Connecting Cultures In Christ

Winter & Team Arrive

2012-01-14T11:11:00.000-08:00

We are hosting a DTS outreach team from Monroe, WA. They have been ministering in and around Ketchikan. They hadn't counted on the extra fine weather!

Shopping becomes a real bear in Ketchikan!

2011-10-17T22:31:00.000-07:00

Kind of makes you want to double check the spinach next time through the veggie isle....

Time for a new post with catch-up pictures

2011-08-09T22:05:00.000-07:00

No, not pictures of ketchup....it's been a long time between posts, so the best thing is to bring things up to date - with PICTURES!

and this was just half of the team!

if you look closely at the right middle of the picture, you can

understand why they were praying in the first picture.

this team moved a full season's worth of firewood in just 3 hours!

the human chain moved a lot of wood in a very short time

(and they split a whole bunch too)

time for BBQ at the park....team of 60 from Indiana and team of

7 from Korea

love to see these guys share their love for the Lord through dance

and drama

team of 10 Koreans from San Francisco area

cross-cultural experience...stacking wood!

Korean team off to Wrangel for 2 weeks of ministry and

"door-opening" hosted by the Salvation Army

ah....game time - for team work of course

almost have it...

and the helium hula hoop

what a great way to end an outreach....baptism - love it!

Family Pics...

2011-06-11T22:41:00.000-07:00

Lenard's sister and her new friend?

Nance kids

Grandson having a go...

and Son, proving boys will always be boys!

The Memorial Day event putting Lenard's father's remains

to rest next to Mother at Grandview cemetery

Lenard and sister Mary Lou

Nathan, Tara & the gang.

Third & Fourth Teams for 2011

2011-05-15T22:49:00.000-07:00

It was with great pleasure that we received our recent teams from the Seattle area. Two Korean BEDTS teams arrived at the same time last week. Peter was able to take one team to Metlakatla and Debbie and Lenard facilitated the other team in Ketchikan. Both teams had many ministry opportunities that were well received by the local communities....they were a MAJOR blessing as well as FUN to be with! Below are some pics of the teams.....more pics to come as soon as we get the film developed.

Providing haircuts at the Salvation Army

Both teams at Totem Bight State Park

Are the boys watching the girl work?!?

Painting low and...

painting high.

Parents taught this immature eagle how to fly but not how to climb steps!

Team ministering at a Christian school chapel time

Ah yes...the marble and trough game!

FINALLY, a daffodil blooms amidst the prayer stakes

One of the team members blessed us with a performance on the Geomungo, a Korean traditional music instrument...below is a sample...

Team with family at Metlakatla

Team helps to celebrate an anniversary at Metlakatla

Prayer time at Metlakatla church

Team sharing culture with the Fourth Generation Dancers at Met

Team Three on the Way, but first...

2011-05-02T22:37:00.000-07:00

We just returned to Ketchikan from an extended trip to the South, thankfully missing the tornado weather. We were in Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina...wonderful trip and so many great adventures!

Lenard's birthday party in South Carolina...love the Southern Hospitality, and Southern BBQ!

We attended the YWAM North American Leaders Conference at the beautiful Bonclarken Center.

The YWAM Ketchikan commissioning by our YWAM North American and Northwest District leaders.

Sightseeing in historic Charleston.

You know the food has to be good on Amen Street!

At Fort Sumpter where the Civil War started.

Wilkes County, North Carolina courthouse, where we began our search for the Nance homestead.

The homestead....?

A visit to Debbie's Mother's hometown in Tennessee.

Two days at the Creation Museum was just not enough!

Brunch after Easter Sunday service at an excellent restaurant located in a historic building.

Team Two

2011-03-20T15:40:00.000-07:00

This year's second outreach team has already come and gone. We have just finished hosting a BEDTS Korean team from Orange County California (8 adults and 5 children). They brought a wonderful measure of joy and light to the communities of Ketchikan, Saxman, and Metlakatla....and some much needed sunshine! Bless GOD!

2 hours after deplaning the team was ministering the Gospel

through song, dance, drama, and testimony.

Giving the big picture at the property.

Part of the big picture was aid in roof repair!

The team ministered and hosted a dinner for the "Holy Seed"
after-school program at Saxman Salvation Army.

and more snow...

2011-03-04T23:14:00.000-08:00

Is Spring on the way?

Ice Art

2011-03-02T12:57:00.000-08:00

We have had VERY cold temps lately (for Ketchikan), and our little creek has been the canvas for God's ice art...water is still running, in the creek and in our home, so we are happy!

not often seen view of the homestead, ah yes, with obligatory attached-to-be-sided-shed

and more snow...

2011-02-21T10:17:00.000-08:00

and then came the snow...

2011-02-20T16:28:00.000-08:00

Calm between snow storms...just COLD!

2011-02-19T15:24:00.000-08:00

Had time to hike and get a pic of the little house in the BIG woods...

...and sea.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

2011-02-14T23:46:00.000-08:00

We celebrated our Valentines Day with dancing, a spectacular candlelight dinner, special cards & gifts, and a most delicious Chocolate Ganache desert enjoyed with a great movie!

Catch-Up Time!

2011-02-12T21:10:00.000-08:00

OMG...we are like, so far behind...here goes an update with photos!

Passing On

2010-12-15T13:34:00.000-08:00

Our time down south was extended due to the passing on of Lenard's dad, Woody. Woody was 92 years old. We are so thankful that we were able to be with Woody and much of the family as he left this earth on Dec. 4th. It was a peaceful and comforting several days before Woody died.

