Above: The "As I Have Loved You" collection by artist Jean Keaton, www.keatonprints.com

  Comments updated 07-Nov-05  

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September 14, 2005 - no snow yet
but they let Pastor aboard the snowmachine.
Farewell to Emmo!

 

click to enlarge
Does this picture look like June 1st?  No? 
Well, it does in Kotzebue, Alaska, 30 miles north of the Arctic Circle! 
Click here to see what "breakup" looks like.

Howard visited with Pastor Jim & Nancy Mercer for two weeks in Kotzebue.
Click on the pictures to enlarge them.

Coooold! Fixing dinner in the parsonage kitchen Chilly fellowship!

At KCI Airport, bound for Alaska - click to enlarge"...On yet another chapter of your magnificent journey!" according to a good friend, Pastor Howard Marshall is back in Alaska, volunteering in Kotzebue, Anchorage, and Emmonak

Pastor says, "Alaska has been the land of neglect by many who live in the lower 48, as it is called by those who live in the far north.   There are villages there that have no evangelical testimony (or a pastor in residence) but faithful men and women who know the Lord as their personal Savior are doing their best the keep their churches open.

"It seems the Lord has given me a passion and a desire to be available to Him to go where He needs me. This summer (2005) it will be for 2 weeks in Kotzebue with Jim and Nancy Mercer.  These dear folks have been there going on 6 years now, and have opened their door to me (of course I invited myself).  I’ll be sharing with the Inupiat people who live north of the Arctic Circle. Following this I will be ministering at Crossroads Assembly in Anchorage for 5 weeks while Jim and Linda Schulz direct Camp AN, located along the Yukon River. 

"Then, I’ll be in Emmonak at Yukon Delta Assembly of God, where Bob and Carolyn Wheeler have been for over 5 years.  These folks feel the need to be with their family, including some of their little 'great grand ones' they have never met.  I don’t believe I’ll be painting the church this time, as I did in 1998.  It will be an opportunity to minister in both Kotlik and Alakanuk and possibly Sheldon’s Point.  Excited?  You bet!  I am eager to see what God is going to do through me as I yield to Him."

"Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart.  Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He will do it." Psalm 37:4-5 NASB

Pastors are needed in Alaska.  Please see www.spaciousskies.me/howard/Alaska/pastors/

We've kept our web-pages about Alaska, so please check out Our Alaska Connections.

The address of this page is www.spaciousskies.me/howard/ 

Comments by Pastor Howard

E-mail address:  howardmarshall@yahoo.com

Well, it has been quite a while since I have taken time to put together some comments about the “happenings” that have taken place since returning from my summer ministry trip to Alaska.

Upon my arrival home I was requested to “put together” an album of the trip to take to my 55th Class reunion in Lyons, Kansas.  I was not aware how long it would take to assemble, caption and develop such a project.  While in Anchorage, on my way home, I stopped and bought a photo album knowing that I needed one for the many pictures I had taken throughout the summer months.  

As I thumb through the album, almost daily, my mind goes back to the reason “why” I had responded to the need, and some of my friends seem to think it was to escape the heat in Kansas during the summer.  That really was not a consideration but it was a wonderful benefit.  However, during my time in Anchorage, the weather was setting records as to the high temperatures, which climbed into the high 90’s.  For this Kansas kid, that was still quite warm.  It kept me busy “watering” the many flowers around the Schulz residence, the church, and the parsonage.  With almost 24 hours of daylight, there was plenty of growing time and due to the lack of rain, the plants needed watering. 

There were some of the most beautiful flowers I have seen anywhere growing in that great state of Alaska.  I was impressed how people took pride in their flower gardens, floral displays and just making the scenery so pleasant.  ...Now back to the “why.”

  So, I’ll recap this using the following scriptures.

1.     The Prophet Isaiah "…Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?'  Then I said, 'Here am I, send me!' And He said, 'Go, and tell this people.'" Isaiah 6:8-9 NASB.

Because there are so many who are not willing to go!

.2.     “…And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying,   “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.  Matthew 28:18-20 NASB

Because Jesus commanded it!

