Category Archives: Tanalian Leadership Center

TLC Finale

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Last week was the finale to the first Tanalian Leadership Center program.  I got back from my trip just in time to soak up the teaching of Paul, who flew from another rural town to share his story and words of wisdom to our students.  I enjoyed the final days with Robert and Girla, loving the friendships that have formed with them.

It was an honor to have Paul share how God has changed his life, giving him direction, drive and an unwavering foundation.  His message to the students an us was to know the Bible, know the character of God and rely on it when hardships come…because they will. I know we all learned something from him and were grateful that he came to pour into our students.

For the graduation ceremony, the scroll used during Bible class to jot important notes, was unrolled and circled the entire church sanctuary. Andrew walked through the story of the Bible in 20 minutes.  It is an incredible way to review the overarching story of God and how we are a part of it.

Each student shared about what they learned during their three months and were given an ESV study bible and certificate of completion.  It was a sweet time of celebrating all they have accomplished and all God has done in their lives since they came to Port Alsworth.  I know their lives are changed and I’m excited to see them continue to grow!

Additional celebration took place in the form of Robert, Girla and Steve grabbing Andrew and giving him a dunk in the icy bay!  Brrrr!  I was sure to run the other way.

Both students are back home.  Girla will return in a few weeks to work at Tanalian Bible Camp for the summer, and I’m excited to see her begin step into a leadership role.  With the close of the first program, the staff is now taking some time to debrief and set plans in place for the fall program, which is set to start at the end of September.  Along with two other men and women, Lord willing both Robert and Girla will be back! Praise the Lord for an amazing first program!

Tanalian Leadership Center Video

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I have been talking about my role with the Tanalian Leadership Center for a while now, as I transition into working with them as a Development Director.  It can be hard to picture exactly where it is, what it is and how it’s been going since it started in February.  So, we’ve created this video to show you an overview of the program.

The Lord has been doing amazing things in our student’s lives and in my own through being a part of it.  I get so excited to dream about how the Lord can use this to impact the lives of many more young adults! Capture the vision of what I’m becoming part of and I invite you to join my support team.

I am at 51% of support and have the goal of being full-time by September 1st, when our next group of students arrive.  For those of you who’ve wanted to join my team, but just haven’t gotten around to it…here’s your chance.  Fill out this online form to get started!

First Time Skier

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Cross country skiing for the first time is much like watching a baby cow learning to walk… on sheer ice….blindfolded. It is not a graceful sport, but one that will keep you humble and very aware of gravity.  Even though skiing is my transportation and an outlet for exercise during the winter, I still struggle and feel awkward nearly every time. Like a 7th grade dance. However, I find myself planning my days around when and if I can go skiing.

I got to share the joy of skiing with Girla last week! She strapped on my old skis for the first time and we headed out on Lake Clark. I told her she may not love it the first time, but stick with it and you’re world just might be changed. Like the first time she came to TBC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

She was a rockstar. And she has amazing seal mittens that make her look even more hardcore. I held my breath thinking she’d never want to go again… but she said she does! Score. Welcome to the wonderful world of skiing, Girla!

Big Prayers

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It started in the early 90’s.  The big prayers for a way to reach out to Native Alaskan youth in their “gap year.”  How do we reach the kids who are too old to go to Tanalian Bible Camp, but are not yet adults? How can we help make an impact with individuals that will ripple out across a village community?

I am here in rural Alaska because of these prayers.  Robert and Girla, the first two Tanalian Leadership Center (TLC) students are here because of these prayers.  Praise the Lord for those who prayed BIG and those who followed the Lord’s leading in helping make this dream become a reality.

TLC is in its fourth week and a change is all ready taking place in the students’ lives.  I’ve had the chance to be a part of the Bible classes a few days each week and it’s fun to see Robert and Girla learning.  Going through the Bible in a narrative form, they are connecting the dots with God’s promises, how we today struggle with the same sins and his redemptive plan for his people (us).  They know very little about the Bible, so each story holds new information of God’s redemptive plan.  They are learning new vocabulary such as holy, redemption, atonement…and many words, which are important to understanding the story.  I take for granted the Biblical knowledge and “Christian-ease” language I’ve grown up with and how important it is not to assume they know it.

Robert is about to complete a maqii (steam bath) this week.  He has taken great pride in learning carpentry and seeing the product unfold before him.  He’s eagerly waiting in the morning, tool belt on, ready to use his hands. I think he’s also excited to have a good steam in it when it’s done!  Robert has also expressed he’s learning a lot in the Bible class, and has done a great job with his weekly assignments.

Girla still has a goal of counseling at Tanalian Bible Camp this summer.  How amazing will it be to see her helping lead a group of other native girls, who are also hungry to learn about the Bible. She’s growing in confidence in Bible knowledge and asking lots of questions.  She is outside her comfort zone, being away from family, outside her village and being challenged in new ways.  Pray for her strength and homesickness.

It’s easy sometimes to get caught in the detail of every day life.  As I stop today and remember that God brought me to Alaska for His purposes, an answer to many people’s prayers, I ask that you would pray big for a change in the lives of Robert and Girla. And that God would continue to provide for me so I can dedicate myself full-time to the work at TBC and TLC.

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-fruit that will last.  Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.”  - John 15:16

TLC Winter Adventures

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What is a better recipe for a winter adventure than a cabin, -34 degree weather and good friends?! We decided to “get out of town” for a Tanalian Leadership Center (TLC) staff retreat and head across the lake to our friends cabin. Thank you Bloms!!  Armed with chili and cinnamon rolls, I bundled up in my Alaska couture Carhardt coveralls and drove the Tundra across the lake to the “pre-warmed” cabin.  50 was as warm as we got the cabin, as we watched the frost level inside slowly lower.

Andrew, Eric, myself, and our friends Heather and Steve – we had some good brainstorming, prayer time and planning for the spring TLC program.  I am excited to have Heather and Steve as community partners with TLC, as Heather has worked with the camp for several summers and both have a heart to reach this age group.  We even took some time to soak in the sun on the deck the next morning!

The Tundra and I got in a fight in the morning…but it not starting made it a true winter adventure, so I rode back in Eric’s sled, enjoying the frigid snow the sprayed down my neck.

This past weekend I went into Anchorage with Andrew for a speaking engagement at Sand Lake Baptist Church, where Andrew used to attend.  He gave a wonderful message on discipleship, and we each spoke about the program and our roles with it. The weekend was also a blast, as I got to spend time with Sarah… who was on an Anchorage get-a-way weekend! It was a fun treat to go out to coffee, people watch, enjoy dinner, leisurely shop and see a MOVIE! We felt very spoiled.

 

Bundled up in the plane with our beaver hats, down coats and ear protection.  I think it will be on the cover of InSyle soon…just you watch.

It’s a crazy, wonderful life to have to fly through Lake Clark Pass to travel into Anchorage. The flight was one of the most beautiful one’s I’ve been on, without a single bump and epic winter views of mountains.  I imagined myself as a giant leaping over the mountain peaks, and sliding down the glacier slopes.