An Adventure in Alaska

What a summer this has been. We started out with a quick trip to Canada, turned around and headed to California with stops in Albuquerque, NM and Prescott, AZ. After a 10-day visit to southern California we were back in Albuquerque with family before heading out to Alaska. Our time in Alaska has been filled with unexpected blessings, unforeseen challenges, and an incredible opportunity to connect with God.

Originally Cirena and I had thought we would be separated for two months while I fished in Alaska with she and Sheila staying with family in Albuquerque. As it turned out we were only separated for two weeks after finding it feasible for the two of them to join me in Alaska for the remainder of the fishing season. After a very difficult start to the fishing season, it was a great blessing to see them arrive.

I have to admit, commercial set-net fishing in Alaska is one of the toughest jobs I have ever undertaken. How I survived is by the grace of God only. After the first day of fishing my body was physically spent. My hands were swollen, my body was aching, and then on shore I still felt as though I was being tossed by the waves. Our opening day record catch of 10,880 lbs of salmon was answered prayer but it also took everything we had to bring that much fish in.

Not only was this job physically exhausting, it was also mentally draining. Accepting a position as skiff captain meant a higher pay percentage but it also meant a higher learning curve and added responsibilities that quite frankly stressed me out. Thinking about everything I needed to do right on the water to ensure my safety and the safety of those working with me kept me awake many nights during those first few weeks.

Through all of this though I was forced to find a greater dependence upon God. As I began to pray and pray with my crew out on the water we began to find contentment even in difficult circumstances. Time and time again we saw answers to prayer, not just for the abundance of fish that He brought our way but also for safety, for the ability to set our nets even in rushing tides and rough waters and for an overall good attitude (though we sometimes struggled in this area more than any other) despite the situation we sometimes found ourselves in.

The truth is that on more than one occasion I thought seriously about throwing in the towel. But by the grace of God we have stuck it out and reaped the benefits thereof. Quite frankly, after expenses we merely doubled what we put into it but more than money we found a faithful God who again showed Himself worthy of worship. Is it any wonder that one third of Christ’s disciples were fishermen? They had an innate understanding of what it means to be dependent upon God for all things. How much more should we have that same dependence as fishers of men?

Thank-you Lord for the blessings, for the challenges and for the overall adventure in Alaska that allowed us to connect with You!