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Vayahiy! (And It Came to Pass… February 11, 2006) The Cardwell family newsletter updating our mission to Scammon Bay Covenant Church in Scammon Bay, Alaska. “Make haste, my Beloved, and be Thou like to a roe or to a young hart upon the mountains of spices” (Song of Solomon 8:14). “He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20). cold & flew & flu… [by jon c] It’s finally warmed up to just cold instead of the extreme weather we were experiencing for the past few weeks. We were at 20 degrees below zero with a wind chill factor that made it feel like –40 at times (according to the Weather Channel on-line where we get real-time updates). The thermometer is 27 degrees with an 8 mph west wind as I type. Missionary Pilot, Brian, of MARC (Missionary Aviation Repair Center), along with Bert Schultz and Sue Martin of Soldotna Bible Chapel, flew out to visit on February 3rd, bringing with them some wonderfully warm fellowship and a plastic tote from John & Valerie Turner and family (also of Soldotna Bible Chapel). They did manage to fly in between storm warnings and the extreme weather that pounded our part of Alaska. Thanks for the visit and the goodies. A pretty widespread flu virus ran its way through the village the past month. Lisa, Rachel and I got hit with it at the same time. Rachel was out of school for two weeks, Lisa is still coughing and a bit congested, and I was laid up in bed for two days. Thank you all for your prayers. vayahiy.com The Vayahiy website has been updated. We continue to pray that it becomes a source of edification and encouragement to the body of Christ. If you have any input as to what we can do to make our site better, please let us know. You can email me at: jon@vayahiy.com. Just a few updates of note: Articles: Jon’s latest article was actually written shortly after sending out our last newsletter: “Am I the Enemy of the 21st Century?” or go to CLICK HERE to go to Vayahiy Articles. Resources: The Resource Spotlight features, not just one, but three resources this month. CLICK HERE to get blessed tools for growth. Missions: The Missionary Spotlight features, not just one, but two missionaries this month. CLICK HERE to get inspired and encouraged. Links: If you’ve had trouble opening some of the Links, we’ve gone through them and removed old links and faulty URL’s… and added a few new links to our 30 categories of nearly 400 websites. CLICK HERE to check out what’s new. Prophecy Page: The latest addition to the website is the Prophecy Page. This page is full of links to prophecy and discernment ministries. There are also audio links to Jon Courson’s commentary on Revelation and Chuck Missler’s commentary on Daniel. CLICK HERE to check out the new Prophecy Page. With love for you all as we anticipate His return, jon, lisa and rachel cardwell * * *
Vayahiy! (And It Came to Pass… January 10, 2006) The Cardwell family newsletter updating our mission to Scammon Bay Covenant Church in Scammon Bay, Alaska. “That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all Thy wondrous works” (Psalm 26:7). the foolishness of the Cross… [by jon c] There are situations and circumstances that pop up, crop up, and jab at God’s children at nearly every turn; yet, we rejoice, remembering that the Holy Spirit promises, “…that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). We see the heartaches, heartbreaks, and horrifying hurts that come to those whom we have come to minister to... and we want so desperately to help because it is written, “And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it” (1 Corinthians 12:26). I’m becoming more and more thankful as each day passes that we don’t always have the resources or capacity to help others in a tangible, physical, or material way. To help someone with food, finances, or first aid is important (James 2:14-18)… but it seems that where the first century church had to be reminded that our faith produces good works, the last century church seems to need a constant reminder that good works are nothing without faith in God by the Cross of Christ. When someone is sick or injured or has died in the village I am incapable of doing anything to help that dear one or those loved ones physically or materially. I can only stand nearby, praying and remembering that it won’t be like this when Jesus returns... and that when the Spirit of God prompts their hearts to ask, I can be ready to tell the wondrous story of the death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. The preaching of the Cross is the most important blessing we can give to those God has sent us to minister to in Scammon Bay, as it is written, “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18). Every new diagnosis of cancer should remind us that that is the result of Adam’s sin and that Christ’s death upon the Cross is where we need to place our faith. We need to keep at the foot of the Cross of Jesus Christ in our prayer lives, in our practical living, and our preaching to a lost world, so we may present precious hope in this truth: JESUS CHRIST, “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8). what God hath wrought this winter in western alaska… We had a wonderful time with a visit from the Evangelical Covenant Church of Alaska’s field director, Rodney Sawyer. He came out to “officially install Jon Cardwell” as pastor of Scammon