Alaska or Bust
Fran Hallgren and 7 others from Alaska, Ohio, Florida, California, and Hawaii joined together to reach into the harvest in Point Hope, Alaska, with outreach events to reach each age group.
The team planned a special Vacation Bible School and while their expectations seemed to fall short, all agreed that it was time well spent with each child who came from teaching them how to eat a banana to the beautiful handmade card of thanks from the kids. One of the team members said, “Thank you for the opportunity and privilege of experiencing my first missionary trip. Whenever I think of this trip, I will remember the unity of focus the most. Eight women from eight different backgrounds came together to make Christ known. My first step of growth was applying for this team – something I had never done before. And doing VBS with the younger kids was a growth experience for me.
I left knowing that I can be a blessing to younger children; I only needed to make the first step. United in Spirit, One Mission.” Another said, “My first mission trip. So much joy, hope, and love. I loved the camaraderie with all of us living in one room, with one bathroom! And how everyone flowed with grace at all times. Of course, ministering to the children and bringing fresh fruit for them was special. We had to teach some little ones how to peel a banana before biting into it. I loved going out to talk to the locals in the really cold Alaska air. I tried new things as I was asked to do the puppets or share my testimony. I learned so much from the others on the team, especially the leaders who encouraged and coached us.”
Saturday night turned out to be an extra special evening. We had a Teen Time on Tuesday, but only one 14-yr old boy came. It was okay because he needed some special ministry, and his mom had some ministry and deliverance in the kitchen at the same time! Anyway, he was close, but did not receive Jesus on Tuesday evening. We thought maybe we could schedule it to do it again, but our schedule (already advertised) was full.
But the only thing on Saturday night was another speaker, who gladly gave up her spot to Teen Time. This time, the boy brought his cousin, too. Two other boys were going down the street and saw them come in…and decided to poke their heads in to see what was going on…and joined the activities that were planned. By the end of the evening, all four of them asked Jesus to come into their hearts and lives!! This is what we live for!
Women’s Night with the King was the most outstanding event. Several team members would go walking to the village store each day, praying and chatting with people…in particular a couple of gals in their 30’s…who were estranged from the church because of offense. The team convinced them to come to women’s night and be treated anyway. We had prophetic hand massage, a Graham soaking time with essential oils applied, and a delightful table full of treats. But what came forth was even more beautiful…a demonstration of love from Aana, the Pastor’s wife, to these gals, which started to break down barriers.
The next day, we held the mini-conference; the first two workshops were on Unforgiveness and Forgiveness! Followed by Talents Shared/Talents Earned. Aana brought an amazing Native dinner of various whale and seal dishes, trout salad, and real Eskimo ice cream (caribou fat with berries and shredded whitefish). As we had fellowship around this food, love came forth. We saw forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration of hearts and relationships. We left Sunday morning, and later, one of the gals sent us a picture and said that because we had come, taught, and encouraged, they decided to go back to church. And this is why we go.
One of the team members commented, “Being part of this team stretched me in ways I never expected. God gave me the boldness to step outside my comfort zone, including sharing my testimony publicly for the first time and praying with complete strangers. I return home believing I can do more for God’s Kingdom. And I was also inspired by Fran to create an additional income stream that can help support future mission trips and allow me to say “yes” whenever God calls.”
Another had this to say, “Loving on Alaska’s First Nations people. Providing places and opportunities for healing of hearts. This was a great team. And I always learn from Fran as she leads with grace, humility, strength, and energy, and creates an atmosphere where everyone feels valued and empowered, earning everyone’s trust and making room for their giftings.”
Whether you are comfortable going on mission trips or going for the first time, you will find that once you take the first step to sign up, God will meet you and begin to open up the way for you to go down to the last dollar needed. And even if you have never spoken in front of a group before, you will find that Holy Spirit makes it easy for you as He fills you with strength, courage, and boldness that you never knew you had. From praying for those who come to speaking out a perfect message as God leads you, you will find this kind of giving of yourself to others is one of the most fulfilling types of giving there is.
Check back on the Aglow website to find out about upcoming Transformation Trip opportunities. Upcoming Trips & Training Opportunities – Aglow International
Aglow has gone to the Philippines, Uganda, Alaska, the Rose Bowl, and many other places. Watch this video from Fran to be inspired to take that first step to sign up for an Aglow Transformation Trip. There is nothing better than seeing a multitude come to Christ. Transformation invitation – YouTube