It didn't take long for us to feel at home in Murfreesboro - after all we have learned that anywhere the presence of God is welcome we can call home! When we arrived at Global Fire Ministries we could hear the music from the outside and the presence of God was so strong upon approaching the building. We spent a good 10 days witnessing the miraculous works God was doing in that place and fellowshipping with many amazing brothers and sisters.
As far as provision, it always came! We headed to Tennessee with just enough money for gas, and before we knew it God had provided a week in an extended stay hotel and food money for the week! As the next weekend approached, someone again approached us and told us that the Lord told them to bless us with another hotel stay for as long as we needed once the week in our extended stay hotel came to a close. This was amazing to us because we had not another penny to pay for a temporary place to stay after the week was over! We had 2 days left until our week in the hotel was over and we were surprised that God would speak to him so early, but were very thankful that He did!
I laid down for the night, exhausted as I was and just a couple hours later Rob nudges me to wake up. He whispers, “Hunny! I got the days mixed up and it turns out that checkout is in just a few hours!” And so it was that God knew when our checkout was before we even did! Like in Matthew 14 and 15 Jesus not only fed the crowd following Him and His disciples, but he knew that it was getting late for the crowd to go into town and gather food for their families and He knew that the disciples hadn't eaten for three days! He spoke to me so clearly that He not only hears our prayers and knows our need but He knows how long we've needed it for and just the perfect time for provision!
We enjoyed the last few days spent with our friends from Murfreesboro, Tennessee and we headed back to Fort Mill, South Carolina just after to prepare to fly to Alaska! We were so excited about Alaska as God had been speaking to us for years about this state! With just a couple days to get everything settled, it was no surprise that we got hardly any sleep the night before our plane left - yet we were determined that nothing would get in our way of boarding that flight!
We hurried to the airport first thing in the morning only to be held up because our luggage exceeded the weight requirements! We quickly sifted through our bags and pulled out things that we could afford to leave behind. Next was the hectic security check points which caused another delay while scouring our baby bag for threats. After those fiascos, we finally headed toward our gate and boarded the small plane. The flight was about three and a half hours to Houston, Texas to catch our connecting flight to Anchorage, Alaska. As we arrived to our dismay we learned that our plane was late and our connecting flight had already been boarded! As soon as we were released from the plane we grabbed our carry on items and ran through the enormous airport as fast as we could with a baby and our things. We must have looked ridiculous but it was a good choice because when we arrived, we were the last ones and the pilot was waiting for us!
We talked to many of the passengers en route to Alaska as many were from there. The most famous phrase we heard on that plane ride was “another drink please” and “another please”... As the 8 hour flight soared through the sky, the people seemed to get more and more tipsy until some were flat out drunk. Though very friendly we learned quickly that alcoholism is very rampant among Alaskans. It was a very difficult flight for baby Titus as there was not much to look at or do for him in such a small space so we made due with walking up and down the isles when we could and squeezing around the others passing by. It was a very trying and exhausting flight for us.
All of the frustrations were quickly forgotten as we touched down to some of the most beautiful scenery one could imagine. Snow capped mountains and 60 degree weather, not to mention the sun being out at around nine o'clock at night giving the appearance of a weekend afternoon! We were greeted at Anchorage airport by Pastor Ed Kalnins and his wife Robin. They helped us gather our things and we packed into the van headed for Wasilla. We connected instantly with them in like-mindedness and passion for the Glory of God and souls! As people from Wasilla Assembly of God joined us, we were blessed by the immense culture of hospitality that rests among this family of God! We immediately felt right at home as they led us to our quarters for the next 5 days. It was approaching 11:30 PM and the sun was just starting to set. We arrived at a beautiful cabin set on a lake surrounded my mountains. No words could describe the beauty or come close to giving it the justice it deserves!
The next day we were already preparing to minister that night at Wasilla Assembly of God! We could not allow the time zone change or jetlag to get to us. We needed to really depend on the ever faithful supernatural rest of the Lord that strengthens just in the time of need! We saw God do many amazing things over the three day conference called “Glory Revolution Alaska” from accurate words of knowledge and freedom from alcoholism and pornography to physical healings and dental miracles! God was on the move and our heart grew so fond of the people and the land in Wasilla!
As our time was coming to a close and the flight back to the Carolinas approached, we felt such a stirring that our work here in Alaska was not done! Doors began to open and favor was abundant! The only thing standing in our way was time. We felt a stirring in our hearts that there was yet much to be done in Alaska. “God send us confirmation!” This was our prayer.
The time came when we had to make a decision. The plane was going to leave – would it leave with us or without us? Again we felt the Lord speak to us about Alaska. As we honored the urging of the Holy Spirit we prayed and had a meeting with the leadership of Wasilla Assembly of God. They were very supportive either way we chose, yet we could not shake the urging to stay and build and grow in Alaska. Later that night Rob was awakened just before 3 AM with an Angelic visitation further confirming and giving us a message about our commissioning in Alaska.
The next day when speaking with Pastor Ed, we came to find that He also had an Angelic encounter just after 3 AM! This was such a confirmation to all of us and we rejoiced together! So we felt to dedicate this time to this region under the cover of and in cooperation with Wasilla Assembly of God. God is doing great things here in Alaska and we are so honored that He would entrust us to be part of His work here in this region. We are excited as we are reaching out to the community here and making strong connections with the body of Christ here in Wasilla. The need is great as we are still seeking His will for us as far as provision for a home and a dependable vehicle. We appreciate so much the seeds people have sown such as a car seat for Titus! If you are interested to hear more about what God is doing here or how you can help, here is our official update of the transition: Click here!
As Pastor Ed preached this last Wednesday night “God is after people who have a 'yes' in their heart before the assignment”! So we feel that whatever God has for us here in Alaska is already a yes and amen for us! We are thrilled to continue in what the Lord has already commissioned us to do - thank you for sharing this mission with us!
-Millie
