Kotzebue - Week 25 (39)

I hope this reaches you doing well.

Things have been quite busy here in the assignment. Continuing in the ministry remains the motivating force for our efforts and endeavors as these very long Arctic Summer days begin.

As of today the Sun "rises" (not really) at 3:30AM and "sets" (again, not really) at 2:05AM. As you can do the math you see that the day is filled with about 23 hours of light. Starting this Wednesday, the Sun will not set in the sky until August when the days get a bit shorter day by day. This will be the "midnight sun" that I mentioned previously in my writings.

As the days have gone by leading up to this time, I have been taking steps to get as much sleep as possible in view of the fact that when I would normally sleep the Sun is still shining bright in the sky. This includes covering my eyes with a small cover and trying to close the blinds as much as possible.

Still, as I mentioned before, the sun in the sky is a welcome sight for myself and others as opposed to the total darkness we lived thru for months in the Arctic Winter. What a difference 6 months makes!

Along with this increase in light, and with the kids being out of school, the residents of the village are in full swing with activity. Fishing, hunting, hiking, off roading are some of the things that they are enjoying now. It takes some adaptation on our part,  to tailor the ministry around their schedule and interests.

For example: The hunting that takes place is for Caribou, Beluga whale and Black whale, Spotted Seal. The Native Iñupiat residents have lived off of the land for hundreds of years and have an appreciation and respect for the sustenance that it provides them. This is one aspect of the message that appeals to them. So we try to make an effort to highlight that to them in the ministry in our daily conversations. The locals continue to be welcoming for the most part as we work thru the territory and meet others.

The Kotzebue Sound and Chukchi Sea are mostly thawed (See attached) and rapidly flowing. The mix of Freshwater and Saltwater make the water different colors and levels. This is quite the contrast to when I could walk across it and drive across on car and Snowmachine. Good times indeed.

Tomorrow marks 10 full months of being Isolated from the Organization and Congregation arrangement. Nevertheless, in spite of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, I continue to be strengthened by feeding from the Table of Jehovah and by means of Prayer and daily Reliance on Him. Please be assured that each of you are precious to Him and that "he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)

Continuing to pray Jehovah's rich blessing upon all of you, I remain,

Your fellow worker,

M. J. Penfield

Alaska Fact of the Week: In 1880, Alaska's population consisted of 33,426, of which only 430 were not natives.

Kotzebue - Week 22 (36)

I hope this reaches each of you doing well and busy in the ministry that's been "entrusted" to each one of us. (1 Tim 1:11)

The past 2 weeks proved to be very busy ones returning from a very brief travel time last weekend in Anchorage, Thursday thru Sunday for the 2015 Service Year's final Circuit event. As well, this midweek we moved to another location for our accommodations locally here in town.

As you can no doubt imagine, the time is moving along quite fast here in the field. We are coming down the stretch with the assignment that 1st began some 36 weeks ago back in the month of September in the cruise port of Skagway, AK. Now "North of 68°" the longer days and milder temperatures along with seeing the actual dirt of the ground as opposed to the thick ice that covers the land, remind me daily that we have survived the brutal Arctic Winter only with the Aid of Jehovah.

The average temperature of 30° for the month of May while seeming at sight to be still rather cold to what some are accustomed to in the lower 48, feel closer to a 70° day coming from the average of -30°, -40° we were commonly accustomed to in the months of December - February. And in actuality it truly is a 70° difference for us along with the residents here in the village. It's not an uncommon sight to see some of the neighbors out in shorts and shortslevees in the course of the ministry in a day. While we aren't exactly at that point as far as the type of clothing we wear on a daily basis is concerned, the mild temperatures are a welcome oasis and are noticeable.

The minstry continues to remain the focus of each day. We continue to reach as many as possible with the Kingdom message. By phone, door to door, return visits and the like. The general response is good. People receive us favorably for the most part. One of the more interesting parts of the days come from the fact that with the warmer temperatures come people "on the way out" or with very limited time. So our ministry adapts accordingly, keeping in mind that a good portion of the men in town work as commercial fishermen and are able get back to work for the season.

The words of Paul in the 2 letter to Timothy chapter 4 and verse number 4 continue to be a motivating force in these days for myself. There we read: "do the work of an evangelizer, fully accomplish your ministry."