We are home now, unpacking from being away and unpacking Christmas stuff, to celebrate Christmas for the first time in this home. Merry Christmas to you all!! May you know and experience the great love that God has for you!!!!

On The Road Again

2010-11-24T16:05:00.000-08:00

Since leaving Ketchikan October 24th, we have been busy with people, meetings, and travel. We head home after Thanksgiving...thankfully so.

October 30 at Tacoma, WA. _ The leaders of "One Voice" and "Drumspeaker To The Nations"

at Native/Korean worship event.

November 2 at Tacoma, WA. - Lenard's new ride...Maserati...he wishes...

November 11 at Salem, OR. - Micah with "The Wolf"!

November 11 at Nehalem, OR. - Brother -in-law Leland with his Dad after bagging "The Elk"!

November 22 at Petaluma, CA - Lenard with grandsons..

Same day - Debbie with grandson!

November 23 at Skywalker Ranch - Nathan in front of "The House" on the Ranch where he works.

One Voice Arrives!

2010-10-02T23:27:00.000-07:00

We have waited since April 2009, and finally it has happened. The Korean YWAM team "One Voice" arrived September 29. They will spend almost a month in Alaska performing worship to God through Korean tradtional culture with songs, dance, druming, and drama. We have been amazed just watching them prepare in practice sessions. We'll put more photos up soon!

The One Voice team joins Joe Williams for Ketchikan walking tour.

Photo Back Log...

2010-09-25T10:14:00.000-07:00

Recently Debbie attended an a event in Denver celebrating YWAM's 50th anneversary! Besides hanging with YWAM'ers from all over, she had the opportunity to have lunch with YWAM founders, Loren & Darlene Cunningham. In addition, she joined other base leaders in presenting news about YWAM operating locations...so, many heard about Connecting Cultures and Ketchikan! Below is a photo of just a few of the attendees.

Debbie is fourth left, second row from bottom.

Loren & Darlene are in the middle, fourth row from bottom.

Our church home group had game night a couple weeks ago...we provided some fun team games learned from Jeff at YWAM Salem....thank you Jeff!

where IS the marble?

and this is just preparation to start!

A friend shot this pic of the property as he was cruising off to work one day. It really is "little house in the big woods"! The scar to the right of the property is 6 more lots of the subdivision being quarried.

BIG wind and rain storm yesterday...many trees went down as well as the power in many locations around town, including ours!

For a long time the wind was gusting to 40's and 50's then the highest recorded gust at our home was 74, that's when trees started blowing over...

some of the remains of a tree that blew down across our driveway

Success

2010-08-28T18:25:00.000-07:00

Just finished our "Informal Open House" for the property. Several people attended and we were able to show off plans for the property while sampling Debbie's yummy cookies and watching a slide show of outreaches we have hosted since 2003. It was fun to assist our guests in setting some prayer stakes too! It was a great encouragement to experience God's blessing with good weather and good friends. Amen!

Wood, Tile & Gardens

2010-08-28T10:37:00.000-07:00

Nice to have a full wood shed, trhanks to the South Carolina team. Just finished most of the tile work on the hearth. Verdict is in - Lenard is better at slitting fire wood then laying tile. Funny thing...most people say putting up fire wood is too hard, but laying tile is EASY...yeh right! In the mean time, Debbie's gardening has provided food and beauty to the property.

Team 5 - YWAM Korea Kings Kids Team

2010-08-10T19:06:00.000-07:00

We had a refreshing time hosting the 9 children (age 9 through 16) and 4 adults Kings Kids team from Korea. It was a challenge to keep up with such an active crew, but a lot of fun! The Koreans connected with the last team from South Carolina for a few days and then we took the Kings Kids to Prince of Wales Island for 10 days.

Team at Hollis Church Camp. The older gentleman in the back was Navy and fought in the Korean War...he had a great time with the kids!

The team attended a pole raising at Hydaburg, and...

...and they got to help pullon the ropes!

The team had 2 services on Sunday at Craig and we had the opportunity to connect several cultures; Korean, Philippine, China, Taiwan, Tlingit, Yupik...and some white folk.

Fun time playing king of the rock...

...and swimming in the COLD salt water for the first time.

The dog caught us watching him trying on shoes.

The team had the opportunity to pray for and bless a doctor in Craig.

They also had a fun time eating pizza and blessing the manager!

The team even went to the dock in Hydaburg and blessed the ladies cleaning fish.

Game night at Coffman Cove with local kids...

...and a new song too.

The boys entertained at Naukati "Soup Night" with some Ty Kwan Do.

The girls blessed the church at Hollis with a cultural worship dance.

Team South Carolina

2010-07-25T16:38:00.000-07:00

A high school age youth group from South Carolina have been doing awesome work and ministry for the past few days...we love them! The team was in Ketchikan July 23-28. We also received a YWAM Kings Kids team from Korea on July 25. We were able to combine the 2 teams for a couple of events, great fun! The Kings Kids team will be here 3 weeks...its off to Prince of Wales Island Friday.

You probably guessed this is the SC team...

Doing the gravel spread project

Packing firewood to fill the empty woodshed...

...almost full.

Replacing stairs

Cutting up wood for the fire

Completing an insulation job

First time the 2 team meet

enjoying the calm of the lake

improvising with Devils Club chop sticks

Everybody gets to pack wood at the property!

