Scammon Bay Covenant Church in Scammon Bay, Alaska...

We arrived in Scammon Bay on October 10, 2005 and there wasn't really any snow on the ground.  It would begin snowing a week later.  This photo was taken recently (April 26, 2006), which would explain why there's so much snow on the ground.  As we approach mid-June and the daylight hours get longer and longer, it's possible that all this snow can be gone within a few weeks... yet, several people told us that this has been a really long cold winter!

Leading worship with guitar...

The Lord has a wonderful way of stretching our faith, instilling trust in Him, and working grace out in all of us.  I have never really been a very good guitar player... and although I love to worship our God in  psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, leading worship has never really been my talent and strength.  I started leading worship for the Wednesday night Bible study in King Cove and it's progressed to the point where I have been leading worship for the past six months here in Scammon.  It has given the congregation an opportunity to extend God's grace to me through my mistakes on guitar.  Well, the Lord did say to make a joyful noise.  Yet, by His grace, I'm getting better and the Lord has added other guitar players to our worship.

December 4, 2005 Laying on of Hands and Covenant Installation Service...

Pastor Rodney Sawyer (far right), director of the Evangelical Covenant Church of Alaska, came out to Scammon Bay to preside over the official installation of me as pastor of the Scammon Bay Covenant Church.  Lisa, Rachel, and I are being prayed for by John Uttereyuk (far left), Nathan Kaganak (foreground), and Monroe Kaganak (background).  Unfavorable winter weather turned Pastor Rodney's two-day trip into a week-long test of blessed flexibility.  Although Nancy Sawyer undoubtedly missed her hubby, we enjoyed having "Grandpa Rodney" for an extended stay.

Scammon Bay Covenant Church Chairman, John Uttereyuk...

Our friend and brother in Christ, John Uttereyuk, is a highly respected member of the community, a devoted husband and father, and a beloved servant of the Lord unto the body of Christ.  Although he has been elected chairman by the congregation, John is quick to point out that he is just one member of the leadership team that the Lord has put in place.  The other board members include: Clifford Kaganak, Sr. (vice-chair); Irene Kaganak (treasurer/secretary); Johnny Ulak (deacon); Darlene Ulak (deaconess); Carolyn Uttereyuk (deaconess); David Kaganak (elder/officer); Nathan Kaganak (elder/officer).

With Pastor Randy Furushima at the ECCAK Annual Meeting in Unalakleet, Alaska...

The Evangelical Covenant Church of Alaska's Annual Meeting was hosted by the saints in Uanalakleet, Alaska from March 15-19, 2006.  Dr. Randall Furushima, pastor of Wellspring Covenant Church in Aiea, Hawaii, was the featured speaker.  As busy as Randy was during the five-day event, it was great to visit with him.  Our time of fellowship took my heart back to the more youthful days of my Christian faith, back to a place I still think of as home: Hawaii.

Scammon Bay Covenant Church Elder, David Kaganak, receives the Daniel Savetilik Award...

Our beloved elder and friend, David Kaganak, received the Daniel Savetilik Award at the 2006 ECCAK Annual Meeting.  The Daniel Savetilik Award is given to those lay persons in the body of Christ who have been recognized for their faithful service to the Lord.  Brother David is the 3rd recipient to receive this honor since the award's inception in 2004.  Quyanna Chugneq for your service to Jesus, David!

HaBirkat Koheniym with Pastor Chip Swanson in Unalakleet, Alaska...

The ECCAK Annual Meeting was officially closed with the Priestly Blessing (Numbers 6:23-27) following communion at the Sunday morning service on March 19, 2006.  I was honored and blessed to be asked by Pastor Chip Swanson to recite the benediction in Hebrew as he recited it in English.  This benediction is known by Jews worldwide as Birkat Koheniym.