Proof Of Life

A little photo taken tonight during Nadine Gillespie's 95th birthday party.
I spent it serving espresso. Bearded Bro-rista in his element.
(A little write-up on the night will happen soon)

Investing

Jesus spoke many parables during His time of ministry. Each parable was a story used to share a lesson in which those listening, or those reading now, would understand a message Christ wanted to share and what He was asking anyone listening to emulate. One particular parable is of a nobleman who is going off to be crowned king. As he leaves, he entrusts his servants with an amount of silver. When he returns, he asks them what they have done with the silver they were given. The first invested the silver and had earned ten fold on the investment. This servant was rewarded greatly for what was done with the silver. The second invested as well, and received five fold back. He too was rewarded. A third hid the silver, fearful of the nobleman. This man was condemned, and his portion given to the first man. 

Recently this parable has come to mind. Last year, God called me back into playing drums. At the time, I was reluctant and didn't know why. Initially it seemed like God's way to help mentor a teen in his music and spiritual life. It was the aim at first; but it also started reteaching me since my playing had atrophied from a few years not playing. 

Small practice area.

When initially arriving at Victory, I was encouraged by a close friend to pray as to how God would have me use my gifts and when it would be used; but also focusing mainly on why I was there (to work at the ministry) and second, what was God trying to teach me (?). Drums would fall into place when God wanted them too. In order to process some of what God was trying to teach me, I had to getaway from time to time. I found peace at a church in town. Each Sunday I found refreshment, healing and a renewed joy. Even though the leaders at the church knew of my ability to play, they instead chose to pray over my ministry work at Victory, and that God would reveal where and if He would want me to play drums again. 

During the summer camp, God blessed me with filling in on drums for two weeks. The process stretched me as well as reminded me of the joy I experienced when playing music in the form of genuine worship. After being pushed outside the box and mentored during week six of camp, God said it was time and He also said where. The first thing worship pastor Johnny asked me when I ran into him that Sunday was "when can we sign you up for an audition?" I hadn't even told him yet.

Well worn drumming/indoor shoes

Right now it may seem like my calling is backwards. Drums before ministry work. This isn't true.

Ministry work is a priority over percussion. But I can say I'm learning more about my calling, gifting, focus, and spiritual life through learning worship… which in turn is being applied to ministry work. I'm not sure why God called me back to playing music. For some reason He has chosen to reintroduce a gift of mine. At this time, I'm just trying to invest in what "The Nobleman" has entrusted me with.

- Daryl J. Howard

Breaking The Ice

Wow, I don't know where the last month has gone. The last post was over a month ago. Don't worry, there has been a lot of work being done on some "articles", "observations", and updates. I've also been tied up practicing and getting ready for playing music in church and a retreat. Around 20 songs had to be practiced and learned before playing multiple sets. A lot of fun and a stretching of my gifts God has given. In the next few days I'll be posting some observations on what went on; my thoughts and what I've learned in the process of getting to this point musically; and a little of what I've been doing at the ministry. Can't wait to update you all.

- Daryl

Banquets, Chainsaws and Christmas... OH MY

Hope you all have enjoyed The HM Update 020. It was hard to condense all the events going on into such a small publication. Going forward my goal is to start posting more here. In light of such a goal, here is a little update.

On the 11th, Victory held an auction and banquet at Change Point in Anchorage Alaska. The Outpost students, a few of us full-time staff members and plenty of volunteers helped run the event. Donated items were given to help raise funds to help the camp through this season in ministry. Brochures, posters of events and even the bookmarks campers filled out were placed around tables to help bring awareness to what is going on and the impact Victory is making in Alaska. While the Outposts students helped run the main event, I gave them a break from kitchen work and washed dishes… and got to sample some of the food!

Setting up tables

Hanging posters

Food prep and dishes

"Chop wood, warm yourself twice"

- Henry Ford

Though the wood stove isn't installed yet, I've taken to trying to get wood for the winter. God so far has graciously blessed me with a stove and chainsaw. Both answers to my heating for the winter dilemma. God also has a watchful eye and a protective hand. It seems He wants me to keep both legs and not make a trip to the ER (since I have no insurance). A tree kicking back and the feeling of a chain on the skin can make one's heart stop. But seeing no marks (other than some torn work pants) makes me thank the Lord for His protection. Don't worry, "I don't need chaps" isn't in my phrase book.