Ministry With Fun

2010-07-07T07:34:00.000-07:00

The New Jersey team has been busy, first giving the Salvation Army church (where they are hosting VBS) a good cleaning inside and out, sharing at Sunday service, walking in the 4th parade, and having fun with kids at VBS.

Team sharing on Sunday at Salvation Army service

The team joined the 4th parade...doing a little advertising for VBS too

Team (in blue shirts) participated in Marshal Arts event on 4th

Singing for the host family who put on a huge dinner for the team after VBS

New Jersey Team Arrived

2010-07-03T08:30:00.000-07:00

The 21 member team from New Jersey arrived ready to make a difference. Their main ministry will be hosting a VBS at Saxman Salvation Army next week. The team has been busy preping for that and doing major clean up at the church...awesome!

a fresh coat of paint to go along with major clean up outside the building

Of course, some of the team had to go fishing to feed the team

we say "you catch it, you clean it"

Gearing up for the next team...s

2010-06-22T20:59:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed the lack of new posts as of late. Very observant my dear Watson. The cause has been a brutal schedule of home-beautification, namely, painting. (Note to self: in the future, paint walls before moving furniture, hanging pictures, and loading bookcases - especially the books!)

Next week our third team of the season arrives to do VBS. Here is an advance photo of the New Jersey team.

Time Out For Family

2010-05-29T13:16:00.000-07:00

Hosting Debbie's sister and brother-in-law for a week gives us time to stop and...

stack the firewood...thanks Reg.

Yeah, life on the farm is NOT kinda laid back!

Between Teams...

2010-05-24T16:53:00.000-07:00

Our second team for the season left Ketchikan on Saturday. Now we have some time to prepare for the next team, and catch up on the list of to-dos. One of those items was building a garden box. For those with less experience, it should be noted that building the box was far easier then filling the box!

Debbie working the hard-earned dirt. She then planted what she thought were raspberry starts, but surprise surprise...

...she must have planted lollipop sticks!

Gone But Not Forgotten!

2010-05-22T14:52:00.000-07:00

Team number 2 of 2010 is now winging their way back home. They were only in Ketchikan for one week but they had a huge impact here. Awesome team and awesome time; we are missing them already, even as we look forward to team number 3 arriving in June.

Team prepping lunch at Salvation Army.

The team hosted a "Korean-dinner" for some friends of the ministry.

Making An Imapct...

2010-05-20T10:05:00.000-07:00

Our second outreach team has been working, praying, and blessing wherever they go. Great team, great time!

The team has been prepping and serving lunch at the Salvation Army as well as offering haircuts and manicures.

Team Number Two

2010-05-17T20:48:00.000-07:00

They may be the second team but they are not second class. This YWAM team, ages 10 to 68, from the Tacoma, WA area enjoys worshipping God through song and dance!

Team performs at Sunday service.

Team worshipping at the property.

Busy Team

2010-05-11T09:47:00.000-07:00

The team was out meeting people on the streets yesterday. In a small community, it’s hard to miss a large group of Korean people!

They have been inviting folks to attend the nightly services at the church we are staying at. The team performs and gives testimony at these meetings to encourage, bless, and challenge.

The team went to tribal council building and prayed for Metlakatla and sang a blessing song to the mayor in his office.

The team was also able to have lunch with patrons at the senior center, praying for and blessing them.

The team also went to city hall and prayed for the magistrates and and the needs of the village.

Yesterday the team had a cultural exchange through an invitation to the Long House by Tsimshian dancers.

At Metlakatla, Alaska

2010-05-10T12:41:00.000-07:00

Debbie, Lenard, and Peter are with the team in Metlakatla, hosted at by the Assembly of God church.

Peter preached last night. It was the first time he gave a message in English and he did a marvelous job!

Much to the ladies delight, the men on the team cook breakfast!

The team will be out on the streets today inviting people to services each night at the church.

First Team Arrives!

2010-05-08T15:28:00.000-07:00

Our first outreach team arrived this morning. We were able to welcome them with beautiful sunshine, bless God! We will travel with the team to Metlakatla Native village this afternoon and return Thursday. The team departs next Saturday which just happens to be the arrival day of our next team...BUSY!

The woman in the front row is not waving, rather shooing away the great Alaska bugs.

More Progress

2010-04-22T10:06:00.000-07:00

Pump house (house because mice live there) is finished, painting walls inside the home, and our first outreach team arrives May 8th. It will be a VERY busy year!

Spring For Reals

2010-04-15T19:50:00.000-07:00

A week of sunshine and flowers blooming! Yahoo, Spring has sprung in Ketchikan! We have included photos of some - well, all that are blooming. See if you can identify them?

New Weatherman on the Hill!

2010-04-12T23:35:00.000-07:00

Lenard posing with his awesome birthday gift...a weather station. Coupled with the state-of-the-art data console, we will know the wind speed 3 seconds before it carries us off to Barrow!

Back Home to...Spring?

2010-04-08T11:24:00.001-07:00

Debbie and Lenard are welcomed back to Ketchikan by the snows of spring. Hard to get excited about working outside in this. Feels better to stoke the fire and warm up!

The visit south was busy with shopping and seeing as many folk as possible. Great to be home and prepare for the outreach teams that begin arriving first week of May!

The Chicken Chase

2010-03-05T18:49:00.000-08:00

From Grand kids to life on the farm...it's kinda laid back...not much a country boy...

anyway, the chickens weren't too laid-back...HA! It was "thinning the flock" (or what ever a bunch of chickens are called) time at the country manor.