Bay Covenant Church. The weather kept ‘Grandpa Rodney’ here a little longer than planned; but we had a wonderful time even if we had to resort to ‘honey buckets’ for a while because of some plumbing problems. [Dec 2-8, 2005] Lisa and the Young People’s Fellowship (the children & youth) blessed the congregation at the Christmas Eve celebration, presenting the gospel message in song and narration. [Dec 24, 2005] Scammon Bay had the opportunity to extend blessings to Mountain Village during the memorial service for the late Hank Agwiak, as Pastor Carl Elwood was out of town that week. Our church board co-chairman, Clifford Kaganak led Jon on a 150-mile roundtrip ride on snowmachine to minister at the funeral. We are so grateful to Brother Clifford for taking the time to lead the way, and to Clifford Jr. for letting Jon use Junior's very FAST machine (Jon’s body has nearly completely recovered now… also, for our family in California, what we call a snowmachine is what you folks like to call a snowmobile; we don’t need a machine to make snow, God provides plenty!). [Dec 31, 2005] Rachel has been enjoying her new school, her classmates, and family times (even though she really misses her sister, Leah). We’ve been having Bible studies and special prayer times as the three of us get together as a family. At 10 years old, Rachel is enjoying our times when we read about God’s ministers and missionaries. We have found ourselves re-reading many of the books that we read to Leah because Rachel was too young then. We’ve had an awesome time watching Rachel’s eyes light up when she journeys through the lives of Corrie ten Boom (one of her favorites) or Billy Sunday. We’re currently reading through our 40-year-old copy of God’s Smuggler. Rachel has also discovered the fascinating chronicles of Anne Shirley as Grandpa Rodney sent her the entire Anne of Green Gables videotape series for Christmas. Since school was out, I think Rachel has seen them all at least twice… and the first set (there are three sets), five times! We miss Leah very much but she is doing well in California, preparing for college as she finishes her senior year of High School. She will turn 18 on April 17th and Lisa is already praying that she will be able to make it down to California for Leah’s graduation (at the end of May or beginning of June... if the Lord should tarry!). All of us in Scammon Bay have been so incredibly blessed this winter with love, prayers, and provision from so many of you. To list the individuals and fellowships that sent materials, resources, and gifts... well, no amount of words or deed could express our appreciation for your service unto our Savior in thinking upon us here in western Alaska. From the deepest places in our hearts, thank you. the Lord’s return is nigh… Are you ready for winter? Interesting question. That’s the title of Jon’s latest article as it is a reminder that the cold and darkness of a spiritual winter is upon us. The Lord’s return is nigh, even at the very door. The Bible says, “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils” (1 Timothy 4:1). Perhaps you haven’t seen this headline in the news: “Nonbelievers Too Can Be Saved, Says Pope”. That’s right, ZENIT.org, an international news agency whose “mission is to provide objective coverage of events, documents and issues emanating from or concerning the Catholic Church” posts a very interesting article with regard to the statements made by Benedict XVI to a general audience about salvation to those who lack a Biblical faith. That certainly sounds like a departure from the faith. You can check out the article BY CLICKING HERE. vayahiy.com The Vayahiy website has been updated. We continue to pray that it becomes a source of edification and encouragement to the body of Christ. We also hope that our website becomes an informative resource to the saints in Scammon Bay as well as our mission partners. If you have any input as to what we can do to make our site better, please let us know. You can email me at: jon@vayahiy.com. Just a few updates of note: Articles: Jon’s latest article appears this month: "Are You Ready for Winter?" CLICK HERE to open the article. Ø A timeless classic from A.W. Tozer has been included. Although this article may be the subject of some controversy… and some may disagree with Tozer, it still provides us with some interesting perspectives to ponder in these last days. Check it out on our Articles page or CLICK ON THIS LINK to straight to the article. Ø I still hope to convince Lisa to write an article sometime in the future (please keep that in prayer…) Resources: Online booklets and other publications have been made available in the PDF format as well as the MS Word format. CLICK HERE to go to our Resources page. Ø New booklet in PDF and MS Word: “The Gospel” is a harmonious survey of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John CLICK HERE to get to the PDF version of our publications or CLICK HERE the MS Word versions. Ø PDF and MS Word download problems have been resolved. Ø Research Resources and Bible Study References: We’ve added so many links here that you’ll just have to check them out by CLICKING HERE. Links: If you’ve had trouble opening some of the Links, we’ve gone through them and removed old links and faulty URL’s… and added a few new links to our 30 categories of nearly 400 websites. CLICK HERE to go to our Links page.
