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Kerri Howell - Missionary to Alaska
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2017 Looks Great So Far!

Friends, I can't begin to tell you how excited I am that 2017 is here! It has been a busy year already, but God is doing great things in my life and ministry in Alaska. Due to a busy past few months, this update will be a little long, so I apologize in advance. Be sure to read to the end for some exciting news!

JANUARY

I got to leave Alaska for the first time in eight months to visit Texas in January. It was a fast and tiring two-week trip, but it was also a refreshing time spent with family, friends, and supporting churches. 

While I made a point to eat as much Mexican food, Whataburger, Sonic, Taco Villa, and Chick-fil-A as possible, I also focused on meeting with as many donors, churches, and other supporters. The food was satisfying but the fellowship was REFRESHING!! Thank you to every home that hosted me, churches and schools that let me speak, and all of you who made time to see me while I was in your area. Though I couldn't touch base with everyone, I definitely kept a full schedule and was so blessed to see so many loving faces!

Unfortunately, my grandfather passed away while I was in Texas. However, the timing was a blessing in disguise as I was able to be there with extended family whom I wouldn't have seen otherwise and celebrate his legacy of faith. And what a celebration it is to know that Granddad is with Jesus, and we will see Him again one day!

While in Texas, I told my story and the story of what God is doing in Alaska through many different conversations. God used that time and every conversation to remind me just how dependent upon Him I am. He has been so faithful! In addition, I had time to meet with several of my closest prayer partners to share deep struggles, hear godly wisdom, and be encouraged through hugs and prayers prayed over me. God truly blessed my heart through brothers and sisters in Christ!
FEBRUARY

I made it back to Alaska the second week of February and managed to bring a flu virus home with me. I was thankful to be home in my own bed to recuperate! My spirit came back refreshed and ready to minister, so I'm thankful my downtown with illness was pretty minimal.

This month was Iron Dog, the longest, toughest snow machine race in the world! The Anchorage staff of Alaska Missions got to serve behind the scenes at this event, and it was fun to be a part of a winter sporting event in my state. My roommate Sarah happens to be on staff with Iron Dog, and it was a blessing to see her in her element and help her organization put on a successful race. We held the ceremonial start in downtown Anchorage and the official restart on Big Lake. I spent the day on a frozen lake helping racer families prepare to wave the green flag at the starting line! How cool is that?! There are several Christian ministries who volunteer at this secular event each year, and it is a blessing to see and be a part of the Body of Christ loving on the staff, racers, race families, and the snow machining community at Iron Dog.
Looking Forward

I have some exciting news! I know you have been praying with me for personal ministry opportunities and relationship building. Well, God has certainly answered our prayers! I received approval through my local church in Anchorage to start a young adult ministry for 18-30 year olds. We are calling it Lighthouse, and I believe God will raise up some amazing young adults to be beacons of light in Alaska! God put this generation of Alaskans and their need for discipleship on my heart several months ago. Since then, He has given a clear vision of how to start this effort through my church. What a blessing to not only have personal ministry here in Anchorage but also to actively serve in my local church body!

We will meet on Saturday nights in my home and are launching on March 11. I am still in need of volunteers in my church to join me in serving this ministry, so please pray for people to come forth and serve. Pray for young adults to come and build community together! Pray for me as I will be teaching from the Word and opening my home in ministry. I AM SO EXCITED TO SEE WHAT GOD DOES!!!
Sonic
I soaked up the sunshine and plenty of Sonic drinks while in Texas!
I got to share about Alaska in two school assembly presentations at Community Christian School in Pampa, TX.
Twinning with Macie girl! What a blessing to celebrate my granddad's legacy of faith and family while in Texas. My little cousin is one Jesus-loving girl and definitely makes me proud! Love that I got to see her and other family during my trip!
My coworker Linzay and I met Sarah Palin during the downtown Anchorage race start! Sarah's husband Todd is an Iron Dog racer.
Big Lake
Anchorage-based Alaska Missions staff served at Iron Dog in February. We are standing on Big Lake!
Visit my church's website to learn more about Lighthouse and our vision for this young adult ministry!
http://www.akcornerstone.org/ministries/lighthouse-young-adults/
PRAYER NEEDS
  • Praise: God is opening doors of personal ministry through Lighthouse!
  • Praise: I had a safe and refreshing trip to Texas!
  • Pray: For volunteer help in my church to minister with Lighthouse.
  • Pray: For for young adults to visit Lighthouse, build a community of disciples, and be the Light in the darkness!
Copyright © 2017 Kerri Howell, All rights reserved.


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