3.     It’s Harvest Time in Alaska : “…Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes, and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest. Already he who reaps is receiving wages, and is gathering fruit for life eternal; that he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together.  For in this case the saying, is true, ‘One sows, and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.”  John 4:35-36 NASB

Because I was compelled to love, NOT change, the Yupik Eskimos.

Question:  Would I go again? Without hesitation I am willing to return as the Lord would direct and the circumstances with my family’s health improves.  God leads, it is up to me to follow!

Would you and will you?

 

Time to Leave

 
Click the picture to go to Grant Aviation in AlaskaAs my time draws near to leave the Yupik Eskimo village of Emmonak, it is more difficult for me this time because I know there is no pastor coming to live with these folks and be their pastor.  It has been a pleasure to mingle with them and to have some of them tell me that I cannot leave, or they are going to cancel my flight to Anchorage, or hide the keys so I will have to stay.
 
An unfortunate thing happened, which I discovered just after I arrived.  Pastor Bob had sold his boat and trailer to one of the school teachers who moved up river.  When he had one of the native men and his boys come and get it, there were some things in the storage building he was supposed to have.  For some reason I opened one of the freezers that Camp AN has for storing meat for next summer's camping season.  I hadn't noticed it before so I looked in it and it was not frozen.  I checked the controls. and someone had neglected to turn it on.  That freezer full of meat had to be thrown out, which will cost the Camp many dollars.  We have no idea why it happened or how it was overlooked when the workers were storing the meat for freezing....
 
Click to enlargeThe reason I said all that was when I was out just yesterday trying to give away the spoiled meat for the dogs of people who might need food for them ... I stopped and talked with one man who was butchering a moose that his son had killed.  The lad was excited about it and I don't know if it was his first one or not.  But his dad was pleased to get the meat I had in the little trailer behind the ATV.
 
Signs of winter are every where.  People are getting their snow machines ready because in just a few weeks, well, maybe a little longer, the Yukon River will freeze over and become their "super highway."  When the snow comes, they will be able to travel from village to village on their wintertime highways over the snow- covered, frozen tundra.  This makes for easy travel because during the summer months they are "land locked" because many do not have boats and must depend on others for travel on the river. 
 
Looking out the dining room window at the horizon, I see no tall trees, no mountains, no tall buildings to block the view.  If I was up high enough I could look at a 360 degree circle and the view would all be the same.  Ya can see forever!  There are very few birds of any kind.  Oh, there are a few ravens and black birds, and occasionally geese can be heard heading south.  They tell me you have to travel up river to find wildlife of any kind.  Around Emmo there is none!  I have not seen one cat here either, which makes me wonder why there are not any cats in the village.  Ya don't suppose...?
 
It is now Sunday morning and there is NO movement and it is 10:30 a.m., there are no ATV's running the streets yet, as people will sleep until near noon before making their appearance.  This is one of the reasons we have our morning service beginning at 11:00 a.m. or shortly thereafter because people are just slow getting around. 
 
There is no breeze, the low lying willows are very still, the grasses are not blowing, it is cloudy and gloomy with the probability of more rain.  But...did you know the Bible says in Psalms 118:14 "...This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." 

 

Click to enlargeLabor Day weekend was a very busy time in the village!  The Eskimo families, mostly men and their sons, were scurrying around loading their boats with equipment needed to hunt moose.  Fall is definitely arriving on the Yukon Delta as the leaves on the willow trees (shrubs) are turning fall colors, as is the grass, which is used for weaving baskets.  One of our ladies in the church makes and sells them. 
 
Just the other day, I was out near the slough on the Honda ATV and just missed seeing some of the Eskimos killing a seal...I did get to see it in their boat and one of the young men had a seal spear in his hand.  It is the first one I have seen them actually get.  There was quite a lot of excitement about their kill.
 
From the parsonage dining area I can watch people on their ATV's hauling firewood and some have already been cutting pieces to fit in their stoves for heating during the winter.  The cost of fuel is so much they have to resort to burning logs they tow down from upstream. 
 