Imagine the strength that Timothy gained from those final words of a dear friend and companion. That same strength is readily available to you and I today. No matter what circumstance or trial you may be undergoing, please be assured that Our Father will continue to be with you in the final part of these days, making you Strong for the work that he has given us. (1 Pet 5:10)

Praying Jehovah's rich blessing on you, I remain,

Your fellow worker,

M. J. Penfield

Alaska Fact of the Week: Alaska has over 3 million lakes. The largest, Lake Iliamna, encompasses over 1,000 square miles or roughly the size of the state of Connecticut.

Kotzebue - Week 20 (34)

As usual I hope that this reaches each of you doing well and busy in the field.

This week was a full and busy one as we are coming to the end of another month in the Springtime of the Arctic. Walking thru the territory is something we have had to get used again. Why do I say that?

We now are having to walk thru a very unique and interesting combo of extremely uneven and treacherous snow, mud, slush and ice along with getting splashed regularly by those who are passing by on their Snowmachines, 4 Wheelers and Vehicles.

Ironically, this week was the 1st time I have seen some of the actual earth and ground of Kotzebue in the 6 months we have been here. It's been a new sight as the ground is completely covered in ice and snow for the majority (9 months) of the year.

On the subject of ice, the Frozen Chukchi Sea is begining to break apart and melt in sections as we experienced 1st hand walking across this week in the ministry. (See attached)

The days continue to be long and full of sunlight. As of now, the Sun rises at 6AM and sets after 11PM. As I had mentioned earlier, this has had a very nice effect on the town and people in general for the most part. With temperatures in the 20s and 30s the milder weather is a pleasant welcome for all that call this ancient hunting village home.

Last week I got a phone call from a very interesting young man. He was previously contacted by mail by one of the brothers in a local congregation in the Anchorage area. He asked me to come by and see him in his home during the week because he wanted some study material. He warned me that I was going to be in for a ride with him in the call. After speaking with him and setting a time to visit I contacted the local brother to get some more background on him. The brother informed me that he had a very "colorful" past, being a 3 time Felon, extreme alcoholic, drug user and very violent. He recommended that it would be best not to go alone to his home.

I visited him early in the week and we were able to talk at length and answer many of his questions. He told me about his past in Prison and some of the "dark issues" he has to contend with. Interestingly, he told me that he didn't want to study with me because he wanted to do it on his own. I asked him why? He let me know that he frequently gets drunk and becomes violent and that he wanted me to be careful with him as he could get out of control most times. I thanked him for letting me know and told him that I would respect his wishes.

Before leaving I asked him to call me if he needed anything or had any questions to which he said he would do so. He thanked me for coming and taking the time to see him. I look forward to seeing how Jehovah will guide him and help him to make the necessary changes in his life.

It truly is a joy and privilege for each of us as servants of the Most High to carry "the glorious good news" to all sorts of people, to the most distant corners of this Planet. Yes, to you and I, it's been "entrusted". (1 Tim 1:11)

Praying Jehovah's rich blessing on you, I remain,

Your fellow worker,

M. J. Penfield

Alaska Fact of the Week: The Yukon River, almost 2,000 miles long, is the third longest river in the U.S. There are more than 3,000 rivers in Alaska and over 3 million lakes. The largest, Lake Iliamna, encompasses over 1,000 square miles.

Kotzebue - Week 19 (33)

I trust that each of you are doing well.

We have reached the conclusion of another busy week in the field here in Kotzebue.

There's not very much to report to you by way of new updates at this time, other than the fact that we continue covering the territory and cultivating our return visits. Some have the potential to turn into Bible Study's with some time and patience.

Harriet continues to progress and enjoys her new Bible. I will have to order her a Large Print copy as she has some trouble seeing and reading the smaller print. I will also do the same with the Publications such as the Bible Teach book for her once she is ready to begin considering that publication. Hopefully that will be soon in the near future with the aid of the Holy Spirit on her heart and my continued endeavors in her behalf.

She has a profound love for the bible and when I visited her this week, she shared with me some of her favorite verses. In the 7 times that she has read the bible over she has found quite a few of them as you can imagine. She continues to read it each day in spite of her limited eyesight and health issues.

I continue to keep you all in my thoughts and prayers daily. May Jehovah bless your whole souled efforts to exert yourself in the ministry, in the days ahead.

With love and greetings,

M. J. Penfield

Alaska Fact of the Week: The state of Rhode Island could fit into Alaska 425 times.

Kotzebue - Week 18 (32)

I hope as you read this you all are well and enjoyed your Special Talk today. No doubt each of us is looking forward to Perfect Family Happiness soon to come in the near future.

