Skagway/Anchorage - Week 8

Good Morning,

I hope this reaches you all doing well and happy in your service to Our Father Jehovah wherever you may be.

As you may notice from the title of the post today, I'm writing you from Anchorage, Alaska this morning. Why you ask? Well, thanks to the love, generosity and kindness of AK-1 (Alaska Circuit 1) all 10 of the brothers assigned to the remote areas here, had the privilege of being with them and attending their circuit assembly yesterday. What a joy it was!

After a rather normal week in Skagway in the ministry, and 2 planes later, we flew in to Anchorage late on Thursday evening. We were greeted by some of the local friends who immediately I made a connection with. Why? Well I had been corresponding with them prior so it was nice to put a real face with the voice and names as you can imagine.

We went to the wonderful accommodations that the friends had generously provided and got some rest after catching up with the other brothers that were also sharing the house with us.

We woke the next day (Friday) and had a few things we wanted to take care of before our plans for the evening. These "things" were in actuality, A Haircut (lol). If you know me well you know that I cut hair and have been for quite some time now. Still, I haven't been able to get an actual good "Barbershop" haircut in over 2 months...so I and the other brothers of African American descent (do you like how I cleaned that phrase up rather than just saying Black? Lol) Jumped at the opportunity to get a really good haircut in a city that has some rather nice Barbershops in it.

After that we came home, and got ready to leave for a evening gathering with a family and some other of the friends from the circuit as well as the C.O. his wife and the circuit guest speaker and his wife from Brooklyn Bethel. Ironically it was the 1st time all 10 of us would be in one room together. It was also the 1st time we would get to meet brother Daniel Cukar and His wife Monica who are serving in the Traveling work here in Alaska Circuit 1. (2nd Picture attached) We had a great time with them. There were also 2 Special Pioneer couples that are graduates of BSCC serving in Bethel, AK that were there with us as well. As you can imagine it was very encouraging to be a part of for us all.

This weekend the circuit had the privilege of having Brother David Schafer and his wife Krista with them from Brooklyn Bethel. (1st picture) He serves as a Helper to the Teaching Committee of the Governing Body. Ironically, he had know me and my family from a time when I was quite younger and they hadn't seen me since that time. So it was really nice to see them again and spend this time together.

I must tell you the friends in this circuit are so very loving and kind. Their generosity and appreciation for our efforts is remarkable and heart warming. I have already been "adopted" as a son by some already (Picture 3) They send christian love and greetings to you all.

I too join them in sending you warm love and best wishes from this vast and distant land.

M. J. Penfield

Alaska Fact of the Day: Anchorage (Since I'm writing this here in Anchorage) is the largest city by area in the country. It stretches for some 1,961 square miles or the size of the state of Delaware. In fact, the 4 largest U.S. cities by land area are all in Alaska: Sitka, Juneau, Wrangell and Anchorage.

Skagway - Week 7

How are you all? As usual, I hope this reaches you well and busy in the work of the Ministry for the glory of Our Father Jehovah.

We have arrived at the end of the 7th week in our assignment here. As of the writing of this, I am happy to inform you that we have reached every home in the immediate territory of Skagway and as well as the outlying areas of Dyea also known to locals as Liarsville.

This latter portion of the territory has involved a considerable amout of hiking up a few miles on what is called the AB mountain and walking some additional 3 to 4 miles along a road with very long and steep rocky driveways into dense forrest. This usually adds up to upwards of about 5 or 6 miles on a daily basis. (Probably more lol) Needless to say, health along with a considerable amount of stamina coupled with good nutrition and proper rest are key to this assignment.

We will soon be preparing another report for the Branch office to read regarding the progress of the assignment here. At this point, it appears that November will be in the final month of the assignment here in Skagway. What I anticipate in the next few weeks is an update as to how the Branch would like us to proceed with the report we will write. Then what will likely come is a new assignment to another remote location here in Alaska.

Where could it possibly be? I am not too sure. There are many possibilities in this remote and vast land. There are other brothers stationed in the state and all of our locations and circumstances range in nature. So there is no telling what our next assignment could look like honestly. (Lol) I am prepared (I think) for whatever may come. I have been making this all a matter of prayer before Jehovah because only in His Strength can this work be accomplished. Will be sure to keep you updated as to what comes of that development.

We are continuing to have relative success in the ministry here. Reactions of people here range from Kind to Friendly to Dismissive to Tolerant. Have also had quite a few abrupt individuals as is to be expected in any territory. We are still looking for the people that are searching for answers and have open and earnest hearts. I like to say we are looking for the reaction of "Hungry" in this territory. It remains to be seen by means of Holy Spirit whether this area is ripe "like a Peach" and ready to "fall into our hands". (to borrow the analogy made by Br Breaux in regards to our role in this assignment) However, regardless of the reaction of others in the territory, I myself am determined to maintain my Joy and Strength in the work of Jehovah.

Please know that I think of you all often and am grateful for your prayers, love and support. May Jehovah continue to be with each of us in these last days in which we live. His Kingdom now Rules!

Sending warm love,

M. J. Penfield

Alaska Fact of the Week: The name Alaska is derived from the Aleut word "Aleyska," meaning "Great Land."

Skagway - Week 6

Hello,

How are you all? Sending you love and greetings from the great wilderness here.

