A Preacher's Day Off

My wife and I were recently blessed to host one of our Alaska Missionaries, Austin Jones and his summer intern, John the Baptist, a.k.a. Ricky the Zion Bible College student. Austin pastors the church in Emmonak which is located on the lower Yukon River in Southwestern Alaska. Somewhat in the same region as St. Michael. Austin came out of Emmonak this trip to take some much needed R&R after a very busy summer. Emmonal is the "hub village" in that area and the staging grounds for the Bible camps the Alaska Ministry Network sponsors each summer. Many people, village adults, children, volunteer helpers, interns and Assembly of God personnel. A lot of the logistical responsibility falls on his shoulders due to the fact he lives in Emmonak and is the "go to" person who can gather and expedite the resources needed to run the camp. So, he contacted me to see about some fishing on the Kenai. I was glad to borrow a boat and supply the fishing equipment as I knew I would enjoy spending time with Austin and get out on the river myself, something I have not had much opportunity to do this summer due to my busy schedule and this being the wettest summer in the recorded history of the Kenai Peninsula.The Lord was gracious to us to limit the amount of rain that fell on us the two days we were able to go out. The Lord did not deem it necessary to provide an abundance of the fish we were seeking however we did catch a few. It was fun to share our home with Austin and John the...er, Ricky for two days. We not only fished but shot billiards at our favorite local billiards place. We also had a brief sunny afternoon which enabled us to take the 1968 Mercury Cougar, the coolest car in the world to play billiards. We also share an affinity for fine firearms which we enjoyed using at the range. JoLynn fed us sumptuously with delicious cookies, halibut and other good things from her kitchen. Austin and Ricky were headed to Seward to continue fishing and preach on Sunday before Austin headed back to Emmonak and Ricky back to Zion Bible College. Since Austin and I are currently both Presbyters with the Alaska Ministry Network, we'll see each other again in October and have lots of stories to share.