A weekend with Bethel

This weekend, I had the privilege of sharing about Chugach Resort Ministries with Bethel Baptist Church in Sevierville, TN.  The pastor of the church is a friend from my college years; we both were involved in the Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM) at the University of TN - Knoxville.  Chris and his wife, Kellye, have incredible hearts for ministry and missions, and it was a real honor to spend the weekend with them and share with their church about Alaska and what is happening there.



On Friday, I was invited to speak to their VBS... their missions offering was given to my ministry.  Chris thought it would be neat for the kids to meet the missionary they are supporting, and I'm sure it was... but I think I was the one who got the real joy and blessing out of the whole thing.  The children at Bethel are incredible.  With hearts of gold, they welcomed me to their church and had a lot of questions I loved answering.  Are there polar bears? Is there a lot of snow? Is it dark all year long? How many puppies are there? Do you have to fish and hunt for all your food? Have you ever seen a moose? Are you going to live in an igloo? Can't you just hear them asking?  Kellye made igloos for the offering buckets for the kids... how cute!!

Saturday, a group from Bethel came to the cabin and grilled out for dinner.  It was awesome to get to spend time with the families that came just hanging out, going on a walk, and sharing pictures from Alaska.  One of the ladies brought me an egg-free "cake" for my birthday!  It was actually like a dessert-sugar-butter-cream cheese ball served on graham crackers...yum!!  Sunday, I was invited to share some more about the ministry in Alaska with the children, youth, and congregation.  It was such a sweet time for me.  I had so much fun with Bethel, you would have thought I'd known them for  years, not simply hours!!  Already this church holds a special place in my heart and I'm so honored by their support and involvement with the ministry in Alaska!