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!