A little repair is needed for these work pants.

Word is quickly getting out. I played a little day countdown with some teens from the WCBC youth group before they got wind of a little visit during Christmas. From the 17th-29th of December I'll be back in PA visiting and sharing. A few days will be spent in DC visiting with family for Christmas. But the rest of the time is for you guys. Other than a pending youth outing, my days are free to meet with supporters and those interested in the work being done in Alaska. Feel free to get in contact with me if you want to meet up. If you like coffee and good cafe food, may I recommend The Community Cup in Towanda PA.

Proof of life... and beard.

This is all for now. Hope you enjoyed this little update. Expect more to come as I start hosting (this weekend), and as I start playing drums again (in a few weeks!). Thanks for reading.

Grace & Peace,

Daryl J. Howard

The HM Update 020

Ink and stamps purchased. Letters printed and folded. Envelopes addressed and stamped. The latest addition of The HM Update is out! Hopefully picked up by the post carrier tomorrow and sent to your mail boxes. As for those that get the e-mail edition... it should be in your inboxes! Then there are those that haven't subscribed. It's never too late.

In this edition:
Ministry update
Impact of the work
Summer wrap-up
New ministry opportunities
Answers to prayer
Prayer requests
... and more!

To read online or download, click the link below! If you like it, feel free to share!
HM UPDATE 020

More stories to come!

Enjoy!
Grace & Peace,
Daryl J. Howard

October Update

Hey Everyone,

After I get more ink in town this weekend, expect to see HMUpdate 020 being sent out. A lot has been going on here, and the letter just skims over it all. With summer now over, I have more time to post here as well. I'm working on some little behind the scenes stories, as well as some little "articles" I've been working on. Until 020 is out... enjoy the photos of Victory's transition from fall into winter.

Fall colors starting to appear

You know you have a good fall winter beard going
when it gets caught in your jacket zipper

Saying goodbye to Steven;
a great friend and brother in Christ

Fall around the cabin

Fall at Ranch Camp

A look at Victory from a new trail

I finally found some fall red! Wish it was maple trees

Victory in Fall from a new trail

PA we have whitetail deer in our front yard.
In Alaska, we have moose!

Moose sampling our selection of flowers

The cabin as October's first snow hits

Index lake as first snow sets in

Miracle Lodge blanketed in the first snow

More to come.

Grace & Peace,
- Daryl

Best Photos From 2014

We had a very green, but good AV team this year. It was an honor to watch their skill in photography grow. Here are the best of the best photos from summer 2014!

Adventure Camp resting on top of Lions Head

Counselors entertaining campers with a made up song

SALT enjoying their work

Camper showing off their craft project

Camper enjoying a beautiful day on the playground

Burgers on campout night are the best

Welcome to camp. Which camp are you?

Worship at it's best

A little time alone with God

Boating class lets campers explore the lakes

I think you are doing it wrong

Wall burning at Ranch Camp
Remembering decisions made in the week

Enjoying the teepees at Frontier Camp

The view from Ranch Camp

It's only water.
But it is COLD!

Advancing in CHA trainign

Rock wall fun!

A little archery lesson

A little welcome to camp

A little encouragement before riding lessons

Hope you enjoyed!

Hey Look... A Post!

I'm sorry for leaving you in the dark so long. With the time between posts, one would think the poster is either very busy or extremely lazy. I'm happy to share the latter comment is not true. This summer was the hardest yet; physically, mentally and spiritually. Lately I have been resting, trying to let my mind and body heal so I can cognitively write, as well as praying to make sure what is written comes out right for these posts and the next update letter.

