Tanalian Leadership Center Update
The Leadership Center students graduated on May 10th. The completion of the 7 month program came to a close with many emotions. Our students shared testimonies graduation recognizing the work the Lord did in their lives this year. We rejoice at what the Lord has accomplished in the lives of these young leaders and pray they would look to the Lord and His Word for guidance and strength as they return to their homes and live as lights among darkness. Please pray for them as they will face many challenges upon returning home, and that they have the opportunity to share and apply what they learned during the program.
Tanalian Bible Camp Update
Summer camp is just around the corner!
Work crews come in May to help do maintenance around camp and summer staff comes the last week in May for training. We are excited to have several TLC students and former campers on staff this year. One of Tanalian’s goals is to see native leaders raised up, discipled through the programs and returning to pour back into the youth from their own villages. It’s an amazing thing to see this happening and see them realize they can have an impact on their peers. Please pray with us for these young leaders as they serve this year.
June 3rd starts the first week of summer camp, Teen Pursuit for youth 17-19 and I get to be a counselor that week to 5-6 young ladies. I get excited thinking about it as I love camp and a chance to get to be a part of these ladies’ lives. Please pray in advance for myself as a counselor and all of the campers who will be attending. I will be involved camp this summer “part-time,” connecting with campers and counselors to build relationships with them and gain a deeper understanding our camping program.
Please pray the Lord brings the campers he wants at camp this year! We are hoping for 350 youth throughout the 7 weeks of camp. Pray for them to be impacted by the truth and hope found in the Word of God. We ask you pray for our staff and counselors each week who will be serving campers and showing them Christ’s love.
Development Update
The bulk of my job is spent on Tanalian’s internal structure and laying a foundation for development. This encompasses a lot of detailed planning, implementing internal processes and helping us focus on mission delivery. It’s a mountain of tedious work, yet I love this part of my job and feel the Lord has brought me here at a time where Tanalian is growing and the work to be done will enhance the organization in many ways. Pray for our team as we communicate through changes and that we would be unified and leaning on God for wisdom and direction.
I am continually grateful for those who have prayed for me, our staff and TLC students. You have been used in an incredibly important way! 
Oh yeah… the 50 Year Anniversary Fundraiser! That big event I was planning… it happened and it was incredible beyond my imagination. Despite a freak winter snow storm, 200 people over flowed the space and we gave God the glory for 50 years of working in Southwest Alaska. History was shared, testimonies given and people reconnected. Financially, we were blessed beyond expectation and it was a highlight to see the depth of love and commitment for this ministry.
Port Alsworth is out of hibernation. We are buzzing with energy from the sun. It’s glorious. The ground is thawing and planes are roaring more and more frequently telling us the pace of life is picking up. This weekend is Tanalian’s Spring Conference where families from around Bristol Bay fly to Port Alsworth for a weekend of reconnecting and encouragement. Shortly after that, work crews come to help spruce up the grounds and buildings, preparing for summer camp… Oh yea! Camp starts in 7 weeks! Woohoo!
I got the joy of hand slicing and arranging 300 of these delicate berries with help from Lisa the master school chef. Tedious but worth it for the final WOW of the night. My favorite part of the cheese cakes was that plans changed with how the cheesecakes would be baked. Twelve pans were needed and not had. What do you do? Call one key woman in town, who calls other women in town, collects and delivers 12 pans in under 30 minutes. Reason #267 why I love small town life.
It was a very fun evening serving my friends and seeing the YA’s take their talents to a new level. I didn’t see the full theatrical performance, but I know it was a murder mystery that involved some mysterious colored drink…but the culprit? I never found out…maybe he/she still lurks around Port Alsworth.