Until next time, with God’s love shed abroad in our hearts, jon, lisa, and rachel cardwell * * *
Vayahiy! (And It Came to Pass… April 29, 2006) The Cardwell family newsletter updating you on our mission to Scammon Bay Covenant Church in Scammon Bay, Alaska. “As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters” (Proverbs 25:13). ministry the past 3 months… [by jon c] Since our last newsletter there have been so many things going on. And since it’s been nearly three months since we’ve sent out the newsletter, I’ll try to chronicle some of the major events. Some of the following events may have photos on our website: Click Here to view the Ministry Photomontage #3 or Click Here to view the Ministry Photomontage #4. February 22, 2006: Arctic Barnabas Ministries and Don Shire Ministries fly into Scammon Bay to scout possible summer mission projects, i.e., repairing parsonages in bush Alaska. February 23-25, 2006: Scammon Bay Covenant Church hosts the 5th Annual Scammon Berry Festival. Thursday evening began three days of inspirational praise, worship, fellowship, and special songs. Don Shire, a missionary and world-renowned musician, blessed us with his awesome trumpet playing. Inclement weather extended the planned stay for the Don Shire team and Arctic Barnabas team. The Ladies’ Youth Fellowship was born during this time. March 15-19, 2006: I attended the 2006 Evangelical Covenant Church of Alaska’s Annual Meeting in Unalakleet. David Kaganak and I enjoyed the incredible fellowship extended to us by Pastor Joel Oyoumick and congregation. David Kaganak received the annual Daniel Savetilik Lay Ministry Award. I was the recipient of the most gracious hospitality while staying at the home of Jeff and Donna Erickson. March 22, 2006: Lisa and I observed our 15th Wedding Anniversary (we didn’t exactly celebrate. I wished Lisa a happy anniversary and she wished me a happy anniversary). April 6-9, 2006: Lower Yukon Conference in Hooper Bay. Lisa, Rachel and I enjoyed the love and hospitality of Pastor Grant and Lenna Funk and family. I hope to have a full report of that blessing posted on the website soon. April 11-14, 2006: Matt, Natalie, Zach & Mason Zeigler visit us from Soldotna. Matt is a missionary pilot with Arctic Barnabas Ministries. One of the things that ABM does is minister to isolated ministers in “bush” Alaska. April 12, 2006: Pesach. The Zeigler’s celebrate Passover with the Cardwell’s. We would have had to celebrate Passover with moose this year, but Matt and Natalie brought out lamb, horseradish, and grape juice. April 13-19, 2006: Chag HaMatzot. The Feast of Unleavened Bread. April 16, 2006: Chag HaBikkuriym. The Feast of Firstfruits. He is Risen! “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept” (1 Corinthians 15:20). Begin counting 50 days to Biblical Pentecost (Chag HaShavu’ot). April 17, 2006: Leah Cardwell’s 18th birthday. Happy Birthday, sweetheart! April 22-23, 2006: I flew out to Bethel on Saturday morning to spend the night and preach in the morning service at Bethel Covenant Church. Delivered the message, “The Lamb’s Book of Life” and flew back to Scammon Bay that afternoon to deliver the same message in the evening service. ... And... …during this entire three-month period we’ve experienced an extremely harsh winter, with outdoor temperatures dropping to 28 degrees below zero with a wind chill factor that brought the temperature down to –40 deg. F, while the temperature in the parsonage dropped down a few times to 35 deg. F. Nonetheless, we could not have asked for a better time of service unto the Master and opportunities to cast wills down for His. kicy broadcasts I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to be a part of the CareForce radio broadcast airing on KICY out of Nome, Alaska. I’m regularly on at 9:00 am Alaska Standard Time on the first Monday of the month and the third Monday of the