Final score...chickens 0, Lenard's sister 4. Another great day in the neighborhood.

Racing...

2010-02-27T14:10:00.000-08:00

Grandsons via for position in turn 3...my money is on the tractor - "Nothing Runs Like A Deere"!

Kids

2010-02-26T17:41:00.000-08:00

Now that Debbie and Lenard are in California (Lenard drove from Prince Rupert - 51 hours to Petaluma), you will have to put up with Kid pics!

Ryanne Alyssa, now 3 weeks

I have the same effect on congregations when I preach...

Porch Progress

2010-02-21T09:46:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Dale's help, and a whole lot of sunny warm weather, the front porch is takes shape!

Hey Leland, check out the post and beam, and the "CLEAR" roofing!

Progress!

2010-02-16T23:31:00.000-08:00

Hey, you won't see a photo but you are reading this blog posted from OUR HOME because we now have internet on the hill! Come on all you comcastites...it is a BIG deal...we have DSL through fiber optic cable...HA! And its zoooooms!

ps Mary Lou, didn't we have to eat that stuff?

Stacking Firewood

2010-02-16T17:57:00.000-08:00

This is how we stack firewood at our house...thnakfully, cedar drys fast!

Our Newest Grand Baby Arrived!

2010-02-08T17:07:00.000-08:00

Ryanne Alyssa Nance

7lb 12 oz

3:05pm

2/5/10

Short Visit To Seattle

2010-02-08T09:28:00.000-08:00

Peter and Lenard made a quick trip to Seattle last week (2/4-8) to attend the dedication ofYWAM Monroe's brand new ministry building. We were honored to present a special gift to our friends at Monroe. Of course the visit was also filled with opportunities to meet with several of those who have been to Ketchikan on outreach.

We are hoping that it will not take us the 10 years it took Monroe for building completion.

Lenard presenting YWAM Monroe's director, David Ross, with a print of an original Norman Skan painting, "Unification". Appropriate because the primary focus of the Monroe base is ministry to North Korea

Lenard standing next to Ross, founder of YWAM in Korea and the Monroe ministry base. Next to David Ross is our Steve Kilpatrick the YWAM Northwest District leader.

One of the many special events performed honoring the dedication of the new building.

Praying with friends who have been to Ketchikan on outreach. At bottom right is Jung Shin owner/opperator of the coffee shop we are meeting at. She was encouraged to follow her dream of opening a shop after visiting Vicky's "Refiners Roast" in Ketchikan.

After lunch with delegates from a women's church group (some who came to ketchikan on outreach) that pray for us every week.

Dinner with Charlie, a wonderful lady who was on a 2 month outreach in Ketchikan 2 years ago.

Making Progress...

2010-02-03T22:13:00.000-08:00

The deck is taking shape...

and the pump house is almost complete...

and here is our Rube Goldberg lash-up!

Sloooooowwwwwwlllllyyyy we move, step by step...

2010-01-31T14:06:00.000-08:00

It is great to be "on the hill", but oh those boxes! Amazing challenge to unpack, and in some cases (or boxes) wonder, what did we pack that for?

WE MOVED!

2010-01-25T18:37:00.001-08:00

At last, we have moved to our home on the property and spent our first night yesterday. Thanks to several hard working men (including Peter) all the "stuff" was moved on Saturday. Sorry, no pic yet but they will appear soon!

WATER AT LAST!

2010-01-19T22:36:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Michael, tonight the water tank is being filled from the creek...Yahoo!! Tomorrow we turn on the water pump and get ready to move in...YESSSSS!!!

Notice Michael's dog at the ready to lend a helping paw. I think I caught him handing tools to Michael...maybe...well, maybe.

Making Boards

2010-01-17T23:29:00.000-08:00

With the help of Dale and his portable sawmill we rendered some cedar logs into much needed lumber to build our pump house and porches!

Peter (standing at right) looks cold and wet, because it WAS cold and wet!

We Have a Site Plan!

2010-01-06T22:56:00.000-08:00

Thanks to our architect friend SangOk, who labored to create a conceptual design for the property, we now have the first site plan! Very exciting!!

Our End of the Year Travels

2010-01-06T21:36:00.000-08:00

Right after Christmas we headed to south and paid a visit to the YWAM Monroe base, northeast of Seattle. They will soon dedicate their beautiful brand new ministry building. As we prepare to develop the Ketchikan property, it was very encouraging to see dreams fulfilled for YWAM Monroe.

We were honored to attend the first "Culture Exchange" in Seattle held by Koreans and Southeast Alask Natives. Debbie was happy to learn a new dance!

Then on down to Salem where we met up with Micah and Dad drove his new car....major fun!

We had a fun visit with Micah's employer and Micah also "tried" to teach us how to throw dough and make Pizza at his work place, "Garlic Jim's".
Lenard discovered that just wearing the company hat and apron doesn't necessarily translate into a pizza pro...but they tasted GREAT!!

Power on the Hill!!

2009-12-21T20:03:00.000-08:00

On the twenty-first day there was power, and God said it was good...

The big truck backs into place...

and the BIG drill does it's work...

and in goes the pole...

and in goes the meter...

and we switch the main breaker on...

and the Nances said "IT IS VERY GOOD!"

ALMOST ELECTRIFIED!

2009-12-19T18:34:00.000-08:00

Thanks to our friend Allen and the utility company we will have power to the home on Monday! While we wait for DNR approval the power company is installing a temporary service pole....just in time to light the Christmas lights.

We Have Ignition!