I am reminded of the scripture in Proverbs 6:6 that tells us to "...Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!"  Also in the 30th chapter and verse 26 "...Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer;"  We humans could learn something about these little creatures about providing for our families and friends and preparing for winter.  From all reports, winters here are quite severe.  These scriptures seem so appropriate since it is the Labor Day weekend.
 
During the 2 months I've been in Emmonak, we have had rain almost every day and when we don't, it's only a matter of hours until we have dust on the roads, which remind me of the Hydaburg road before it was blacktopped.  Pot holes abound!  The low-lying areas are filled with water and the Yupik children love to play in the water, often without coats and wearing only t-shirts.  Some have their boots on, but all are enjoying themselves even though they are wet and - in my opinion - should be cold. 
 
The residents' "harvest" of berries is past...now they are turning their attention to meat for the winter by going off to their "fish" camps and camping out for weeks at a time UNTIL they get their moose.  Seal hunting and salmon fishing goes on every time they are out in their boats.  So, the signs of winter are all around.  I enjoy seeing the smoke drifting upwards lazily, and I know that inside their homes it is warm. 
 
Another season change and I am about to leave this Yupik Eskimo village and the people I have great admiration for and love for.  Jesus told us to "...go into all the world...even this part of the world...and preach the gospel..."  known as the Great Commission!"  Matthew 28:18-20, "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.' " 9/6/05

Click to see larger view of the ATV "4-wheeler"Good evening (10:11 pm here)...William Lamont came over this afternoon just as I was leaving to go get mail...I asked if he wanted a ride on the ATV and he did...I wanted to know where the Catholic Priest lives...he showed me and we found out he is Kotlik doing a funeral.  We then stopped a house across from City Hall, he told me who lived there but I didn't get the name, so we headed to his mom's house, as I had not been there yet.  At Marie's we got to talking about native art...and William told me he would take me and introduce me to several...so off we went.
 
Albert & Linda Moore live near where the Jennings live, if you remember where that is - out towards the cemetery...he carves "seal spears and harpoons"...sells them with the thrower for $65 to $75 dollars.  I told him to hold off on one for me.
 
David and Florence Tucker...they live pretty close to AC store...he carves quite a few different things...dance fans...mini spears and harpoon...mini dog sleds...etc.  One larger dog sled (about 10" long) was priced at $500.00.  I bought two of 'em.  You believe that too, don't you?  He also makes mini native drums.  Teresa Lukudak is making my Eskimo top ("kuspuk").
 
Now back to the lady across from the City Hall...her name is Anna Waska.  The house was full of family and friends.  Her only son, Evan, has been missing since last Friday.  A village near Bethel is where he and his family lives...they found his boat about 8 miles down stream and his body has not been found as yet.  He has 5 sisters and all but 4 were there and I asked if they would like for me to pray for them and the mom, Anna, and family agreed.  I visited with her, a very small fragile appearing woman who needs a wheel chair to get around in...following the time in her room, the girls asked if I would like some lunch...and I agreed. 
 
They had prepared chicken legs and veggies sorta baked and stewed...very good, potato salad and "goose soup".  The one sister told me "we won't be offended if you don't like it or don't want to try it" ...I did...it just needed some salt and pepper.  It was more like a broth with rice and maybe barley in it.  When I finished they thanked me for trying their food. 
 
All in all, it was the best day I have had in the village meeting people and getting into their homes, other than the people we already know.  I had prayed this morning after my Bible reading that the Lord would open more doors and He did!  [Howard met the Catholic priest later, and Evan Waska's body was found.  ~Marge]
 
Oh, William got the video player to working, as I was not able to...there was a switch near the back of the TV that I had not seen so I can watch videos...some of Northland Cathedral A/G they sent up in 1998.  12-Aug-05


Yukon Delta Assembly of God Emmonak AK

 

Do you ever feel “out of control”?  Recently there were major forest fires burning out of control and there were thousands of fire fighters endeavoring to get them under control.  These fires were started by a simple little spark to ignite them into a flaming inferno out of control these are called “fire storms!”

