Kotzebue - Week 7 (21)

I trust that this reaches you all doing well and busy in the ministry. This past week was a very very frigid one here in the territory. Temperatures ranged from the "warmest" being -17°F all the way to -38°F.

As you can imagine it takes a good amount of time for one to acclimate to such extremes in temperature. As you may be aware,  the wind plays a very significant factor in how cold the temperature will range. Also at those same times for health reasons, it is advisable from the Locals and official reports not to be exposed to that extreme of cold for a prolonged time. Things such as severe windburn & frostbite become more likely to occur.

On the topic of Cold and the elements, notice what the book of Job chapter 37 helps us to appreciate. There we're told to do something starting in verse number 2.

There it says: "Listen carefully to the rumbling of his voice. And the thunder that comes from his mouth."

We are told to "listen carefully" to "his voice". That being our God, Jehovah. And we know that by examining the context of the subsequent verses.

Verse 3: "He unleashes it under the entire heavens and sends his lightning to the ends of the earth."

Verse 4: "After that is a roaring sound; He thunders with a majestic voice, and he does not hold it back when his voice is heard."

Verse 5: "God thunders with his voice in a wonderful way"

There we are helped to appreciate the powerful facets of creation coming from the "majestic voice" of Jehovah. Lightning, Thunder etc. Knowing the source of these wonderful elements draws us closer to Him does it not?

Notice what we are further told continuing on in that verse: "He does great things that are beyond our understanding."

Yes, we as imperfect humans have such a limited scope of understanding things from from the standpoint of Jehovah. But yet he allows us to "see" limitedly by means of creation.

Notice what's next said.

Verse 6: "For he says to the snow, ‘Fall to the earth,’ and to the downpour of rain, ‘Pour down mightily.’"

This I thought was very fitting as most parts of the US are now getting some considerable snowfall. And then in verse 7 we read: "God puts a stop to all human activity so that every mortal man will know His work."

Have you ever seen when an entire town or area will shut down because of elements like snow, sleet or perhaps something else? Yes Jehovah "puts a stop to all human activity" at times. Gives us time to consider "His work" and draw closer to Him as the God we have the privilege of worshipping today.

Look further in verse 9: "The storm wind blows from its chamber, and the cold comes from the north winds."

In verse number 10 we read: "By the breath of God, the ice is produced,
And the broad waters are frozen solid.

I immediately thought of the Frozen Kotzebue Sound and Chukchi Sea. (See attached) All from the "breath of God".

Here's the point in verse 14: "Listen to this, Job; Stop and consider carefully the wonderful works of God."

Yes Job was told to consider there's that key word again, carefully "the wonderful works of God". To meditate on them. To really think of what they mean and how they apply directly to us in our daily lives.

We feel as verse 22 says: "God’s majesty is awe-inspiring."

Some have asked how one would dress for a day in view of the conditions we live and preach in. And how much land we cover in a day.

The answer to the 1st question can be summed up in one word: Layers.

To elaborate further, we have to dress in layers according to the weather. Of course the gear we dress in for the ministry and day to day activities aren't your typical Coat, boots, glove and hats. They are designed for this type of cold and Arctic living. I remember what one brother at the Branch office gave me as advice coming from South Florida to Alaska. He told me: "Don't waste time or money trying to find cold weather clothes in South Florida. You have to get Alaska gear in Alaska." Very very true.

Not having a vehicle in this territory and climate can be a challenge. Some teams utilize vehicles for their territory however, we usually walk anywhere from 3 to 5 miles a day in service. While difficult at times, it has proven to be more efficient in reaching people on foot in a compact village such as this.

What would be the 'job description' of an Isolated Special Pioneer?

There is a good definition found in the 2003 Yearbook regarding specifically Nicaragua. Here's what it had to say:

"Temporary special pioneers, drawn from the ranks of zealous regular pioneers, work remote towns and villages in the RAAN and the RAAS for four months during the dry season. These hardy pioneers contend with extreme heat, rugged terrain, snakes, wild animals, contaminated water, and the risk of contracting an infectious disease. Their goal is to give a thorough witness, conduct Bible studies with interested ones, and hold Christian meetings, including the Memorial. The results they obtain also help the branch office to determine where special pioneers should be assigned. Over the years, this program has led to the forming of congregations and groups in the towns of Waspam and San Carlos, along the Coco River in the far northeast."

With the exception of some of those specifics of Nicaragua and the "extreme heat" for us, that pretty much sums up well what the purpose of our assignment here in these remote areas is. We count it a true joy and honor to make such whole hearted sacrifices for the Kingdom Good News.

While you may not have to contend with such extreme or difficult circumstances in your ministry, perhaps something else of an extreme nature specific to you could be your trial. Be assured that Jehovah Cares for you. (1 Pet 5:7) Continue to trust in the Comfort He provides you. Rely solely on Him for Strength and Support.

