I flew out of Unalakleet for Junior High and High School Youth Rallies in late March.  The church put on these events, I was there to support the work they were doing and to speak.  I preached from Romans 8:8-15 at Unalakleet Covenant Church on a Sunday morning and continued to get to know the students there.  Numerous leaders shared testimonies and stories about some of the lowest points of their lives and how God was present with them in those times.

Where is it safe to reveal the parts of ourselves we want to hide?  Where we are dearly loved and unconditionally accepted.  Our doubt and fears, deep seated insecurities and weaknesses, force us to deny our inner-most parts and the shame of our past.  Churches full of broken people are sometimes places where people conceal their struggles, part or identities.  However, I have seen the poverty of judgmentalism and insecurity crushed by the presence of the Holy Spirit calling for honest with ourselves, one another and with Christ.

As leaders shared their trials and failures in life, their honesty was striking.  Boldness was hidden in meek humility. Stories were shared of wholeness emerging from brokenness.  It was not easy for them to open up about these painful times of life; it was because we are fully known and still loved and accepted by God it is possible to acknowledge foibles and weaknesses with honesty and peace.

When members of the body of Christ share their weaknesses and hardships and the enduring grace of God, it includes introspection.  Testimonies prompt us to see ourselves as we are, opening room for hope that we needn’t hide the parts we would like to remain in dark corners any longer.  Heavy suspicions that God judges our sin with vindictive wrath fly off.  (It is hard to believe that God forgives so freely when it is so hard for us.)  When a strong sense of God’s love for us abides, we over flow with love for our neighbor.  When we taste the abundance of God’s grace, we can forgive with ease!  When we can forgive, healthy momentum is built that breaks down walls inside our churches and ourselves that keeps us from wholeness.

The best moments of my life have been defined by catching a glimpse of God: present, powerful and mighty to save.  So I treasure these times when people share – providing another way of remembering that Christ IS RISEN, we are God’s people – the tomb is empty!  Let us be free!  Praises be to the Lord for helping us see things as they are!  “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” – Psalm 133:1

Last week, nine students from Job Corps cam over for halibut, salmon and cous cous (for the first time) after church.  We gather on Monday nights for Bible study, and since we began meeting on campus in January, without fail, we have had a new person come each week – the group has grown.  One student asked me to bring in $200 cash for a tithe for him after our second Bible study.  Now he brings it himself.  We are in dialogue with some folks who are interested in doing young adult ministry in Anchorage long term, so the dream of a CYAK House there may be realized sooner than we hoped.  Please pray for them!  I moved in with a friend, Brad Webster, in February.  I house sat in January and ate Wheaties cereal that I later found out was a collectors’ item from the last time the Packers won the Super Bowl (’97).  I ate 4 bowls (it was kept in the kitchen cabinet).  I always thought Wheaties tasted stale.  I preached at Mat-Su Covenant in January on Colossians 3:1-15.

I have decided to continue in ministry here in Alaska for another year.  I am in the process of prayerfully discerning a call to long-term ministry.  It remains to be seen whether I will be in a village in Western Alaska for the next year or remain in Palmer continuing on with Job Corps ministry.  I am tentatively planning on attending seminary in the fall of 2009.  A host of circumstances yet unconfirmed will inform these decisions.  So, I hold these plans lightly, remembering James 4:13-15, and I’ll say “If the Lord wills it, we will live and do this or that.”

Let me know if you would like to receive more regular updates via email.  Also, I will continue to need support in prayer, encouragement and financial support to make my work here possible.  There have been ups and downs this year, and your support and staying connected has a big impact on how effective I can be here.  I have been blessed in serving and am eager for another year.

Ministry needs and how you can get involved:
Pray :
• or guidance in our ministry
• for the development of indigenous leaders
• for God to call people to serve here.  The workers are few and the needs are many!
• That Christ would use us to do His work in students at Arigaa and Job Corps

Give:
I need to raise $12,000 in support the coming year of life and ministry.  If you would like to partner with me in this, checks are payable to Covenant Youth of Alaska and are tax deductible.  Monthly or one-time gifts are welcome.  Online giving was not set up properly until March, but now it is easy with a credit card or Paypal at www.cyak.org

Serve:
Village churches badly need youth workers.  We could also use people on the road system.  Do you know anyone who might be interested?

May His grace and peace fill you today,
Nick Bruckner