Center Court

Love is Patient

You know what makes this center court logo even more amazing is by Marty's own admission, he is NOT a graphic artist. From day one Marty wanted to put a logo on the floor. While at the camp, Nate and Marty came up with the idea and Marty ran with it. God used Marty's desire to do something special for the kids, gave him the patience and inspiration to create the logo. Marty gives all the credit to Christ. Phil 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

The Basketball Project Review - Lining the court

This was the second most time consuming part of this project. Our top notch survey crew of Daniel, David, Marty, and Bob taped off the lines. Then our steady handed paint team (Dan, Chuck, JR, Jessica - Abundant Life, Marty and me -- yes, I actually did some work too)came in right behind them. The extra and dedication to getting the lines place really made the difference -- the finished court really looks good.

Oh yeah -- the center court logo -- Marty and Nate had the idea (and patience) to layout the logo. Jessica was a huge help here too.

Team -- thank you for your dedication and attention to detail.

Basketball Court Progress -- Laying the Floor

Last night I had planned to share photos of the various build stages -- But the power was going to be turned off soon. So I just posted the finished deck.

Here are a couple from laying the floor

The Basketball Court is Finished

Praise to Jesus for ALL of His provisions.

The Basketball Court in Review - The Rip Up

Here is a short photo collection of the various stages of our project at Kokrine Hills Bible Camp this week

Chuck's Clearing Alaskan Timber

TIMBER!!!!!

Chuck and Dan cleared about 200 ft of timber for new airstrip

The Basketball Court is "nearly" finished

Yesterday we had another significant milestone -- We finished painting the lines and the center court logo. Through God's provision the children will have a new place to play hoops and come to know His Son, Jesus.

Today, we have to sweep it down and seal it. I will try to send more photos later.

Off to chop some timber

Dan and Chuck are off to clear a couple of acres of trees for new landing strip.

JR can't wait to shoot hoops on the new court

After the floor was laid this afternoon, JR was one of the first one to pick up a ball and start shooting hoops.

Joe is making benches for the basketball court

Brother Joe is commanding the chop saw. On these benches, the kids will come to know Jesus.

Bob the demo man

That poor nail didn't stand a chance with Bob the demo man commanding the hammer.

Bob has been taking on all the tough jobs -- Demolition, laying floors (the machine shop and Basketball floor), building shelves -- Whatever it takes!

Relaxing after a hard day working for Jesus

Marty was relaxin' in the shade after a hard day installing the floor!

The Basketball Court Floor is COMPLETE - Praise Jesus

Today we accomplished a significant milestone for this project. The laying of the court floor is complete!! WE could not have accomplished this task if it not were for a dedicated team focused on Christ. From the time the team arrived at camp, we have been focused on allowing the Lord to best use our talents and abilities to build His basketball court to bring His children in the native Alaskan villages to Jesus.

Everyone contributed from demolition (Nate, Chuck, Lou, Paul - from Abundant Life, and Scott and Ray from The Crossings at Birchwood) to hauling away the old flooring(Marty, Bob, Joe, Lou, Nate, Dan, Paul, JR, Chaun, and yes yours truly), to leveling the floor subsystem (Daniel, David and Lou), to laying out the new floor (Daniel, Nate, Marty, Bob, Lou, Ray, and Carl from Massachusetts), attaching it (David, Marty, Nate, Mark, JR, Bob, Chaun, Jessica - from Abundant Life) and sweeping it for finishing (Marty, JR, Joe, and Mark). It has been a total team effort. Our foreman Chaun led us through every challenge and by God's grace we were able to pool our talents together to achieve this major milestone.

Bear Sighting

Last night (which is still full daylight) Dan M. and Chaun took the quads up the hill behind the camp. There was still snow at the peaks. And SUPPOSEDLY they saw a black bear on the trail. Now the story goes like this..... Last night when they told us about the bear, it was 100 or so feet away and about 300 or so pounds. Then when Dan went for his side arm, the bear ran off. However, this morning at breakfast, the bear was 25 feet away and about 1000 pounds. Then Dan growled at the bear and Chaun said "don't start none - won't be none" to the bear and it ran off into the woods. We've all heard of fish stories and the one that "got away" -- But Dan and Chaun have just invented the "bear that got away". Unfortunately, there isn't any photographic evidence to support their "bear sighting". After Chuck heard the story, he said that "both of them are city boys, it was probably a raccoon"

Brother Nate - Get 'R' Done

Look at Nate tearing into the old B-Ball Court!

Nate and Paul (part of the Abundant Life Mission team) ripped up more than half of the old deck themselves. Those two brother had the strength of Samson out there.

Mission #2 - The Basketball Court Project

The basketball court project is progressing well according to our foreman Chaun. We've completed the "gentle" demolition of the old floor. Nate even did some work. We've repaired all damaged boards. And Daniel, David and Lou with their excellent surveying skills were able to perfectly pitch and level the floor support system. This was a time consuming task and they dedicated their day to getting it done.

Yesterday, we are treating the edge of the decking material for the floor. Now we are laying the floor and finally get to use those new (and very sweet) drills. Oh, more great news - when we first arrived on Saturday, we couldn't locate the deck screws. But through God grace, they were located in Tanana. We dispatched the boat to pick them (and the Samaritan's Purse work team) this morning. Chaun is projecting we'll have the floor laid and attached by tomorrow.

Mission #1 - Fellowship

Praise Jesus for carving out this camp in the middle of the Alaskan wilderness.

Praise Him for the opportunity to fellowship with one another.

Praise Him for the opportunity to Love with another as brothers and sisters in Christ.

May the Light of Christ continue to SHINE in us for all to see.

