Rev. James Flascher Funeral

Rev. James Flascher passed away on March 16, 2011.  Pastor Gary Morton and Pastor Jack Aiken were able to represent the Alaska Ministry Network at the funeral, and Pastor Jack gave the eulogy.  The service was held in Valdez (pictured above) and was well attended.

Rev. Flascher was an ordained minister in the Alaska Ministry Network.  He was ordained with the Northwest Ministry Network in 1973 and served as a Senior Pastor in Washington from 1971 to 1983.  He served as Senior Pastor in Cordova fromn 1981 to 1983, and then served in an Associate Pastor role at King's Way Ministry Center in Eagle River from 1983 to 1997, also teaching at Far North Bible College from 1990 to 1997.    He then served in various roles at Valdez Assembly of God.from 1998-2000.

Continue to pray for his wife Peggy, and the rest of the family as they grieve the loss of their loved one.  Although the earth has lost a valued servant of the Lord, we know He is now rejoicing in God's presence.

Fairbanks

We had a great AKSOM trip to Fairbanks this past weekend.  Thanks to Fairbanks 1st and staff for hosting us again, they always excel in hospitality!  I also got a chance to hang out with Pastor Scott Mensch, of Intercultural AG (pictured above).  It was a blessing to see him, along with many of the ministers in the Region.  It is exciting to hear what the Lord is doing in the Fairbanks area.

Communion Stands

Pastor Steve Brown of Kenai New Life wants to share a resource that I think is a pretty neat idea.  He has a man in the church who makes communion holders that can be attached to music stands.  He makes them in many different types of wood and the design can change with each order.  For example, you could have a hole drilled in the bottom and mount on an empty microphone stand.  For more information, you can contact Carl Glick at 398-7782.

Crisis in Japan

In Alaska, we have been gripped with the unfolding crisis in Japan.  First the earthquakes, then the Tsunamis, then the ensuing nuclear emergencies and ongoing rescue efforts.  Please pray for the  humanitarian efforts in Japan, as well as the spiritual condition of the people.  Convoy of Hope is being mobilized, and you can find out how to give here.  Lord, have mercy!

Central Region Luncheon

The Central Region luncheon was hosted by Joy Christian Center today.   Pastor Fay led us in a discussion over the state of the Spirit in the Alaska Ministry Network.  Is there a new wave of the Spirit coming, or has it passed?  We heard some great testimonies of recent miracles at MCA, recent baptisms at Joy Christian Center (11), and evidence of the moving of God's Spirit in many churches.  Gil Nantes gave an update of the new Hispanic Church Plant, Puerto del Cielo.  They have been meeting for prayer and Bible Study, and will be having their first baptism soon.  It is so good to meet together and be mutually encouraged by testimonies of God's grace in our lives.

Alaska Missions Team

We held an Alaska Missions Team meeting yesterday at the office.  It is exciting to think of the daunting challenges and opportunities before us in Alaska Missions.  There are so many villages in Alaska that need the Gospel and so many works that must be strengthened.  Be in prayer that the Lord of the harvest would send forth laborers into the harvest fields of Alaska!  The updated open church list can be found here, but the needs go beyond this list.  Alaska Missions will be the fundraising focus of the banquet at Network Conference this year.

Funeral

We attended the funeral for the mother of Pastor Selesitina (wife of Pastor Tusa Tanuvasa) this past Thursday.  Pastor Tusa officiated the funeral.  It was one of the most well done funerals I have been to, and was a celebration of a beautiful life.  I could tell she was loved very much.  Pastor Gary Morton brought an excellent message, and the funeral was held at First Assembly of God.  Continue to be in prayer for the family.