Service Work in Fairbanks

One of the ripple effects to our Alaskan garden project is meeting Candy. Mark is right, his mom is a Godly person who gives to those who have so little. This year she purchased a greenhouse in hopes of learning gardening as she shows at risk teens a hobby that brings food to their tables. The 2011 trip will begin in Fairbanks as usual with several meetings. Also, as part of the first leg I will spend each day helping prepare gardens as we start plants in Candy's greenhouse and have fellowship with the teens under Candy's leadership.
A second ripple will be traveling to Circle and begin thousands of plants to be distributed throughout the village. The villagers has told our friend Mary Grout if we will help start the plants as we prepare home gardens, they will follow through and take ownership.
Then, by Mid- May head back to Fairbanks and fly north to our home away from home, Arctic Village. With the addition of the four large scale greenhouses, plus all the home gardens, we will have our hands full. Penny will also lead a woman's group, and then there's the unknown that makes each trip so eventful. Pictures to be posted soon including one of the most unusual bear video's I've ever seen.

Tom's Death

What a joy it is to be a part of God's plan, even if it means enduring the pain that comes with it. Tom's death was a shocker, his family has endured so much, now this. To give them comfort as a result from months of working with Tom in such a setting is wonderful. Pam's hunger to hear about her husband's transformation at the FT. Wayne Rescue Mission is one of the reasons why I was called to this act of service. How he came to call Christmas Day of 2009 the most meaningful Christmas speaks to Penny's loving heart. Because of my reservation to Penny being there Christmas morning speaks to how I need to trust and not bring my feelings and fears as part of my service life. Jiggs Miller pointed this out to me in Halem, Neb. in 2004 as we built a house for Pat. Pat's house was destroyed by a tornado. Penny also worked on Pat's house three years before we met. What a joy it is to be a part of God's plan.

Garden Project, Alaska 2010

What an incredible trip!! We will soon share how wonderful it is following God's plan for our lives. Arctic Village now has a reputation throughout Alaska for growing gardens and so many villages say "If gardens can be grown in Arctic Village,we can grow them here". We were told by the Ag. Dept. of the Univ. of Alaska Fairbanks and the Northern Alaska Envir. Center that we have changed history. That Bill and Penny are now a part of Alaska' history. How great it is to follow God's plan.