NOTE: to read the full newsletter with pictures, click HERE!
Greetings in the name of our Lord,
Before we knew it, summer arrived here in Alaska. The ice has gone out on the Tanana River and the trees and fields all around us have turned green. With the possible exception of the mosquitos, we are so thankful for the renewal of life that this season brings to our part of the world.
As we began this season of busyness one of the foremost issues on our mind was the replacement of the base insulator that electrically insulates and holds up the bottom of the KIAM Tower. We had noticed that it was cracked last fall and although it had survived the winter storms and winds, we knew that we had to replace it ASAP or risk losing the tower and transmitter building.
The only problem was that we had no idea how we would do this. The tower is 300' high and weighs over 15 tons.
The task of lifting up and/or disassembling a 300' tower is expensive and dangerous; not something we really could or should have attempted ourselves. The cost of hiring a professional tower service company to do the work was well beyond what we could afford. We had several people offer to help with the project, but without professional guidance we were very nervous about embarking upon this task. So we prayed.
No sooner had the snow melted, God, in his perfect timing provided for this need. A friend of the ministry heard of our plight and put us in contact with a ministry called Towers for Jesus. They were preparing to depart for Haiti to repair a tower for a radio ministry there, but after seeing the photo of our insulator they postponed their trip for a week and came up to Nenana to perform the replacement. The only cost to us was their expenses and the parts.
God even provided this, all at just the perfect time. The tower crew found all the parts and materials laying around our property to build what they needed to lift the tower. We also received donations that covered most of the cost.
So, we are rejoicing in God's provision and are so thankful for everyone who prayed for this need. KIAM reaches a significant part of the central interior with the gospel, and this wonderful blessing is a powerful confirmation to us that God wants it to continue.
VFCM held our annual meeting on May second and third, and the board and staff had a time of fellowship and rejoicing in what God has done in the last year as well as seeking His direction for the future as we serve Him.
The month of May has also brought several comings and sadly some goings as well. One of our missionary families in Big Lake, Victor and Brandi LaMie have sensed that God is leading them back to Illinois and they will be departing for home around May 15th. We will miss them. Please be praying with us that God guides and directs them as they seek His will for their next steps in ministry.
This month as well, we had two volunteers come to Nenana, one for a week and one for three months. Lola Weinreis, who has volunteered at KIAM several times in the past came to spend a week with us and brought her friend Kelsie Anderson who will be serving at KIAM until August. We are trusting that the summer months will see God move in exciting ways as we trust Him to supply our needs and to show us opportunities to serve Him.
Do be in prayer as we seek to recruit new missionaries to serve with VFCM. As well, pray for those who have volunteered to help with some of our summer projects. God has blessed us with most of the materials and equipment to complete them, pray for schedules and weather to cooperate.
We have had some financial challenges as well, but God has supplied our needs as they have arisen and we are so thankful for the prayers and support of His people. A 19th century missionary by the name of Hudson Taylor stated that, "God's work done God's way will never lack God's supply". It has been such a privilege and blessing to to see God work in this manner as we seek to honor and glorify Him.
Thank you for your part in bringing God's word and His message of hope and salvation in Christ to the people of rural Alaska. May God abundantly bless and encourage you as you serve Him.
Blessings in Christ,
Art Thompson
VFCM Executive Director.