My prayer is that Jehovah keep you and prove to be with you in the days ahead. Yes He will never leave you. He will never fail you. Truly, His "majesty is awe-inspiring".

Warm Love and Best Wishes,

M. J. Penfield

Alaska Fact of the Week: Alaska is the only state to have coastlines on three different seas: the Arctic Ocean, Pacific Ocean and the Bering Sea.

Kotzebue - Week 6 (20)

Something we all have access to, and live our lives every day by is Time.

What is your view of time? Does it echo the sentiments of Paul?

In the book of 1st Corinthians Chapter 7 and verse number 29 we read: "Moreover, this I say, brothers, the time left is reduced."

So next we may ask ourselves: "What time is it?"

Well, we notice there the expression "the time left." What is the significance of this being used?

Paul was there helping the congregation in Corinth to appreciate that there was indeed time that would be left before the conclusion of the system. But he used the adjective, "reduced" to emphasize the importance and criticality of the time itself that still existed.

When some thing is "reduced" what comes to mind? Perhaps we think of something that is lesser in nature. Maybe is the cost of an item or food. In any even it is quite less than that of what would be a "regular" type. So, if the time left is "reduced" then it is the same concept as mentioned above. When it comes to time, as it concerns the Wicked Days we live in,  it is significantly less than it was before. Day by Day, Week by Week, Month, Year and so forth.

Keeping that in mind as we go about our ministry and our daily lives in this system of things should do what for us?

Notice the words of Ephesians Chapter 5 and verse 15. It says: "So keep strict watch that how you walk is not as unwise but as wise persons."

Paul admonishes the congregation in Ephesus to keep "strict watch"...not just casually "looking" or glancing at time and events but with a sense of discipline and focus. "Strict watch." But now on who? Others? No, there it says "how you walk."

So in application, we don't look at others and what they do. We don't put our attention on comparisons of what someone else may be doing, rather we look at ourselves. 'What am I doing when it come to my view of time and effort in this system?'

Next we find the words of verse 16: "making the best use of your time, as because the days are wicked."

Again, your time. Not the other person. Not a comparison or competition. But on You. Why? Would we agree that the days we have left to live in this system would be accurately termed, wicked? Then be determined to make "the best use of your time."

Verse number 17 goes on to say: "On this account stop being unreasonable, but keep perceiving what the will of Jehovah is."

This idea of "perceiving what the will of Jehovah is" was particularly evident this week in the ministry and territory. We continue to find good progress and interest within the local community. We use many methods of preaching to reach individuals. This week we used telephone territory and that proved to be effective in reaching some. In addition to door to door, we also use informal methods as well. "Time" as we've mentioned, will continue to be useful in determining whether or not the truth will take root in the hearts of our neighbors here in this unique community. If it is the "will of Jehovah", His Word and Spirit will have a moving and profound effect on their lives. It's our individual responsibility each day to do our part to "perceive" it and act in harmony with the direction we receive.

May we do our utmost to "keep perceiving what the will of Jehovah is" on a daily basis in our individual assignments wherever that may be. Acting in accord with it, will bring us rich blessings not only now in the ministry but with eternity in view. My prayers and thoughts are with you as you continue on in the precious ministry that each of us has been assigned to.

With Love and Best Wishes,

M. J. Penfield

Alaska Fact of the Week: The city of Juneau has a city limit that is larger than the state of Delaware.

Kotzebue - Week 5 (19)

I hope this reaches you doing well in this winter over the past few days, weeks and months.

With some "warmer" temperatures (in a very relative sense, meaning anything with double digits lol) this week, the ministry proved to be enjoyable, as is always the case, but noticeably more comfortable then some of the past weeks. This may come from the fact that naturally over the course of time, I have become more accustomed to some of the rather routine and daily aspects of living that accompany an assignment in this part of the earth.

Also there is a slight notice in the length of the daylight that we are starting very slowly to get again. Upwards of about 8 mins a day. Very soon here in the month of May we will go to another complete extreme where the Sun will not set for the Summer. This is known as the "Land of the Midnight Sun."

The midnight sun is only found above the arctic circle, when the sun dips but never fully sets.

Alaska receives more sunlight in spring and summer than any other state and many other parts of the world. For example, in Barrow, the state’s and country's northernmost community, the sun does not set for more than two and a half months—from May 10 until August 2. (The contrast is from November 18 to January 24, when the sun never rises above the horizon.)

The real boundary of the midnight sun is the Arctic Circle, latitude 66 degrees, 33 minutes north and 44 seconds latitude. That imaginary line marks the lowest latitude at which the sun remains above the horizon for a full 24 hours during summer solstice (June 20 or 21) and below the horizon for a full 24 hours during winter solstice (December 21 or 22).

