THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS (June 22 - July 13, 2018)

Stand-By Flights from Indianapolis to Seattle and from Seattle to Anchorage, Alaska went smoothly and we landed in the land of the midnight sun at 12:15 a.m. and, just as promised, it wasn't anywhere near dark!  The drive to Eagle River took only about a half hour and we were tucked in our bed at the apartment by 2:00 a.m.!  Problem was that the sun came up at 4 a.m.!  Welcome to Alaska in the summer.

Eagle River would be our home for the next three months as I would serve as interim pastor for the Church of the Nazarene there.  This fine, small church had just said goodbye to their pastor and was entering the process of calling a new one. 

My task was to faithfully preach the Word, love the folks, and help them prepare for their new parsonage family.

 I continue to be amazed at how the Lord opens the doors for such awesome assignments for an old preacher.  I was handed my first District Minister's Licence in 1968 and now, 50 years later, continue to pursue the "calling".  I am blessed.

                                                REFLECTIONS

These first three weeks have been spent getting to know the people, understanding the unique qualities of the church, and exploring the beautiful scenery that surrounds this "suburb" of Anchorage.

It really is the best of all worlds for me!  I am within walking distance from Safeway Grocery, McDonalds, Arbys, Subway, Cold Stone Creamery, and various other eateries. 

Not really "roughing" it in the last frontier!  Yet 5 miles out of town in the three other directions stand incredible mountain scenery and wilderness.

I can get my morning coffee and drive to a secluded mountain spot.  There I enjoy my coffee and the sounds and sights that surround me.  Eagles fly overhead, beaver busily build their dams, and Moose forage for moist grasses beneath the marshy water.  All of this with the backdrop of mountain vistas and the smells of the forest.

As I sat in such a place this morning, I thought about how blessed I am;  all of this and Heaven too!
I was reminded that our Lord promised us eternal life and life abundant right now.  I am thoroughly enjoying, as a Christian and an interim pastor in Alaska, the best of both worlds!