This is Really God's plane

Just kidding ............. Here is God's plane that delivered us safetly to Tanana, AK

Our Transportation to Tanana

Just thought you might like to see our plane

We're at the Camp! God's Grace is with us

We've made it! 30 hrs door step to door. Everyone was so happy to step off the boat at the shores of the Kokrine Hills Bible Camp. The Lord continues to protect and provide for us.
The trip from Anchorage to Tanana was so cool. MARC (Mission Aviation Repair Center) flew us in on God's aircraft. We flew over Denali National Forest and got so close to the Mt. McKinnley that we could have touched it. It was a beautiful sight to see. Then we landed in Tanana and prepared for out 3 hr cruise. The Yukon delivered as promised -- what a wide ride -- I think I heard Bob yell "Yee-Haw" a couple of times. David drove one of the boats -- he did a great job navigating the ride river. When we were finally able to camp on the horizon -- everyone was "happy" to have arrived. God delivered us safely.

We've made to Anchorage - Praise Jesus

We made it Anchorage last night around 11:30 pm (3:30 am EDT) and it was still DAYLIGHT. When we left Seattle I told the guys to say good bye to the moon because you won't be seeing it for 10 more days. They looked at me like I was jokin'. Well -- I told you so. :-)

We've had our first adventure -- Chuck got a little turned around in Houston. He couldn't find our gate and was at the other end of the terminal. Our plane was boarding so we sent out a search party (I didn't think we lose anyone in the airport...........maybe to a bear, but not in the ariport :-) ). Anyway, we were calling out "Chuck!! Chuck!! Where are you?" up and down the terminal. Then we see him truckin' down the terminal all 6' 6" - 300 lbs moving on wings of angels. God wasn't going to let him miss our flight. So from now on Chuck gets a travel buddy. Speaking of wings -- JR is on his very first flight. We told the flight attendant and she was so touched that she gave JR his wings. Ahhhhhhh!

In Anchorage, Viki from the Crossings at Birchwood Church met us at the airport. Viki is taking GREAT care of us during our overnight stay in Anchorage. We stayed the night in her B&B. She made us a huge pot of Potato soup, homemade rolls and yummy brownies. There was so much food that even Nate couldn't eat it all. This morning she is making us breakfast -- it smells so YUMMY. Thank you Viki for all of you hospitality! Thank you Pam and Mary Ann for picking us up for the airport.

In a couple of hours, we will leave for our chartered flight to Tanana. Then we'll have our 3 hour cruise down the Yukon to the camp. Please continue to pray for our team.

Serving Christ, Mark

Departure in 14 hour - Alaska here we come! Ready to Serve Christ!

Well, this is the last night at home before we GO to Alaska.  This has been an eventful and very busy week.  We've been preparing for nearly 10 months and everything has to come together in the final days.  God has been in complete control the entire time.  Quickly reflecting back on the past 10 months, with every challenge we encountered, God was there to provide a way.  Even in the last week, God was still working, shaping, and grooming our team.  One of our more senior team members, Tim had to back out for personal reasons.  And although my spirits were low that day, God had a plan in the works.  He was preparing someone to jump right in and fill the opening.  A man in our church named Chaun had been wanted to serve and now he had the opportunity.  How would he respond to the open slot, you ask?  Chaun responded like a man of God called to the mission field.  In less than 24 hours, he committed to join our team and GO to Alaska.  The Lord opened the door and cleared the path -- Chaun answered the call to GO and SERVE.  The events of this week have really reconfirmed that the Lord will assemble His team to serve His purpose.  All we have to do is be obedient.  

Its getting late (1 am).  I need to hit the sack.  BIG day in the morning.  I have to be at the church at 10:30 am.  The rest of the team will be there by 11.  We'll weigh in, pass out journals, eat some pizza and leave for the airport around 12.  

Hey guys, I am finally all packed -- 30lbs (see, it can be done).  Once I pack my carry on - Bible and camera, I'll be right at the 40 lb limit.  Leading by example :-)

I hope you all are will enjoy this blog site.  I will do my best to keep it updated (connectivity permitting) while at the camp.  

Please continue to pray for the team and our family back at home.  

Serving Christ, Mark

One More Day before we GO to Serve our Lord in Alaska

WOW after nearly a year of preparation, the Lord has assemble His team to carry out His mission in the Alaskan Wilderness!  On Friday June 5th, 12 men of God from Christ Community Church will depart for Kokrine Hills Bible Camp located on the banks of the Yukon River in Alaska.  

I tell you these last 10 months have been completely exhilarating.  From the project planning to assembling a team, to materials delivery, to Spiritual growth, through personal hardships within our team, to finally getting ready to leave on Friday, this 12 man team has answered the Lord's calling and is ready to GO and see lives changed for Jesus.  It is my honor not only to lead this outstanding  team on men to Alaska, but to call each of them my Brother.  Chuck, Nate, Marty, Dan, Daniel, David, JR, Bob, Lou, Joe, and Chaun I look forward to our time together at the airports, on the boat ride and at the camp.  We are all in for an incredible experience this coming week.  Not only will we be working together side by side, we will be growing in spiritual maturity and bonding as friend and Brothers in Christ.  

As I have said before, think about why you were called to Alaska and reflect on that in the last few hours before we leave.  God will reveal to  you why He called you --  all you have to do is remember to be still and listen for God's voice.  

To our families, CCC church family and friends, thank you for you prayer, love, and support.  Please continue to pray for this team, our families at home, and the Native Alaskan children who will attend the Kokrine Hills Bible Camp this summer.  May they come to know Jesus and their lives be forever changed.  

Serving Christ, Mark