2009-12-14T19:48:00.000-08:00

Just fired up the wood stove today! Way warm too. That’s the good news...the bad news is, we have to get fire wood now. Maybe that’s Debbie’s job...HA!

Don't panic though, we are still working on the hearth and back wall...Lenard says "isn't laying tile fun?!?!@#$%^&*

Latest

2009-11-26T15:31:00.000-08:00

Had to add a pic with sunshine for all you doubters! And it was for more than 5 minutes, and yes it was today, not last summer! We are working on the skirting (must be a female home) and woodstove next. Added a pic of the burner for Micah and Ryan...HA!!

Everything but power...

2009-11-23T19:54:00.000-08:00

Sorry folks, no pics today...but we do have an address! We received our zoning permit and with it, an address - 9525 Snow Goose Rd. Why is that important? Because, "when" the utility company finally gets around to installing the power polls (after many calls...I totaly understand the phrase "only God knows"), we will receive the all important METER BASE!

Tank Time at the Property

2009-11-19T21:26:00.000-08:00

Each day brings us a little closer to moving in...today the sewer system was installed.

More Pics

2009-11-19T09:50:00.000-08:00

By popular demand, we posted a few more pics although we don't have Peter's "super pics" yet. The move aged Lenard another 10 years....

Goodby Clover Pass Church parking lot....

hello Mud Bight Subdivision...

ready to turn onto our driveway....

can't make the second turn with the truck, so unhook and....

and hook up the backhoe, then close your eyes and pray...

and pray some more...

made it, now the hill...

up and over...

the creek "looking out by door"...

on the pad at last!

HOME IS MOVED!!!!!!

2009-11-16T16:24:00.000-08:00

We moved the home today and one hour after it was set on the pad, the snow came. We will post more pics of the move real soon.

and then there was the storm.......

2009-11-14T21:28:00.001-08:00

We just had a major wind storm, so of course we wanted to see how the trees fared at the property. We discovered several new trees down including the ones in our driveway....

so we did the only sensible thing....called in the professional with his brand new Stihl chain saw.

And our little creek had become a real torrent.

Can we say "Increments?!"

2009-11-11T22:41:00.001-08:00

OK, so the progress is in increments...but we like increments, don't ya know!

Today Peter and I moved the water tank onto the property,

and we had help setting the anchors for the home,

and we will move the home onto the property this Friday. Hope the electricity boys will be setting poles and stringing wire soon! Hello, it's getting cold outside...

While we wait....

2009-11-07T20:56:00.001-08:00

Septic and power poles have been engineered, now we wait for the required permits.

In the meantime:

we have been making intercession for our community – even in the wind and rain,

and Debbie set up for her first Health Fair,

and we even have time for some fun - like comparing noses. HA!

Completed!

2009-10-23T19:47:00.000-07:00

Yahoo! Today, the pad was completed and leveled.

Today, the Utility boys were inspecting the property in preperation for insatlling electricity

Can we say "HAPPY!" Yes we can.

We can move our home onto the pad just as soon as possible next week! Hey, who wants to help block the little unit.....come on over, and bring a level!

Out my back door.....so to speak.

2009-10-20T10:21:00.000-07:00

This morning I was treated to a wonderful sunrise greeting the new day.....and a reminder that, regardless of what the calander may indicate, winter is upon us here in Southeast Alaska....pictured by a troller out hunting "winter" King Salmon.

Concepts and Perspectives

2009-10-04T09:31:00.000-07:00

This weekend has been a most exciting time as we hosted our architect friend, Sang Ok, from Seattle. We have been anticipating his visit for several months, since he volunteered to help us create a conceptual design for development of the property. After spending time on the property, visualizing and discussing ideas, we realized just how incredible Sang Ok’s participation is for us, and for this project. God blessed us with perfect weather as well!

Discussing ideas....

and thinking.....

and more discussing of ideas....

and measuring....

and putting ideas on paper.

Can we say.....VIEW!

2009-09-29T18:31:00.000-07:00

view from the back

view from the front

view from the hot tub

As you can see from the photos, God has been outrageously generous towards us in giving us this home to house sit in for a month.
Today is an absolutely gorgeous day - crisp, cool, and no rain. Thank You Lord!!!

We'll post some more photos next week to show you the contrast. It will still be beautiful, just a little different. =))

This home is available to us until Oct. 29. We are praying that our next move will be into our own home on the property....we are very close!!

Signs of the Season

2009-09-16T13:04:00.001-07:00

On our prayer walk today, we encountered the usual wind and rain, and a sure sign that Fall snuck in......the leaves they are a changing.

The Visit

2009-09-15T16:45:00.000-07:00

We were recently (Sunday 13th) blessed by a visit, albiet short, from a very special person......our precious friend, Alexis Wilson. It was an honor to host our YWAM friend for a whirlwind tour of Ketchikan and our basis for ministry in Alaska. We were very thankful for a sunny warm day to visit the property and have lunch on the docks. Peter and Sun Mi hosted and cooked a wonderful Korean dinner for us as well! Monday Alexis departed Ketchikan to continue her journey and discover what new adventure God has in store for her.

It's Official

2009-09-12T23:13:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's true, Debbie successfully celebrated her birthday September 1oth. Here is a photo of her being grandma to Harim, the newest addition to the Peter & Sun Mi family. Of course, I am not too biased, but I say Debbie is still gorgoeus and those eyes......stunning!

