are no secrets, is just plain honesty and transparency. To confirm this, I met two businessmen from Georgia that indicated that the key to their success had been an honest and transparent approach to business and people.

I listened to a wealthy developer in the Seattle area who was approached by those who employed him. They asked him a simple question, "if we promote you would you be willing to lie a little for the company?" Giving a respectful pause, George R. said "no." They made him a partner!

Travel Week

Katie and Omar live in Tok Alaska, up near the Canadian border. They have this great little log cabin out in the middle of the woods. It is so quiet out there that we were in bed by 9:00 P.M. and slept well all night. Omar is 87 and told us about the Normandy invasion, in which he participated. He does have some hearing problems now; however, he pretended to hear during the Bible study on Friday night. I appreciate that. I also met with Joel (the pastor), and he and his wife are doing a great job! Also, I do appreciate Jack Golie - he is a good man.



The Assembly Central Mission Church (Korean) just dedicated their new Mission Center in Fairbanks. Between them and the MAPS RV's, the building turned out great. The pastor and church have a wonderful vision, and they are enjoyable to be around.



Just before leaving last week, I put on my wet suit, strapped on a tank and spent 46 minutes installing new tie down ropes to the "blob" at Little Beaver Lake. As strange as it may sound, working underwater is uniquely enjoyable - no phones.


Of course, the highlight of the trip was some time spent with my son, daughter-in-law, and grand kids. The kids and I worked on throwing a football. I think I'm getting the hang of it.

The Plane Was On Fire

One of our ministry couples, Terry and Nita, who, in the past lived in the high Arctic, lifted off the runway in a small plane today heading for Juneau. From what I understand the cabin filled with smoke - the plane was on fire! The pilot promptly turned the plane around in an attempt to return to the village. They did make it - only with enough time to get them out of the plane before it was totally consumed by fire. Our couple was then taken to the clinic for smoke inhalation. I just got off the phone with them and they seem to be alright, a little shaken as they came very close to disaster. They did lose all their carry on possessions to the fire, including a new laptop.

One of the reasons that this fine couple is no longer in the Arctic regions is that I felt that it would be less dangerous in the Southeast! That call worked out well! But, I am very grateful to the Lord that they are both safe. With their permission I will be more specific later.

Father's Day Coming Up

A little over a week from now will be Father's Day and I assume the question will be, "what do you want for Father's Day dad?" Then again, I may be wrong - but, assuming that they do - what do I really want? I don't need any material things that I can think of. What I want for Father's Day I already have. For example: I just got through listening to a CD given to me by a wonderful young lady several years ago. It is called "Butterfly Kisses," and it is about a man watching one of the greatest gifts God ever gave, a daughter, grow up. It caused my memories to flood back over time, and what a wonderful gift that is. This young lady still encourages me to move on and created new memories today, for tomorrow.
Another gift that I already have is being brought to me by technology, a cell phone. This technology provides me with opportunities to call and talk to one of the finest young men that I know. To call and discuss the latest adventure or discovery that I have experienced or read about. He always adds to the event in such a way that makes it all that much more exciting. What more could I want on Father's Day? Well, maybe a gift card from Kalati Brothers or Starbucks, but other than that - I pretty much have it all. I am blessed and most grateful.

South Anchorage Assembly is celebrating 40 years of ministry in Anchorage this week. It is nice to see Rich & Lisa and Larry & and Dawn back from the lower 48. They are here for the celebration. There was a great S.A.A. picnic today that was very well attended. Congratulations to a great church.

Honoring C.D.Williams

One of the benefits of this job is meeting some really fine people, like Bishop C.D. Williams. On Friday night I will participate in a COGIC celebration, honoring Bishop Williams for forty years of ministry in Alaska. He is one of the most unpretentious and gracious men I have ever met.

I'm a little embarrassed to admit that on occasion I will focus on the difficulties and discouragements that come with Ministry. However, it is at times like this that I am reminded just how many blessings have come my way and that they, the blessings, far outnumber the difficulties of life. I am looking forward to honoring, with many friends, the ministry of Bishop C.D. Williams.

C.D. Williams is more than a man with a title, he is a Christian gentleman, a blessing, and the best part of all - a friend. For that I am thankful.

Opening Thoughts

I was pretty excited about writing my first post on this site. Then I happen upon Samantha's blog on climbing Mt. Everest.... Now I'm a little uncertain of my material? But hey, here we go anyway.

Lee from Petersburg sent me a book called Our Iceberg Is Melting, by John Kotter. It was a short read but one that was well worth my time. What it boils down to is, we are not defined by where we live, but we are defined by what we become under changing circumstances. The book involves some pretty tenacious penguins that need to solve a problem and how they go about getting it accomplished. Great book. Thanks Lee, and for the rest of you, if you need a copy I'm sure Lee wouldn't mind sending you one!

On May the 13th I finished my Rescue Diver Course on Fox Island in Resurrection Bay, about 10 miles out from Seward Alaska, we took a water taxi. There were four of us in the class, two ladies and two men. I was a little nervous as I'm in my 50's and was worried if I could keep up. Well I did just fine! It was a PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) course put on by a diving shop here in Anchorage. It was done in a dry suit and some pretty cold water and involved finding (simulated) lost divers on the bottom, bringing them to the surface and then to shore, and applying emergency first aid. It was challenging but one of the best courses I've taken. Also, it was my last course on the way to acquiring my Master Dive Card (Recreational).

My daughter-in-law may be coming down (from Fairbanks) with the three grand kids for a visit this month. I'm looking forward to that as they are a lot of fun! Also, my daughter and her husband have purchased a house and have recently moved in, I'm excited for them.

Today in Anchorage the sun is shining and it is beautiful - Praise the Lord.