 Within the heart of man, at times there seems to be one of these “infernos” out of control.  Some of them can be fears that possess an individual, or anger raging out of control which causes people to act irrationally and do things they will forever regret.

My friends, if this happens to you, simply know that you will need more than a book of 10 simple rules to getting over the fears you have or the raging anger within you.  You will need the power of the Holy Spirit to come on the scene and give you the deliverance you must have to be victorious.  You and I do not have the ability or the know how to break the bondages that exist in our lives. 

If this happens to you, take your hands off of the wheel of life and LET GO AND LET GOD take over in the out-of-control situation. There is one verse in the Bible that suggests when we are at we at our wits end, we “reel and stagger like drunken men; they were at their wits' end(Psalm 107:27)  In other words, when you have done everything and are not succeeding, how about turning everything over to the ONE who knows how to control the Universe?

Back to the fires…the fire fighters will keep at it UNTIL the last fire is put out and will use all resources available to get the job done.  Why not learn a lesson from them and turn to God, who through His Son will help you to win over whatever seems to be out of control?  11-Jul-05

Come just as you are.  He is ready to help you!

 

Alaska is so large, so vast, and just think, it’s 2 times bigger than the State of Texas!  On June 17th I was able to use the “Speed the Light” van that is provided for Jim and Linda Schulz to take 8 of 18 people in from Florida sightseeing.  These folks are here as a MAPS Team, which will divide into two groups.  The ladies are conducting a VBS for Southside Assembly of God and the men are on the construction team going to Camp AN along the Yukon River.

Along the Seward HighwayWhen asked if I would be willing to take a group of them to Seward, stopping a various points between Anchorage and there, I jumped at the opportunity because I had never been out of Anchorage that far.  On the trip we saw mountain goats (sheep); eagles; a moose at far distance; the Exit Glacier; and even had lunch at Big Red’s Hamburger Joint, and would you believe the kitchen was a school bus? Much nicer than Dave’s Diner in Klawock and the food was just as good.  I told the young lady working there about Dave on Prince of Wales Island and she said “Oh, that is our competition?”

On the way home we stopped at a large game reservation where they bring orphaned, injured wild animals.  Moose, elk, musk-ox, black bear, brown bear, Sitka Deer, an eagle, a coyote, and I am not sure what else, but by that time we were ready for a cookout of halibut, salmon, moose and tube steaks (also known as hot dogs) at one of the relatives in from Florida.  Jim Schulz had not seen his cousin for 27 years - and then they prepared a meal for about 25 people.  Wow!  Wonderful!

These Florida people were having lots of fun even though they were being sleep-deprived … up almost 24 hours from the time they left home.  Our roundtrip was about 250 miles of beauty! 

I might add there are projects in many of the villages throughout Alaska where volunteers are welcomed to come and minister through building projects, conducting VBS, youth outreach efforts, or just doing supply work as I am doing.  The harvest truly is great and ready, as Jesus said.  (John 4:35)

When most of us (especially with children) think about the 4th of July, it is all about fireworks, picnics, cookouts, family get-togethers, a day away from the office, or just being plain lazy.  However, I would like for us to consider the price that is being paid for our freedom.

During the last week of June, I got to thinking about the church sign here at Crossroads Assembly of God in Anchorage , and the message it sends to those who drive by.  The thought that came to me was “Remember, Freedom is not Free” so that is what I put up last Monday for people to think about before the Independence Day, July 4th.  Hopefully people will consider the cost of our freedom that is being paid by our young men and women who are serving in the Armed Forces of these United States of America !

Freedom represents the possibility of doing “things” we enjoy doing without the fear of being imprisoned.  But…there are people who are in the “prison” of debt, of fear, of moral corruption, of the “bottle,” and are struggling to find a way out of the “prison” or the maze of life.  Some even feel hopeless, and it is these I want to know, there is a way out!

Jesus said “…Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32)   This really should be great news to those who are in bondage or are “imprisoned” by any number of things -  but the major one is sin!  Jesus summed it all up by His words about knowing TRUTH!  It is by the truth of God’s Word that true freedom comes.