Dinner Out

2009-08-13T10:15:00.000-07:00

Well, it stopped raining long enough that we decided to go out to the property for dinner.......you know, pick up some road kill along the way and have a nice cook out, just the two of us......enjoy the tranquility of the forest and peacefulness of the stream that runs through the property......and the dump trucks hauling rock! We had to laugh at the situation......but oh so grateful for the activity. About 10pm as darkness was taking over, dinner and smores complete, we enjoyed the company of the workers for some stories and the thrill of seeing shooting stars in the magnificant clear sky.

She Arrived!!!!!!!

2009-08-08T13:09:00.000-07:00

Baby Hiram Lee (Presence of God) arrived via Sun Mi today at 9:30am weighing in at a perfect 7.73lbs and looking sweet at 19inches. Mom and daughter are doing very fine. SunMi arrived at the hospital at 7:30am and did a couple pushes and presto......our new YWAM team member is here! For all you Dads, yes I took Peter to breakfast and he is resting comfortably......HA! He is fixing SunMi some nice seaweed soup!

From Debbie - The rest of the story.....

2009-08-07T18:03:00.000-07:00

Have you ever noticed how God uses everyday occurrences to try to get our attention?? Here’s how he got mine – via my Alaska drivers license test.

When I was preparing for the written test, I commented to Lenard how stupid the manual was. I see it as very dumbed down. As a "compliant, looking good on the outside" person, I thoroughly read the manual and took the practice test many times on line. Last Thursday I confidently went to the DMV to take my written test. I failed. I was told to come back the next day to try again. I did and I failed again.

If you know me, you know I got teary over my failures. I knew I knew the material, and I had done all I could to prepare. I tried to justify my mistakes by asking others the questions I’d missed. They agreed with the test. I didn’t know what to do differently so I began to pray, asking God to show me what was going on.

Lenard kindly offered to help me prepare for the 3rd test. I didn’t see how that could help but I “allowed” him to help me. As he was verbally asking me questions I would snap my answers back to him. He commented that he thought I was certainly angry with someone. I was angry with the DMV and their stupid test!!! And justifiably in my mind!!

I realized though as my husband carefully didn’t snap back that really, I was mad at God. I don’t like this waiting time. We have been waiting for a long time and I can do nothing to change the situation. Yes, I can change my attitude, and me but I’ve done that so many times. I have been struggling with being angry at God – but that is totally unacceptable to me – the good Christian girl. It is more acceptable to be mad at the DMV than to be mad at God. In reality I have been mad at God, for not doing this move thing the way I want it to be done.

In a devotional I read recently there was a phrase that caught my attention. It was “harboring anger”. I realized that that was what I was doing. As I stuffed the anger I felt toward God, I had actually become a harbor for anger. I realized that God never intended me to be a harbor. He is supposed to be the harbor for me, offering to protect me when I come into His harbor.

I did pass the written drivers test the 3rd time. I then went on to license my car in Alaska. The clerk brought out the plate that read FPU786. I saw that number and asked if the plates were in numerical order and if it was possible to get 789. It was and I have it (see the photo below). As many of you know, 7,8,9 are the lot numbers of the property that the Lord gifted us with. They are also the numbers the Lord gave Lenard two years ago concerning the price of the property we unsuccessfully tried to buy. So, 7,8,9 are significant numbers for us.

The angry emotions I felt toward God are real and need to be dealt with, not stuffed. I am in the process of working this through with Him. I’m not sure that it is all resolved yet on my side, but I’m working on it with Him. I believe that this license plate is a gift to me because it is a reminder of God’s love for me.

Again, He chooses to love me instead of destroy me when I have disagreed with the God of the universe, and the way He chooses to do things. I don’t understand His ways many times; His ways truly are different than my ways. Honestly I’m thankful!! I’m so glad I’m not God. What a mess this world would be in.

I know first hand how Satan tries to defame God’s character. Repeatedly Satan tries to convince me that God is not trustworthy or loving or faithful or …… Like I said, I don’t always understand God but I do know that He is God and that He is loving, faithful, trustworthy and so much more. I consciously choose Him. I can’t imagine living without Him.

As Psalm 73:25-26 says, “Whom have I in heaven but You? I desire You more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever.”

And yet another sign.......

2009-08-04T14:27:00.000-07:00

Debbie's car license seems to indicate even our vehicles know where "home" is!

Brown Mountain........again?!?

2009-08-03T11:59:00.000-07:00

Yikes Sue and Rhoda, it's a SIGN.......

Friends

2009-08-03T11:53:00.001-07:00

Imagine my surprise when I turned the corner on the docks of Ketchikan, and there were our friends from YWAM Salem, newly married and honeymooning in Alaska! And of course, we went to the property so they could see the future in progress, as well as plant a "faith stake". Another of God's intervening moments in our lives!

Next Things....

2009-07-26T23:28:00.000-07:00

It's finished. After facing the much dreaded giant, we can report that we conquered the unloading of the container and pallets. Thanks to the indomitable help of Peter and friends, we were able to find homes for all the "stuff". Thank God for the generosity of so many who made room for so much(5 different locations)....including the piano! Now the trick will be to remember where we stashed everything when its time to move into our new home.

We will now be able to take time to strategize with Peter and Sun Mi about our plans for the ministry and how to accomplish our objectives and goals. Of course Sun Mi's baby already has her own plan worked out......for mid August!

More rock is being hauled to the property pad and we will be able to post some new pics soon.