There is a great joy in being able to see the impact you have made through your work. Over the many years of working at Victory, I have been blessed by God allowing me to see the impact of the work I do. Different summer staff serving at Victory shared how the work done in previous AV years impacted them. It was like seeing the video I made called "Doors/Legacy" being played out in front of me. This summer was very different. With the team of two to four AV members, and not enough gear for everyone, we didn't produce as much work as previous years did. Most of the work on my "to-do" list just didn't get done. I struggled with how God was using me and if I was even making any kind of impact. To be honest, I wrestled with the thought of AV team and publications even being part of my calling to Alaska. Away from the AV team, it was a different story. During week 1 and week 5, the band needed a drummer. During those weeks, it was a great honor and blessing to be able to play. Even with extreme exhaustion and lack of sleep during week 5, God gave me peace and refreshment when getting behind the drum set to worship Him.  

I never ask God to show me the impact made through the work He places me in. But it is always a joy and honor when He gives me a glimpse. Case in point, before sitting down to write the draft to this blog post, a camper from Victory came up asking if I was the drummer and the guy who sang morning songs to wake up those camping out. After saying yes, I was quickly introduced to the campers family. Out of the two weeks I played drums, this camper was there for one of them. Even with extreme exhaustion, God used an act of worship and the message he heard to impact a camper. It's a very humbling experience to meet campers in town. 

In the next week or so, I hope to get the next update letter out. Mentally I hit an exhaustion point that need some time to heal before being able to process and write the letter. My computer is loaded with drafts for the next letter. Looking over them, I'm glad I never sent them out. They are a mess. 

God is doing an amazing work here in Alaska, and at Victory. Pray for Victory as they go through a transition time, as well as the campers as they are now back in their home lives (either good or bad). Pray for those who made decisions this summer, and that they get connected to churches. 

Grace & Peace,

Daryl J. Howard

P.S. - More posts to come soon!

P.P.S. - Pray as I have a drum addition in a few hours!

The HM Update 019

Greetings,

Summer camp is in full swing here at Victory. The 4th of July marked the half way point for Victory Bible Camps 2014 summer season. The first three and a half weeks saw an exciting time enjoyed by the many campers that have attended so far. Many lives have been changed by the Word of God and the messages shared by the summer staff.

Due to slow internet and the need of firewalls to stop summer staff streaming online media, posting of the newsletter was hindered. For the last week I was delayed and had to wait till my most recent trip into town to upload the newsletter.

In this edition of The HM Update, you will find these points of interest.
- Weeks 1 - 4 of Summer Camp 2014- Life in Alaska- Projects associated with camp- Prayers & Praises- And more...Scroll to the bottom to find the download link.

Thank you for all your continued prayers and support. It is very much appreciated.Don't forget to visit The HM Update blog for up to date information and what is going on at Victory.

Grace & Peace,Daryl J. Howard

P.S. - If you visit Victory's Facebook page, you will find pictures posted weekly. It's a little glimpse into what is going on here during the summer, as well as a look at some of the work I do here at the ministry.

Victory Facebook Page

The HM Update 019

HMUpdate 019 Coming Soon

Unless you schedule time to work on projects, blog updates, etc; they will not get done. Even when you schedule time, it never seems t be enough to get what you want done, done. This has been the occasion as of late. After much labor, The HM Update 019 is in the mail for many of you. There are a few that I haven't sent yet as more must be included in the envelopes. When I can get an hour in, the letter will be turned to a PDF and posted for all of you online readers, as well sent to those that receive it via e-mail. Thank you for your patience.

- Daryl J. Howard

Summer 2K14 pt.2 (photos)

After some meds, a long nap and a nice cup of tea, I'm alert enough to post some more and to get some work done... and post pictures to go with the previous post.

So that freak winter storm we had...

Before the first steps out the front door

One of the counselors perplexed like me

The walk to miracle

Counselors stepping up to remove the snow

The road to waterfront

Swim tests anyone?

Index lake blanketed in sno

Lonely footprints

Not your typical summer staff photo

After the snow melted, it was back to putting together the waterfront.

Iceberg is back on the water... without the snow

Later in the week it was off to Hikes Creek.

My Eureka! tent. My home away from home

Early morning fire, boiling water for others

No one is up? Time for coffee

Well, I wish I could post more for you. Don't forget to go to Victory Bible Camp & Conference Center on Facebook. Photos and summer updates to be posted all summer!

Also, I hope to get a newsletter out as soon. Be on the look out for that.

Grace & Peace,

- Daryl