Unpacking Alaska

The suitcases are empty, but I continue to unpack the insights and teachings God gave during my one-week on mission in Alaska.  Along with eight other women, I was blessed to serve with Alaska Missions during their annual Salmon Frenzy on the Kenai Peninsula.  The residents flock to the beach to dip net salmon and we are there to serve them and their children and share the love of Jesus.

This was my second Salmon Frenzy experience, as well as my second mission trip ever.  God sent me on mission to Alaska, I believe, so I could learn how to live on mission in “Jerusalem” (a.k.a. Siloam Springs, Arkansas).

Every chapter I read this morning in my Bible seemed to include a truth that God was stirring up my heart to receive –all related to this trip.  (I have a “Seven Times Seven” Bible reading plan I put together for myself a few years ago. I (try to) read seven chapters each day.  Might do a blog post on that soon and share my bookmarks.)

1. Exodus 12 – God is giving instructions to the Israelites for leaving Egypt.  Their response should be the same as ours when God says “go:”

“…Then the people bowed down and worshiped.  The Israelites did just what the Lord commanded Moses and Aaron.” Exodus 12:27b-28

Worship and obedience.  A good way to live.

2.  We go, but He saves.

“…Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.”
I Samuel 14:6

My job is to obey and then to trust the results to Him.

3.  When flights are cancelled and flexibility is called for and people are tired, He is our refuge.

“Let the righteous rejoice in the LORD and take refuge in him; let all the upright in heart praise him!” Psalm 64:10

I am counted righteous and upright only because of Jesus.  This compels my heart to respond in praise!

4.  Keep on keeping on….

“Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path.” Proverbs 23:19

My body may give out, but my heart must stay focused!

5.  I have been complacent in my “Jerusalem” life. I must LIVE on mission here, as I WENT on mission there.

“You women who are so complacent, rise up and listen to me…” Isaiah 32:9a

Ouch!

6.  In Luke 10, Jesus sent out 72 followers to share the gospel.  They “returned with joy” because of a successful mission trip.  Jesus reminded them (and me) not to rejoice in successful results, but to:

“…rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20

The diamond ring is my salvation.  Getting to serve Jesus here…that’s the box.

7.  My ultimate cause to rejoice is that I am saved, but there is also great blessing in doing what we were created to do.

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

My heart is full, as I resolve to LIVE on mission.  Amazing that the trip was as much for me, as for the people I served in Alaska.

PS  Two years ago this week, I attended the Wellspring Women’s Conference in Little Rock.  During that conference, God said to me, “You have prayed for missions. You have given to missions.  It’s time for you to GO on mission!”  I said, “Yes, sir!” and that was the seed that grew to two Heart Life Women’s Ministry Mission trips to Alaska.  This weekend marks the second anniversary of my first Wellspring experience.  Amazingly, the theme is “Live Sent.”  More amazingly, I return this year as the conference keynote speaker.  Needless to say, I covet and shamelessly beg for your prayers.