Amazing Ship

2009-07-26T23:13:00.000-07:00

We have hosted 4 outreach teams since the end of May, and even though it looks like the end of hosting international teams for a season......the WORLD still comes to us here in Ketchikan.

If you had any doubts about the sun shining in Southeast, go online and take a look at the Ketchikan 2 week forecast!

The ship named "The World" called in Ketchikan on its way around the.......well, the world. It overnighted here which gave us locals a chance to ooh and ah. The difference that sets this ship apart from the other cruise ships arriving in Ketchikan is that "The World" is basically a floating condominium. Imagine if you will, having the time and finances to fund a time share or even short one-week stay aboard this amazing ship, let alone owning one of the condo units! Double wow....

Teams Away

2009-07-18T13:59:00.000-07:00

Well......the teams have come and gone. It's time to catch up on rest and life outside of outreach. We'll post some more pics when we wake up.......

4th Team Launched In Ministry....

2009-07-16T16:55:00.000-07:00

Our fourth outreach team (12 second generation Korean people) for the summer arrived from New Jersey via San Francisco on Sunday July 12 and immediately began ministry at the Nazarene church service. Each day they have been busy touching lives and having their own paradigms of life and ministry challenged. They have responded brilliantly to our request that "no matter what you do, just talk to people"!

The team sitting and praying with folks at the Salvation Army "soup kitchen".

Praying over the city and community of Ketchikan.

The team made a huge impact, worshipping and talking with people during a busy "three ship" tourist day on the "Creek".

A Bite To Eat And They Are Off......

2009-07-10T23:50:00.001-07:00

July 8, the University DTS outreach was treated to great weather, a fun cook out (at home of Dale & Suellen), and eagles and a bear sighting the day before they left Ketchikan. Our team says, "all this for the satisfaction of a job well done".

The next day, July 9, we saw them safely off and Debbie & Lenard and Peter & Sun Mi crashed. We all spent the next day resting and catching up on stuff before the next team arrives from New Jersey July 12.

Debbie decided to play master gardner at the property and plant/water a flower gifted to her when she arrived home in Ketchikan.

....and the house pad continues to grow.....close to complete......

Third Team In Progress

2009-07-07T22:00:00.000-07:00

The UDTS team has been blessing Ketchikan through service projects, intercession, and worship at the gate of the city!

The team singing worship songs at the Refiners Roast Coffee Shop.

The team praying for Paul & Vicky, the owner/operators of the coffee shop

The team (with Debbie) worshipping on Creek Street.

The team worshipping (with Peter playing guitar) on Married Mans Trail at Ketchikan Creek

Another Team Arrives

2009-07-04T21:05:00.001-07:00

Our third team for the summer is Korean university students doing their outreach following discipleship classes in the Seattle area.

Here the team (at right) is admiring the Ketchikan Drum & Bugle Corp during the 4th parade.

Some of the team preparing "Scripture/Prayer" stakes at the property. Each team that we host has the opportunity to drive a stake in the ground to bless the property. It is beginning to look like we are growing a crop of stakes!

Just a minor disagreement between leaders. Don't worry, she won!

Mission Adventure team in Ketchikan

2009-07-02T19:29:00.000-07:00

At 6:45 AM, the Mission Adventure team who came from YWAM, Idaho left after spending a week in Ketchikan. The High School students who comprised this team are from a Christian school in California. Part of their outreach centered around an outreach team of 550 adults called Catch the Wave (CWT). The CTW team arrived in Ketchikan on a cruise ship. A lot of pre-planing and coordination with the Christian community of Ketchikan went in to the arrival of this team. Our Mission Adventure team spent time going door to door to invite people in many Ketchikan neighborhoods to come to this event.

On the day of the event, the Mission Adventure team welcomed the CTW team with a large sign as the ship docked in Ketchikan. They continued to assist the CTW team with set up, and the cooking and distributing of 1000 hamburgers.

The MA team was particularly pleased to spy some blue sky!!

Thank you Mission Adventure team. We trust you saw the Lord with a new perspective as you served Him in Ketchikan.

Property Video

2009-07-02T19:10:00.000-07:00

Here's a short video clip taken this week of our property development.

The Move Is On!

2009-06-26T08:29:00.000-07:00

It's finally come......time to do it......the move is on. We are moving to Alaska and hosting teams all at the same time! Lenard will drive up and arrive in Ketchikan on June 22 to prepare with Peter & Sun Mi for the first outreach team arriving June 26.

Debbie will be in Salem to oversee the last of the packing and fly up to Ketchikan July 3, the same day that the second outreach team arrives...the day after the first team departs!

The container with our "stuff" arrives by barge in Ketchikan July 9, the same day the second outreach team departs...and 2 days before the third outreach team arrives!

Bless God! And thank all who have been, and continue to participate with us in this adventure....the move is on!

YWAM Workshop

2009-06-11T13:45:00.000-07:00

It's been a long journey from Salem to Ketchikan to Calgary to Banff but we had a most wonderful week in Banff attending the YWAM Base Leaders Training Workshop. Our YWAM International Director was the main leader of the workshop and Debbie and I received a real good dose of challenge, impartation, and encouragement....the right stuff at the right time!

The entire complement of attendees at the workshop.

And oh my, what awe-inspiring mountains and scenery!!

Team Arrival

2009-05-19T22:57:00.000-07:00

The Korean team from Seattle arrived in Ketchikan on Monday May 18. They have been busy already with prayer walks and learning about Native culture. Wednesday they will prepare lunch at the Salvation Army "soup kitchen" and hit the streets with worship and drama. God has given this team a number of ministry opportunities that we will pursue over the net few days......should be great fun!

