January of the new year dawned with an unusual amount of snow—as much as 40”—an unusual volume of snow for this locale. From Facebook posts we see friends in other locations experiencing similar weather bursts. As expected here, a rain shortfall then effected pipes and tanks and pumps. Low water volume, and low weather temps brought pipe thawing and bucket flushing to the forefront. Day after day brought challenges of keeping Eagles Wings residences and the homes of friends and neighbors operating. Icy roads prevented driving to Craig for mail and supplies. Friends, I know some of you experienced the same winter weather challenges. Unplowed roads covered in ice and washed with rain prevented even church attendance! Praise God for providing safety and help from brothers and sisters as we worked together through it all.
And then, covid 19 hit. In my case, days fogged into weeks…it was brutal. Finally, medicine lifted us out of the pit. I confess misplaced pride in my general good health and self reliance on natural medicine. Doesn’t matter how much you know when your cognitive functions screech to a halt and that’s what happened to me. Thankfully, Ernie was strong enough to care for me. And the children didn’t get sick, but staying home in quarantine from school is no picnic! We’d been working on moving into Eagles Nest before the virus and the family continued to work while I slumped in a lump for hours on end until my strength and cognitive ability were restored. Praise God! But there are still other cases in the camp. We don’t know how many, Public Health no longer collect or report the statistics. We do know that people at the church were exposed this last week and were notified and advised to seek treatment for symptoms quickly. Naukati School closed Wednesday and may not open until next week. Some other island schools and businesses have had to close due to lack of staff. These may echo events in your locations as well.
Covid has changed life as we know it. But our God never changes. And he is in control, transforming lives by the power of the Holy Spirit and the Bible. The vision for this ministry becomes more focused as tasks are completed. Myrn’s house has been worked on all winter in projects and places. Sheetrock texturing and interior painting will pretty much wrap it up. Pat’s place has foundation pilings installed. Hopefully local lumber will be available for milling this spring to frame in this house. Eagles Nest, for the kids of women enrolled, is being moved into a little bit daily. But the final big project awaits spring weather to dry the leach field for the septic system.
Another adjustment Covid has helped unfold for us is the use of virtual and online services. Truly Yours counseling is a wonderful online resource, helping to train Eagle Wings volunteers in addiction and recovery. Local volunteers serve as Life Skills coaches with the gaps filled in by online Christian coaches. Meanwhile, God is strengthening the local body through circumstances that foster spiritual growth.
“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. “(Romans 5:3-5) This message is crucial to convey to those seeking freedom—so God is helping us internalize his Word here.
We are waiting expectantly for others to join us in what God is doing in Naukati. How we pray for laborers! One Barnabas couple has been immersed in the ministry for a year. Their work hasn’t unfolded the way they or we expected, but they have served and ministered in many ways. As Myrn’s house is completed another Barnabas couple will be needed for the other residence.
One of the amazing things about the development of Eagles Wings has been the outpouring of love by teams and individuals who have given time, energy, prayer, gifts and skills to this ministry. Words can’t express our appreciation for each person. Lasting—everlasting! Friendships have been formed as we all draw closer to God and to the family of God. Some of the team members have spent years in service to the Kingdom and its just inspiring to spend time with them! But the truth is, some will be aging out of this service, and their replacements are part of the laborers needed for this project. We’re joyfully anticipating the teams-both returning and new—scheduled for season 2022.
Replacements are needed here in Naukati to keep God’s work moving. I have been serving as the executive director since the inception of the ministry, a position now shared with Chuck Fehr. Even before our doors open, building a non-profit ministry from the ground up is complex, time consuming and prayerful work. I’ve submitted my resignation to the board to in recognition that I’m not able to fulfill the duties of the job description. I will continue to serve on the board of directors, but best practices are that the two roles should not be filled by the same person. So this is an official job opening and recruitment notice for an Executive Director for Eagles Wings Ministries. Please contact us at this email or (907) 629-4200 or (907) 629-4246 for more information.
For the Kingdom!
Cari
