This week we get to hear from ABM staff missionary Rose Mowery as she shares about summer in Alaska, ministry and seasons of transition. Enjoy!
“Summer is an exciting time for ministry in Alaska. During the long hours of daylight, most Alaskans try to fit in as much work as possible. This is true both of the bush missionary and of the team at ABM. Summers are busy with construction teams, subsistence fishing, summer camps and many other activities—in addition to normal ministry. The longer daylight and warmer temperatures provide the opportunity for ABM staff to be out in more villages more often as well.
Summer is also a time of transition for many missionaries, whether moving into a village, transitioning out of village ministry or shifting into a busy summer camp program. With all of that comes plenty of cleaning! One ABM family has found the very practical task of cleaning a great way to encourage village missionaries through summer’s changes.
Cleaning seven freezers and a commercial kitchen before a busy camp season; cleaning a missionary family’s house before a move; helping another missionary family pack and clean during a move from one village to another; assisting a pregnant missionary wife pack her house, entertain her children, and clean after a move—there have been many opportunities to lend hands-on assistance!
ABM staff find joy in serving missionaries practically, especially as great opportunities for conversation unfold. Working side by side, some share fears of what transition might look like for their family. The “ABMers” are able to listen and point folks to Christ—the secure, unchanging Rock—so that they might be excited to see what God is doing in and through them as a result of the transition.
Although cleaning may seem insignificant in the big picture of spreading God’s love throughout Alaska, encouraging missionaries through service and pointing them to Christ is where true joy is found!” -Rose Mowery, ABM Staff Missionary
Praise the LORD! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!