Alaska or Bust!

2009-05-10T22:49:00.000-07:00

All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go...........well, the vans are packed and I might be ready. Ryan Hale, driving Peter & Sun Mi's van, and I, driving our van, leave for Ketchikan Monday May 11 bound for Prince Rupert BC, Canada. From there we catch the Alaska ferry to Ketchikan, arriving May 14......the same day Peter and his family arrive - by air!

Next Team to Ketchikan

2009-05-05T09:25:00.000-07:00

Pictured is the 2008 Seattle Korean outreach team in Ketchikan. We host another similar team starting May 18. We are looking forward to a great time of connecting with a new team and helping them enjoy the awesome Southeast Alaska hospitality!

So....it will be a busy May for us and for Peter & Sun Mi as they negotiate moving to Ketchikan after having just returned from 2 months in Korea. We look forward to helping them transition to a new life in Ketchikan....connecting cultures!

Try Something New

2009-04-28T06:16:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share a great resource with you blog happy folk. Check out Rick Apperson's blog.....he and his family are friends in BC Canada who we love and respect very much. I appreciate Rick's pursuit of challenging us to think critically about the "stuff" of life. The Blog is called "Just A Thought" and there is a link in the sidebar.

Way too much fun!

2009-04-23T03:50:00.000-07:00

Debbie and I have been traveling in Korea, seeing sights, discovering new foods, and meeting people who are interested in our Alaska vision. One such meeting brought us in contact with a YWAM team that is redeeming traditional Korean cultural dance and worship as a means of engaging unreached cultures. Below is the team performing at the YWAM base on JeJu island. Our invitation for them to bring their to team to Alaska was met with wonderful excitement.

They even provided an opportunity for us to attend a special performance of a professional cultural team and see the traditional style of song and dance. Below is a video clip to get the flavor of what we experienced!

At the end of their performance, I was delighted to meet some members and play the drum, I think it will take some practice.....

Below you see Peter and myself standing next to a stone man known on the island as "grandfather man". Kind of a happy guy......but I had the feeling he wants to get out more....

2009-04-16T07:48:00.000-07:00

After many years of dreaming about going to Korea for recruiting to the Alaska mission, we are here - arriving just in time to attend the commissioning service for Peter and SunMi. They are now officially commissioned by the YWAM Korea National Missions office as missionaries to Alaska with Connecting Cultures! It was heart warming to see the American flag among those representing other countries that their classmates will be working in around the world.

Peter and SunMi are the first Koreans to be commissioned by YWAM Korea as missionaries to the US.....and we are honored and privileged to have them work with us!

On a sightseeing day I took the opportunity to preach a powerful message (to an empty church) at the original first Methodist Episcopal Church in Korea built in the late 1800's. Maybe my method needs some work.......

Property Update

2009-03-12T11:59:00.000-07:00

Here are some before and now pics from the Ketchikan trip 2 weeks ago.

Exciting News!!!

2009-02-21T22:19:00.000-08:00

Exciting news!!!!

The pad on our property is under construction!!!! The gentleman who is doing the property site-prep has been cutting trees and hauling rock for the past week. Lenard will be flying to Ketchikan, Monday the 23rd, to meet with him and talk through the details of completing the site development. So that means that Lenard will have new information and photos to share about the property and our move, at the Alaska Prayer Project meeting on Friday, March 6th.

Peter, SunMi and the boys leave for 2 months in Korea on Monday, March 2. They will be participating in a special YWAM Korea program that will commission them as missionaries to Alaska and Mongolia. We are very excited for them to be honored and equipped in this way. It is our hope that when they return at the end of April, they will be able to make their move to Ketchikan in early May. This will take a significant increase in finances for them, especially with the poor exchange rate between the South Korean won and American dollar.

It is also our hope that Lenard and I could join Peter, SunMi and the boys in Korea for their commissioning, meet their families, and network with YWAM Korean ministries. This looks very daunting financially as we consider the costs involved in moving our household goods and completing the establishment of our new home in Ketchikan.

Please join us for an evening of taking these next steps in prayer for the Alaska Prayer Project. It seems as if the steps keep getting bigger. We believe that we need you as prayer warriors, for us to be successful in taking these steps. We are very grateful for those who have been walking with us these past months in prayer. We couldn't do it without you and the leading of us all, by our Lord, Jesus.

When: Friday, March 6
7-8:30pm

Where: YWAM base
Salem, OR

With His love,
Lenard & Debbie
Peter & SunMi

Home at temporary site.

2008-12-10T21:45:00.001-08:00

Here's our home at it's temporary site. Thank You Lord for this resting place!!!!

Our home on the move - video

2008-12-10T21:40:00.000-08:00

This video shows our home "driving" north on Tongass Highway to it's temporary resting place. Please pray time and blessing on the gentleman who is doing the site work. We are so eager to actually occupy our home and our land!!

Now it's in Ketchikan and tomorrow it moves to it's temporary location.

2008-12-08T20:56:00.001-08:00

Our home has arrived

2008-12-03T22:23:00.000-08:00

Our home has arrived in Ketchikan. It journeyed there by barge from Seattle, arriving last Saturday. Here are some photos of it just before it was put on the barge in Seattle.

driveway video clip #3

2008-10-26T19:11:00.000-07:00

Here is the 3rd clip. Again, Debbie is driving in a friends car, continuing up the new driveway, with a view to where the modular home will sit.