This week proved to be another good one as we continued making our way thru the territory. Our progress is being seen in the people we are reaching on a daily basis in this village we have been assigned to cover.

We continued in the field taking the time to reach new homes and returning to visit those who we had previously met. This includes Harriet from last week at the Memorial. As you may remember, she expressed interest in the New World Translation as she has a deep love of the Bible and various translations. I was able to get one ordered for her and deliver it to her this week. You can imagine her joy and appreciation for God's Word as I handed it to her still in the plastic wrapping. She took it from me and held it close, thanking me for braving the cold to walk and bring it to her home. The beginning of this week she will be traveling to Anchorage for some matters and will return later. I'll visit her again to see her thoughts on what she will read in those pages that she dearly cherishes.

Interestingly, she took a Bible Teach book from me at the Memorial so I am keenly interested to hear her thoughts on that as well. If the opportunity presents itself perhaps a small study may be started with her soon. I continue to pray that Jehovah touch her heart with His word.

On another note, the weather continues to remain milder and more favorable to reach people in a relaxed and inviting state then previously when we 1st began in the assignment back in December. The extended days of Sunlight are welcomed by one and all including myself. As of now, the Sun rises around 8am and sets closer to 11PM each night with the time getting longer by 10-12 minutes each day that passes. This will prove itself to be very interesting when the sun is still up at 1 or 2 AM with continual light for 24 hours soon. I will be sure to share pictures with you when this starts to occur.

Please continue to remain faithful to your ministry and may Jehovah bless your efforts this week as you persevere in the work he has given all of us, that of "making disciples of people of all the nations." (Matt 28:19) Continue joyfully enduring any trials you may be faced with, fully confident in Divine victory. You all remain a subject of my daily prayers to our Tender Father Jehovah.

With warm love and the best of wishes,

M. J. Penfield

Alaska Fact of the Week: Alaska is the United State's largest state and is over twice the size of Texas. Measuring from north to south the state is approximately 1,400 miles long and measuring from east to west it is 2,700 miles wide.

Kotzebue - Week 17 (31)

I hope you're all doing well as this special week concludes.

No doubt you're still deeply reflecting and thinking of this past Friday with the celebration of the Lord's Evening Meal and your own appreciation of the offering of Jehovah, and His only son as a sacrifice in each of our behalf.

You will be happy to know that after another full week in the field of inviting others, on Friday we held the Memorial here in Kotzebue. Ironically, it was also the 1st ever meeting of Jehovah's Witnesses that was held in the community.

We held it in a modest meeting room of a small hotel here in town that is used for the local community events. We had 5 visitors to make a total of 7 in attendance for our program. (please see attached pictures)

One of them was my Return Visit named Harriet. She is an elderly woman about 89 years old very kind, warm hearted and hospitable. Earlier in the week I visited Harriet in her home to invite her and her family and friends to the Memorial. After talking for almost an hour there in her home, I picked up on something very notable about her. What was it? She has a genuine love for the Bible.

This is something I would later recall on Friday evening when she attended the program and spoke one on one to me.

Why do I say this? Well, after expressing to me how many different translations of the bible she has and how many times she has read the entire bible over, she stared in amazement at my New World Translation. I handed it to her and watched as she turned each of the pages carefully examining it's contents and touched the words on the leather with a respectful reverence. After I showed her the features of it and why it's a special translation I offered to get her a copy which she agreed to with tears in her eyes.

She has a mild and gentle personality having endured many trials, including various of her own health problems and losing her husband in death to Cancer. Through it all, she has maintained her faith, which she told me gives her an inner strength, enabling her to cope with the challenges of life.

She listened intently as I gave the discourse and afterward expressed to me that she wasn't going to attend at 1st as she wasn't feeling well earlier in the day but that she had prayed and felt that she needed to be in attendance because of her appreciation of Jesus' Sacrifice.

Also in attendance was Alice and her 3 children who we met in the door to door minstry. They also were encouraged to attend from Harriet. Most families in town know each other, or are related thru blood or marriage. This gives them very close bonds that enable them to have close contact with each other.

They too seemed to enjoy the program and all 5 of them, including the little ones took our literature and expressed interest in the message. We look forward to continuing to cover this territory and reach many, many more with this life-giving message.

I am glad to share this brief update with you regarding our Memorial. Thank you for your support, thoughts and prayers in behalf of each of us. What a joy to be unitedly serving with you from this vast and distant land!

You all continue to be in my expressions of sincere appreciation to Our Father. May Jehovah be with each of you in the days to come.