This is being written today from Whitehorse, YT (Yukon Territory of Canada) I am here this weekend on a Speaking Assignment with the small but very zealous and warm congregation of about 65 Publishers. I must say it was a bit of a different experience being with a congregation since we have been isolated for the past month and a half here. Nonetheless, they welcomed us with open arms and treated us like we were a part of their family. Was very strengthening to see the Global Christian brotherhood in action to a further degree. They send their love and greetings to each and every one of you.

The last week was a rather normal one for us. After the news coming to us here in the assignment of the wonderful and noteworthy Annual Meeting. I had an opportunity to enjoy the new program of JW Broadcasting and some of its new and exciting features. One highlight for me was the entire Gilead Graduation program. It proved to be a true strength and encouragement for this necessary tasks that arise in this assignment. All in all it was a very productive week.

Having reached the exact halfway point of the assignment at 6 weeks, I am glad to report to you that we have completed the entire town of Skagway as far as the territory is concerned for at least the 1st time. This essentially means that we have attempted and made an initial effort to reach each household and or door, once with the Kingdom Message. This has led to many Return Visits and initial interest from the residents. Of course as you can imagine alot of Not At Homes as well. If circumstances and timing of the next assignment allow, we will make another attempt at reaching those we were not able to reach prior. As of now, we will begin to concentrate on the outlying areas of Dyea tommorrow with some friends from the Whitehorse congregation who have cared for the town for quite a few years prior to our arrival. As you may remember from when I previously wrote, we walk quite a bit and we still have to as we have no vehicle, but that outlaying area is very far and it is becoming a bit too cold to walk to those rugged regions.

Also this week, we were again put on alert as a very large Male Grizzly Bear has decided to make the town a regular visiting spot. We are currently staying at 9th and Main street and it has begun to frequent the area 2 blocks away on 7th and Main. We have been thankful to Jehovah that we haven't run into him in the course of our preaching in town. We really feel that he has protected us from any real danger from the wildlife that frequent the area. We are of course prepared should the need arise that we encounter the Bears or any other animals that could pose a threat.

Sometimes I have to remind myself that we are indeed here in the Alaskan Wilderness and the need to remain alert and cautious at all time while in the ministry or any other activity outdoors. The Bears serve as a kindly reminder in that regard (Lol)

After the meeting today we hiked to an elevation of about 5,000 feet and then into a River Canyon past a dam here in Whitehorse. I have attached some pictures for you to see.

Looking forward to speaking with you soon.

Sending you all love and greetings here in the Denali.

M. J. Penfield 

Alaska Fact of The Day: Alaska has 6,640 miles of coastline and, including islands, has 33,904 miles of shoreline.

Skagway - Week 5

How are each of you? I hope this reaches you all doing well and busy in the work of the minstry. What an exciting day for the organization and all of us yesterday! It's truly a privilege to serve Jehovah in these last days. 100 Years of Kingdom Rule and counting...

Well, we have entered into a new month here in Alaska, which as you can imagine brings us that much closer to the famous "Alaskan Winter". I was talking to one woman in the minstry and she made a rather interesting comment that there really isn't an Autumn here, just.....Winter. (Lol) Those words are proving to be truer each day that passes. The winds have really picked up and intensified quite a bit. Each morning I awake to the glacial mountains that surround the town dusted in snow and a very dense fog. It's a real sight to behold. Interestingly, I have been using that as a taking point in the minstry with the residents here. It seems to be having relative success with them, most of them see the need to get to know the Creator of the world around them.

The ministry proves to be an experience. We are still meeting people and placing literature with them. There appears to be some potential within the local territory. One thing that I am learning here is that people are religiously inclined and are willing to talk about their love of God. We do come across a good number of those who are Atheists, some who are very opposed and others who are at least willing to speak with us in regards to what we are preaching here in the community. I have mentioned before that because of the small size of the town we have to be very careful not to irritate individuals here. Some have mentioned to us, that we are becoming very well known here in town...as we all know, news travels fast. Whether they think of it as good news or bad news we are still waiting to see. We expect opposition, even persecution to come as a result of this assignment and not having any local association with any other friends.

On another note, as you may be aware, last week there was a 6.2 Earthquake that hit the state in Anchorage, Alaska. We didn't feel it here in the "panhandle" of the state as we are quite a distance away from Anchorage. I am happy to tell you that the friends there are doing well and send their love and greetings to all.

Your love, thoughts and prayers mean so much and are in my daily prayers to Jehovah. May he continue to bless each of you in your respective locations and various assignments.

After 100 years of ruling, we pray that His Kingdom come soon. It is going to change this world and this universe. In the meantime, we will wait patiently and we are determined to serve Him in any capacity He allows us to. Please keep running our race with endurance. I can't wait to see each of you at the finish line.

I send my warm love and greetings to each of you,

M. J. Penfield

Alaska Fact of the Week: Earthquakes - On March 27, 1964, North America’s strongest recorded earthquake, with a moment magnitude of 9.2, rocked central Alaska. Each year Alaska has approximately 5,000 earthquakes, including 1,000 that measure above 3.5 on the Richter scale. Of the ten strongest earthquakes ever recorded in the world, three have occurred in Alaska. (Matt 24:7)