On Sunday July3rd, we will pledge our “allegiance” to the American Flag, the Christian Flag, and the Bible.  The reason we do this is simply to state our position of being “dependent” upon our heavenly Father through His Son Jesus Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit!  29-Jun-05

WE ARE NEVER INDEPENDENT OF HIM,
…BUT ALWAYS DEPENDENT UPON HIM!

Click here to enlarge pictureTo be like Jesus, to be like Him!  What a challenge for believers who desires to live for Him.  Daily there are people we meet who do not know Him. Do they see Him in us? 

These comments are my first since leaving Kansas City to do whatever the Lord directs as I serve Him in this great State of Alaska.  In the Dallas airport I came across a couple who may have been older than I am reading their Bibles.  I asked him what version he was reading and he said King James.  My response was “…Oh, the one Jesus used,” trying to strike up a conversation with him and he replied “…No, the one John the Baptist used,” and with that the conversation ended.  I am guessing he was a pastor from his dark suit, white shirt, tie, shined shoes and all, but too busy reading “…the Word” to discuss it.  I was thinking maybe he would try to witness to me but that failed.  So, did I fail doing my part?

On the planes, nobody was talking, very little discussion going on, and I find it rather difficult to carry on a “one-sided” conversation.  So from the travel aspect not much happened.  On my flight from Dallas to Seattle, I was sitting in the very last row in back of the plane and got to “see” everyone who had to go to the toilet.  Interesting!

It is amazing to travel.  From the time I left Kansas City until Pastor Jim Mercer met me at the airport in Kotzebue, I did not see one person I even remotely recognized.  Travelers, at least the ones I was with, were not very friendly.  So, what am I to do?  Boldly and bravely announce… "I am a Christian, look at me and talk to me"?  I don’t think so…but I do pray for the passengers next to me and do ask the Lord to help open the door to speak to them…"prayer darts" I call them.

The writer of Ecclesiastes said it well Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.”  Eccl. 5:2 (NIV) 23-Jun-05

A simple plan of Salvation appears each week in the Pentecostal Evangel magazine, and I want those who read these comments to know that this plan is for them too!  Although it is simple, it is effective if you sincerely follow each step.

“A” - Admit YOU are a sinner.

Romans 3:23 “... for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Romans 10:13  “WHOEVER WILL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD will be saved.”

You must ask God for forgiveness -- no one can do it for you.

Romans 5:8 “God demonstrated His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

“B” - Believe in Jesus

It is not enough just to believe, you must accept Him into your life by putting your trust in Him as your only hope for salvation.

John 3:16  “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.”

John 14:6  “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me’ ”              

You become a child of God when you receive Jesus into your life.

John 1:12  “As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.”

Revelation 3:20  “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with Me.”

“C” - Confess  - that Jesus is your Lord and Savior. 

Romans 10:9-10 "...that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. 

This means you should tell someone that you have asked Jesus into your life. Share what has happened to you.  

Pray this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I admit I am a sinner. I want You to forgive me of all my sin, and I believe that you died for me. Now I accept you as my personal Savior and do confess with my mouth that I am born again and I am a new creation by His precious blood that was shed for me.  Amen.”

Note: If you prayed and asked Jesus into your heart, or you need help, please give me a call at (913) 788-8637 in Kansas City, Kansas.  God bless you!

 

Mother's Day, May 2005
Howard & Marge

Pastor Howard & Marge Marshall
1044 S. 74th Street
Kansas City, KS 66111

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE, ©1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, by The Lockman Foundation. 
Used by permission.

Some scriptures are from the King James Version (KJV).

 


Pastor Lowell Harrup interviewing Howard. 
See the Home Missions story for details.

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Credits: Photos, Howard & Marge Marshall.  Some graphics by Microsoft Clipart. Push pin, www.bellsnwhistles.com. Sources of background and railroad-related graphic, not known.  Sled dog photos by www.adrenalinepages.com/sportindex/sportpages/Photos/Dogsledding/ 

We've found the source of the lovely pencil art of Jesus!
Jean Keaton of www.keatonprints.com.  
We had received them by E-mail.

 

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