With Warm Love and Greetings,

M. J. Penfield

Alaska Fact of the Week: Alaska has an estimated 100,000 glaciers, ranging from tiny cirque glaciers to huge valley glaciers. There are more active glaciers and ice fields in Alaska than in the rest of the inhabited world. The largest glacier is the Malaspina at 850 square miles. Five percent of the state, or 29,000 square miles, is covered by glaciers.

Kotzebue - Week 16 (30)

Good Morning,

I hope this reaches you reading this doing well in your respective locations and assignments.

I'm very sorry for not writing to you all sooner. Things have been quite busy caring for certain necessary matters in connection to my assignment. I also was able to take a break from the long, dark and bitterly harsh winter with a small vacation earlier in the month.

Some may or may not be fully aware of the rather challenging circumstances that would be faced being assigned above the Arctic Circle at the beginning of the winter as you can imagine. In the month of December when it's dark for about 22-23 hours out of the day, the cold reality is the Sun will not be rising more than just barely the horizon. The temperatures are usually 30 degrees below zero or more.

During this unique time of year, the town and it's residents are dealing with some of the more difficult realities of life they have to face. Usually this would be issues within the family and some very deeply complicated social matters.

As you can imagine, the Sun has been a welcome sight for the residents of Kotzebue, as well as the surrounding hunting villages of the Northwest Arctic Borough. (Ambler, Buckland, Deering, Kiana, Kivalina, Kobuk, Noatak, Noorvik, Selawik, Shungnak)

With a total population of over 7,600 the Northwest Arctic Borough is 85 percent Iñupiat Eskimo, making it the largest concentration of Iñupiat people in the world. Subsistence activities are an integral part of the lifestyle; caribou, moose, seal, whale and fish are important daily foods. This area boasts some of the most pristine, unperturbed wilderness in the world. During the summer months (which I'm looking forward to) from what residents tell me, they enjoy unparalleled boating, fishing and hunting.

The Borough has been occupied by Iñupiat Eskimos for thousands of years. "Qikiktagruk" (now known as Kotzebue) was the hub of ancient Arctic Trading routes. Most of the villages have also existed for thousands of years, but some developed as supply stations for interior gold mining.

The Northwest Arctic Borough has no roads connecting it with the rest of Alaska, and no roadways connecting any of the villages with each other. However, in the winter, once the Kotzebue Sound and the Kobuk River freeze, a road is plowed through the snow on top of the ice connecting Kotzebue with the Noorvik and Kiana along the Kobuk River.

Having no natural harbor, the Sound is ice-free for only five months of the year. Deep draft vessels must anchor 15 miles out, where cargo is transferred to smaller barges and transported to the shallow docking facility in town here. Supplies are then air lifted to the villages.

With about 14 hours of Sunlight a day now our activity in the minstry has been in full swing here in town this week. Along with each of you, we are busy preparing for the celebration of the Lord's Evening Meal here in Kotzebue. Our time has been spent with inviting all locally and from the surronding villages to the Memorial. I have observed a noticeable difference in people and the town as a whole as a result of having actual Sunlight. People have been exceptionally kind and friendly to us and the message of the Kingdom we are bearing. At almost every door we are invited in to talk to them and the entire family about who we are, why we are here and what we think of the town and Alaska as a whole. We hope and pray that some of these earnest ones will attend this important observance with us.

Interestingly there are certain things that will be unique to our celebration this coming Friday. One is that we won't exactly have an "After Sundown" here to pass the Emblems.

Here is another: Alcohol consumption is limited by local ordinances. With the exception of Kotzebue, the sale and importation of alcohol is illegal in the villages of the Northwest Arctic Borough. In Kotzebue, alcohol may be imported, but cannot be sold within city limits.

So that raises an issue as far as the Wine is concerned. We are still trying to find a working solution to that.

More importantly it will be the 1st ever public meeting of Jehovah's Witnesses held in the village and area of the Northwest Arctic. This is a momentous occasion for the history of Theocracy in remote Alaska. What an honor to have a role in sharing in that increase! (Isa 60:22)

I continue to keep you all in my thoughts and prayers on a daily basis here in the Northwest Arctic. May Our Father Jehovah continue to be with each and every one of you.

Thank you for taking the time to read. I look forward to writing to you again shortly.

With Warm Love and Best Wishes,

M. J. Penfield

Alaska Fact of the Week: The Northwest Arctic Borough covers approximately 40,762 square miles in Northwest Alaska. It is the second largest Borough in Alaska and is roughly the size of the state of Indiana.