At the equator, the sun rises straight up from the horizon and sets straight down to it. In Alaska, the sun travels in a slanting 360 degree circle in the sky, so even if it's below the horizon, it's barely below it for a long period. This means that even though the sun isn't visible, we still receive very bright twilight that can last for hours or until the sun rises again.

For example, Fairbanks, which is below the Arctic Circle by almost 200 miles, still receives 24 hours of light for a long period in the summer. Conversely, in winter, the sun may only be above the horizon for a few hours, but there are many more hours of visible light due to the very low arc the sun travels across the horizon.

As you are no doubt aware and as I have previously mentioned, this is also the land of "Celestial Phenomena." (See Skagway - Week 11) Particularly more noticeable at this time of year and being this Far North.

When it's not cloudy, the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights are visible to the naked eye. I have attached a picture that a sister further south of us was able to capture this past week.

Parhelions, more commonly known as sun dogs or mock suns, appear as fuzzy rainbows or bright spots in the sky "dogging" the sun. You are most likely to see a sun dog in the morning or afternoon during the winter. Records of this phenomena date all the way back to the ancient Egyptians. Famous Ancient Greek philosophers even made mention of sun dogs.

Sun dogs are the result of ice crystal clouds called cirrostratus clouds refracting or reflecting light from the sun. The clouds form a halo around the sun that interacts with sunlight. If light refracts through it, the sun dog shows a spectrum of colors. Red is a main color because it is refracted less than other colors. White sun dogs are caused by reflecting light. Sun dogs mostly appear when the sun is "near" the earth, or below a 61 degree angle relative to the horizon. Therefore they can only be seen around sunrise or sunset, unless you are in Alaska during the winter where the sun is always low in the sky. I have also attached a diagram and picture of a Sun Dog so you know what I'm referring to.

That being said, this week in the ministry proved to be a very interesting and busy one. (See attached photos) Taking into consideration local factors, there are various ways that we approach the territory here. For example, as we are well aware, the door-to-door ministry is a tried and tested method that is a touchstone of our work as ministers in this time of the end.

In dealing with Inupiat locals in their native village, there are a few methods that work well. When working from door to door, it's not uncommon for them to invite you in to their homes right away. In some cases, they do this without even coming to open the door. They will let you know from inside the home and thru the door, without knowing who is there, to just "come in". You can imagine both my teammate and my suprise (coming from larger cities) when this occurs.

You can also imagine their surprise when they see us enter their home. They can clearly tell, that we aren't natives and this usually leads to a good intro as to why we are not only at their door but living among them in the village. Also the looks we get as we walk for miles in the rather frigid temperatures and snow allow for a good intro into our message. We are very careful to be respectful and considerate of their culture and customs when dealing with them. We are cognizant of the fact that it will take a good amount of time, effort and patience to share the Kingdom Message with the native people of this land.

The words of the Apostle Paul came to my mind this week. Found in the book of 1 Corinthians chapter 9 and verse 23 notice what's said. There we read: "But I do all things for the sake of the good news, in order to share it with others."

Observe the attitude of Paul. He had the desire to share the good news with as many as possible. And he was willing to do anything, really "All Things" to help others.

What can you and I gain from his good example? The lesson for each of us is: 'Am I willing to do all things for the sake of the good news'? 'Will I do anything to share the good news with others'? Ask yourself that question honestly and really examine your feelings on that matter. Now, this doesn't mean that we have to be in a distant or foreign assignment to answer that question accurately. It's even moreso in our local congregations and territories that this is answered. When we really think thoroughly and meditate deeply about People and their Lives, we start to get the foundation and the formulation of what the answer may be.

The real answer to that question comes from the deepest, inner feeling of ourselves and our Relationship with Jehovah. That is what will reveal what the true answer to that question is.

The good news is something that people in this world desperately need and have the unique opportunity to benefit from. And you and I have the assignment to carry this life saving message to others. We must put forth effort to examine ourselves regularly. May we consider it a joy and honor to share the positive and hopeful message with our neighbors. My heartfelt petition each day is that Jehovah along with His Spirit, permit me to "do all things" for the Iñupiat people and give them the opportunity to have "a future and a hope." (Jer 29:11)

Keeping you close in mind and in my prayers on a daily basis, I trust that Jehovah will continue blessing each of you in the days ahead.

Sending you the warmest of love and greetings,

M. J. Penfield

Alaska Fact of the Day: Nearly one-third of Alaska lies within the Arctic Circle where temperatures rarely go above 50 degrees during the year. It is common for temperatures to be 20 degrees below zero and lower during the winter. Winds ranging from 20 to 50 mph push the wind chill to 60 degrees below zero and lower.

