Gordon Arctic Mercy DTS Update
Greetings from Homer Alaska!
Sorry that it has taken us so long to get an update to everyone that has supported us. We haven't been able to find any time since leaving Ohio. Our drive across the U.S. went quickly and the 4000 mile trip was fun for us as a family. The ferry ride on the Alaskan Marine Highway was beautiful way to travel. The kids really like being able to hang out as a family. We passed the time playing games, running outside on the top deck, and watching Duck Dynasty.
The day we arrived in Homer we found out that they were still laying down carpeting in our apartment! We did get everything done by the end of the day and were able to start moving in. It took a few days to unpack, get settled, and start to relax in our new home. Then we all ended up sick at some point in time within our first 3 weeks of classes. Nothing like a spiritual attack right off the bat!! Our team was there to pray for us and help us with our physical needs.
Our DTS training is an intense 12 week phase that consists of worship, intercession, lectures, devotionals, Christian literature, small groups, work duties, and community outreach. This keeps us pretty busy on top of having four children that also need meals, home schooling, and their laundry done. In all of this the Lord has been working in both Megan and I. We have grown so much in our walk with the Lord. I wish we had time to explain everything that has been happening, but I'm pretty sure you don't want to read a 20 page newsletter!!!
Our outreach time is fast approaching..we leave in three weeks! We will be going to the village of Savoonga on Saint Lawrence Island instead of the village of Gamble. We will be there for five weeks and be working with the Yupik natives. Some of the issues we will be facing are Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, the breakdown of the family unit, and various forms of physical and mental abuse. Please pray for us as a team and the spiritual battles that we will face.
We love and miss you all!!!!
Blessings,
Mark, Megan, Ethan, Elijah, Josiah, and Charity
Please pray for Ethan this week. He is in Ouzinki on a youth outreach trip with a local church.
Praying for all ... With love ..
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