A week later

Time is going by so fast. It has already been about two weeks since our last blog. It has been so easy to lose track of time here. It seems like we are constantly doing something. Now we are down to our last week here in Gambell as we fly out on Friday May 16th.(We actually just got back yesterday now. Sorry I could not post this sooner) We apologize for not getting more blogs out, but here we have to go to the other end of the village to the open gym from 7-10 at night in order to get a good internet signal. This has proven to be difficult with things going on at the church four nights a week, and a steady stream of visitors in the evening that we have had some wonderful opportunities to share testimonies with. God is really blessing us all with ministry opportunities.
First off, Lindsay and I would like to thank you all for your prayers. Our health has been good, and we have been able to keep up with the kids and the pace of things here pretty well over the last weeks. We have still not seen any whales here. The ice conditions are good for whaling now, but wind, fog, gas leaks, and many other factors have kept the boats from having any success so far. At least that is what the scoop is from the village elders that we often talk with down by the beach. It has been a lot of fun to go down and spend a little time talking with the men that no longer go "boating" and hear all their stories. These people are absolutely fearless out on the water, and it is incredible to hear their stories, and even watch video of their hunts.
We have had the opportunities twice now to be down by the beach when boats have come in from hunting. While they are not getting any whales, bearded seals and walrus have been taken. So, they are having some success with their time on the water. We even were able to see a walrus skull and tusks fresh from the evening hunt. It was incredible to see. No where else in the world can you experience something like that except with the Eskimo people that still rely on the sea for much of their food and lively hood. (At least no where I know of.)
Back to ministry opportunities. The team is really settling into the village here. We are feeling more and more welcome and at home every day. Three members of the team have been committed to going to the school in the afternoons and working as teachers aides. They have really been able to connect with more youth this way, and encourage them to come by the church, but mostly they are a blessing to the teachers who have to deal with a pretty rambunctious group of kids every day. A couple others have made the open gym a regular thing, and have gotten to know a lot of people through that, and have even had ministry opportunities with people there. Open gym is more than just basketball here, it is a place to socialize as well.
Lindsay and I have been regular attendants to the elders lunch each day. It has been a good opportunity to sit down with a group of people that does not get by the church much. We have also had some incredible conversations with people that have really opened up about struggles and hardships that they have faced. We have had the chance to talk with them, pray with them, and just be there to encourage them that God is with them. Many people here have been surprisingly open with us "church people" about things that they need the Lord’s help with in their lives. Most are very receptive to us praying for them right on the spot even. The faith of the people has really been an encouragement to us.
The team has been doing an incredible job with Sunday sermons, Wednesday night testimonies, and Thursday night prayer sessions. God has really led each of us through these things as we have stepped out in them. Last Sunday I had my first opportunity to give the sermon. The Lord had been really putting some things on my heart to talk about. The focus was mainly on prayer. I talked about spiritual battles, taking things to God, searching yourself for things you may be doing wrong, forgiveness of others, and God’s promises if we do all these things as we come before Him in prayer. That is that He will hear and answer our prayers when we are humbled before Him. We simply need to ask because He wants to prosper us.
Again, thank you for your prayers. It means a lot to us to know that you are praying for us, and we can really see God’s covering over us. Continue to pray for a whale for the people of Gambell. They really do rely on these animals for much of there food throughout the year. Also, walrus are much needed. The meat from these seems to be almost more desirable. They love to age it and dry it, and is a 4th of July favorite from what we have heard. More to come.....