Kotzebue - Week 4 (18)

What does it mean to be Thankful?

I had a few opportunities to do some reflecting this week on the yeartext for 2015: "Give thanks to Jehovah, for he is good." These words are taken from the 106th Psalm verse 1.

With the idea of being Thankful, lets go back 101 years to the year 1914 notice what the 2014 yearbook helped us appreciate regarding that time:

"By year’s end, the Messianic Kingdom had been firmly established in the heavens, and some Bible Students thought that their work was done. Little did they know that they were about to enter a period of testing and sifting. The yeartext for 1915 was “Are ye able to drink of My cup?” based on Matthew 20:22 in the King James Version. The “cup” Jesus was referring to included the trials that he would face up until his death. The Bible Students were about to face trials, both from within and from outside their ranks. Their response to those trials would prove their loyalty to Jehovah."

Very powerful and timely words I'm sure you would agree. Next, notice what's said further as found in our 2015 yearbook regarding that noteworthy year of 1915:

"Then, as now, it was important for Christians to remain focused on Kingdom interests. “We who are now awake should be very active and energetic in the service of God,” stated The Watch Tower of February 15, 1915. God’s servants needed to remain alert. The Watch Tower continued: “We are to watch. What should we watch? Preeminently we should watch ourselves, to keep ourselves from the snares of the present time.”"

If that was true some 100 years ago isn't all the more so applicable to the times in which we live now in the final part of these days?

To further add to this thought of Thankfulness if we look in the book of Deuteronomy 33rd chapter and verse number 25 we are told in the latter portion of that verse: "...And you will be secure all your days."

Now in context we see that in verse 1 Moses is speaking to the Nation of Israel for what will be the last time before he dies and they cross into the Promised Land without him. Notice in that verse he is called "the man of the true God".

He was building their faith and comfidence for the trials and tests that would lie ahead of them. They would be made to feel "secure" by the Strength of Jehovah. How do we know this?

In verse 27 we read: "God is a refuge from ancient times, His everlasting arms are beneath you. And he will drive away the enemy from before you, And he will say, ‘Annihilate them!’"

Imagine how comforting those words would be to the Israelites in the days of their Journey  We too can feel "secure" and put trust in our "refuge" even in the wicked days in which we live on our Journey to the New System of Things

Notice how this is even more surely and truly shown in verse 29. There we read: "Happy you are, O Israel! Who is there like you, A people enjoying salvation in Jehovah, Your protective shield And your majestic sword? Your enemies will cringe before you, And you will tread on their backs.”

Yes we are Happy. We are "a people enjoying salvation in Jehovah." Think about what that means for a moment. Our happiness doesn't come from this world or external forces. These things don't dictate our true Happiness. But, we could use the expression, it's an "inside job" for us. It's in Jehovah. What though of this expression, "protective shield"?

Imagine a Large Shield that has been carefully crafted and made for battle. Now take this sheild and let's imagine that the soldier it was given to perhaps used it for a table for his family to eat from. Would that shield be being used? The answer is Yes. It does serve a good purpose as a Table. You could use it for a table and it wouldn't be wrong in and of itself. But now, is that the proper use of the shield? There we can see the difference. A shield is only as good as it is used for its proper purpose. If you have a shield for a battle yet fail to put it to good use, then that shield has not been used for that which it was made originally.

The application for you and I is this: Jehovah's shield is for a protective purpose but if we fail to keep ourselves under it and avail ourselves of the proper use of it, then we have missed the point of His Protection. May that never be the case with each of us. What about this "majestic sword" He has? It's interesting that the expression "majestic" is used here. Previously in translation, the adjective used to describe this sword of Jehovah was "eminent" or prominent, distinguished, noteworthy, lofty. Now we see the word "majestic" is used. Meaning: of lofty dignity, stately, grand. Don't these descriptive words, help us to be drawn ever Thankfully closer to our Good God and Father Jehovah?

We can each agree that this beautiful and timely provision for us as "his people" is so very vital for our lives in these critical last days.

My prayer is that each one of us continue to find reasons every single day we live, breathe, move and exist not just this year but for all eternity, to be Happy to "Give thanks to Jehovah" our God, our Creator, our Father, our Friend. Reflecting on the beautiful protection we have as His People today and turning our sights to the Grand blessings you and I enjoy now and look forward to come in the near future, truly we have All the reason to Praise Him, "for he is good."

With Warm Love and Best Wishes,

M. J. Penfield

Alaska Fact of the Day: Alaska boasts the northernmost (Point Barrow), the easternmost (Pochnoi Point on Semisopochnoi Island in the Aleutians), and the westernmost (Amatignak Island in the Aleutians) points in the United States. (See attached)