PA to AK 2014 pt.2

Back in October I made a post sharing verses in Proverbs. The basic gist in those verses showed how we can make as many plans as we want, but ultimately God has the final say. It is up to us to obey when He does share plans.

There are so many plans that I had for the youth group, and so many hopes for continuing to serve at the coffee house. These Proverbs and other verses that God has laid upon my heart have shown that when He has plans laid out for us, we should go to them... even when it is hard.

In all honesty, I am very comfy at where I am at... in some ways. There are some things that I wish I could change. But for the most part, life is comfy. But sometimes God doesn't call us to be comfy. The disciples weren't called into a plush life of 9 to 5. Though Paul did do tent making for awhile. When we read through the New Testament, we see the disciples and the early church going through a gritty time of growing, learning, discovering and following. There were many good times and triumphs. But many a time we see Paul having to leave an area he wished to be at, in order to go where God was leading. Many have asked for me to stay and to continue the work that I am doing. They point out the work God is doing and saying "isn't this God's work, why leave?" Sometimes I wonder too. Then I look back at the calling God has given me.

Back in 2012, Nadine Gillespie shared Habakkuk 2:3 with me. She had been praying about just like I had about the timing on when God would have me back in Alaska. Just like Habakkuk had to wait, I did too. Now it is time to return.

There was a humbling moment during my time of prayer in which some elders in the church asked about how the teens in the youth group would handle the news of my leaving. It was a drive home from youth group that I asked one teen how they felt about my leaving. Early he let out a very sad "this sucks" after sharing the news over our weekly drum lessons. Now after a few hours in order to process his thoughts, I wanted to know what was going through his head. To paraphrase he said, "how can I be disappointed when you are following God's plan." Very mature words from a 16-year-old. But there is so much truth in his words.

There is doubt in my calling to Alaska because of what I see God doing here in Pennsylvania. The gaps that will be left when I leave might be a little hard to fill. But as God continues to lead, and as the teens and fellow believers encourage me in my calling, it makes this hard move so much easier. Continue to pray that doors be open and that people are receptive to the message presented. Pray that needs be met as the departure day come closer. Also pray for the ministry and the work ahead. Thank God for His works and what plans He has ahead. Thank Him for His leading.

Thank you for your continual prayers and support,
Grace & Peace,
Daryl J. Howard

PA to AK 2014

It’s crazy to think that December is here already. Sadly, Thanksgiving seemed almost non-existent with the amount of Christmas shopping advertising going on. It’s easy to overlook such a great time of the year. Almost all of us are given time off from work to be with family and to reflect on what we are thankful for during Thanksgiving. Then there is celebrating the birth of our Savior on Christmas Eve and Day. In Northeastern PA, we add another special day. DEER SEASON. A special time for youth and adults to venture out into God’s creation and take part in a tradition of controlling the white tail deer population. The local school doesn’t even hold classes because they know students and teachers won’t show up for the first two days. For some, these special days are marked on the calendar months in advance. On my calendar, there is an event that has recently been marked up that is greatly anticipated by myself and many others.

In the last update I shared how God had been directing, as well as talked about some decisions that had to be made. During that time, I had to seek wisdom on my return to Alaska. Victory had asked if I would be interested in returning to work at the ministry for 18 months. Through devotions, prayer, conversations with elders in my church, supporters, and camp, I have decided to return back to Victory as soon as March. Yes... March 2014.

There has been a lot of things that have come together to allow this to happen. Victory is in great need of someone at the ministry to create promotional material for the camp and those going out raising support. Much of what I created for myself has been passed on to the camp. But working for Victory while living in PA has numerous limitations.

Support is only at 25%. But there is enough one time gifts received to cover most of the expenses for the 18 months. Support will continuing to be raised while in Alaska. Lord willing, we will be celebrating reaching 100% support at the end of 18 months.

There a lot of questions that people have been asking, and I will gladly answer them and post some here. For now, I just wanted to share this exciting news with you. This dialog will continue on throughout some upcoming posts. It is taking me some time to organize into words what has happen in the recent weeks. All I can say right now, is sometimes when we are comfy isn’t always where God wants us to be. More to come...

Grace & Peace,
Daryl J. Howard