Good Friday Evening

We watched The Passion of The Christ this evening at church. Just a few of us showed up. However it was a great time. I have seen that movie at least 4 times now and every time I get something new out of it. Tonight I saw something amazing in the movie. Jesus the Healer, Jesus the Miracle Worker, Jesus the Son of God was now in a place where he needed someone to minister to him.

When we returned home for the evening I found myself facing some pain of my own. I won’t elaborate but suffice it to say it hurts to hurt no matter who you are. We all face pain and hurt in this life from many sources and situations. Many times the ones we love the most can hurt us the most.

I was checking my Facebook and Twitter when my good friend Allen Townsend from Hilo HI twittered about his new Blog entry. I read his Blog this evening and it was just what I needed. It is titled “When the Healer needs Healing”. I would encourage you to read the article. He says it so well.

The scene where the woman wipes Jesus’ face with a cloth in the movie was awesome. She tried to give Him a cup of water but was unsuccessful. However she tried! I am reminded where Jesus said in Matthew 10 if you receive a prophet you will receive a “prophet’s reward” or give a cup of cold water to the least of his servants you will be rewarded. I also remembered the words of Jesus in Matthew 25 where He said “as you have done it unto the least of these, you have done it unto Me”

When was the last time you gave a prophet (servant of the Lord) a cup of cold water or something like that? When was the last time you did any unselfish “act of random kindness” to a stranger or anyone for that matter?

Just a thought,

Pastor Alan

In Anchorage Teaching Anger Management

I will be in Anchorage teaching Anger Management on April 20 and 21. If you are interested in attending please contact me. I would love to have you in class.

I will be teaching a condensed version of the class both nights. It will be the same class both nights in two different locations. I am working with the Anchorage Parenting Co-op. It’s a great group that brings great parenting teaching to residents through out the Anchorage area. I think one night will be in Eagle River as well.

I love teaching anger management. It has become a passion for me. I am very excited about Wednesday evening April 22 as well. I will be speaking to Faith Community Church youth group. I love speaking to high school and Jr high school groups.

I get the privilege of sharing a little of my life’s story with them. I am so grateful for the many opportunities given me to share here in Alaska. I really believe I have something to give to young people all across the state of Alaska. Anger is a huge problem in our state and it really does need to be addressed at the younger level. If it is not addressed it will continue to grow.

I have spoken in several Alaskan villages over the past years. It has been beneficial for many who have heard my story. I love my Alaska Native brothers and sisters all across this great state. I have spoken in Barrow, Kotzebue and Metlakatla in the SE. I have spoken all over the Kenai Peninsula as well.

I contracted to the state of Alaska DOC for about 7 years to teach Anger Management at Wildwood Correction Center. I have spoken to Faith based groups as well as secular settings as well. I have spoken many times in public schools around the state as well.

I have also been a Red Ribbon Week speaker in several schools as well. I love young people and have a passion to share my story with them. I don’t think it strange or weird because I love Anger Management. I am just so thankful that God has helped me find my own way through the maze called life. I enjoy shinning a small light for other travelers through the darkness.

Here to serve,

Pastor Alan

Jerry & Margaret Stroup Enjoying Some Needed Time Off!

I spoke with Jerry and Margaret Stroup today, several times. Margaret is doing well. She is enjoying some much needed time off. They have been in Florida for the past month and are now back in Virginia.

Margaret is doing quite well. She still gets very tired quickly and has a few bad days now and then. I am still amazed at how the Lord has worked in and through this lady. She is simply amazing, or maybe not so simply! I know the Lord has had His hand on her life and He has lots more for her and Jerry to do.

There is still so much about this whole ordeal that I don’t understand and probably never will. However I know that God is a great big God. He has promised He won’t allow us to go through more than we can handle. He has certainly allowed this family and so many others to go through soooooo much.

It is so easy for me to think I am having such a bad day when I go through some of the small things I go through in my life. When I look at the “larger” picture of life I often repent and ask God to forgive me for whining!!!! I think self-pity is a great big pit many of us get caught in. We must be on our guard all the time against this enemy.

I don’t think any of us deliberately want to be selfish. It is a natural, carnal part of our nature that raises its ugly head all too often. We must be constantly aware of this  part of our humanity. God will lead us and provide strength for us in every situation. It is up to us to follow Him with the light or knowledge we have from God’s Word today.

Not one of us at Central Peninsula Hospital would have ever thought such a tragedy would have or even could have taken place in our little town! However as we all know too well it did! It is up to us today, as we all are still working through our “stuff”, to remember that God is still there and He still loves us. In spite of the selfish acts of others God will give us the strength to keep getting up and making our own little contribution to the world we are in.

I have a little philosophy I live by that has been a real encouragement for me over the years. “If I will do what I can with what I have where I am, then and only then will what I have be increased”. That little thought has helped me keep on keeping on so many times.

Remember things may never get back to “normal”. However please don’t stop giving what you have to the rest of us. I for one can’t do it all by myself. I really need your help. I know I’m not alone in this. We all really do need each other. So get up, smile and put one foot in front of the other and “DO IT”. I know you can, God will help! Together we really are making a difference.

Thanks for being you,

Pastor Alan