month... however, with the five Mondays in May, I’ll be on May 8th and 22nd. Lon Swanson and the KICY staff have been awesome and I’ve been able to fill in several times other than my regular schedule. Along with the prayer requests we pray for over the air, I’ve been giving an expositional/devotional message through the book of Revelation. As May 8th is my next broadcast, I’ve made it simple to link up in order to listen. Through any page on our website, www.vayahiy.com, just go to the menu on the left hand side of the page and CLICK on the link at the bottom of the list that says “KICY Live Broadcast from Nome, AK”. youth & children, camps & conferences… Before coming to Scammon Bay, we knew in the depths of our hearts that the Lord was going to do something among the youth. We determined not to start anything… only pray and in February a few of the teenage ladies asked Lisa if they could get together. With the spiritual momentum that has developed among the young people we have already found a desire among many of them to go to Bible camps, mission trips, and other ministry outings. Yet, living so far out in Alaska, transportation is an expensive issue just getting out to Anchorage and beyond... and living in such a small village rather limits fundraising. The wonderful thing that a lack of finances does is it automatically sends us to the very best thing to do: pray. Please pray along with our children and young people as they pray. Pray that they continue to pray always and trust in God whether trips or camps or outings manifest or not. vayahiy.com The Vayahiy website has been updated. We continue to pray that it becomes a source of edification and encouragement to the body of Christ. If you have any input as to what we can do to make our site better, please let us know. You can email me at: jon@vayahiy.com. Just a few updates of note: About Us: We’ve updated this page of our website by providing links to two ministry photomontages: CLICK HERE to find the photos about us. Missions: The Missionary Spotlight features World Outreach Ministries Foundation. Three new links to photomontages have been added to this page. CLICK HERE to go to the Missions Page. Articles: Jon’s latest article, “The Lamb’s Book of Life” was taken from his notes from messages delivered at Bethel Covenant Church and Scammon Bay Covenant Church on April 23, 2006. CLICK HERE to go to the Articles Page. Devotions: This is the newest page on our website. Before coming to Scammon Bay we sent a weekly email devotional to a few people in Scammon Bay. This page is updated each Friday with a new devotion and also has links to popular daily devotions. Several people have already signed up to receive an advanced edition of the weekly devotion by email. If you would like to receive the devotional, just request it via email. Send it to jon@vayahiy.com. CLICK HERE to go to the Devotions Page. Prophecy Page: This page is full of links to prophecy and discernment ministries. There are also audio links to Jon Courson’s commentary on Revelation and Chuck Missler’s commentary on Daniel. CLICK HERE to go to the Prophecy Page. Publications: The Publications page has been updated with a new booklet and a new full manuscript. CLICK HERE to go to the Vayahiy PDF Publications Page for the new manuscript in PDF entitled “The Gospel!” or the new booklet located under the Old Testament category, “Jonah.” Jonah is also available in MS Word by CLICKING HERE. Links: If you’ve had trouble opening some of the Links, we’ve gone through them and removed old links and faulty URL’s. We have so many useful links that we divided them up into three directories for faster downloading. CLICK HERE for Directory 1 or CLICK HERE for Directory 2 or CLICK HERE for Directory 3. With love for you all as we anticipate His return, jon, lisa and rachel cardwell * * *
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