DAYS 46-49, JULY 2-5 INDEPENDENCE DAY

July 2. The big news for Thursday was the arrival of a care package from our daughter, Hillery. We had mentioned the previous Sunday about how expensive groceries were in Fort Yukon and that we were economizing by getting only the basics. She loaded a flat-rate priority mail box with all manner of goodies--food, personal care, and reading. It was a great lift! Later in the day I continued my writing by completing another devotion. These may be published later by LAMP-US.

July 3. Today is the legal holiday so most public offices are closed in Fort Yukon. The streets, usuall busy with ATV's, are quiet in anticipation of the Fourth of July celebration, which is a big thing in Fort Yukon. Later in the day as we were sitting at a picnic table along the Yukon River we met two men with an interesting story. They are contractors working for the Air Force manning the long-range radar installation at Fort Yukon. This installation is one of 15 operated by the air force. Together they provide comprehensive radar surveillance for the United States. They invited us to tour the facility, which is on the outskirts of Fort Yukon (and which we did not know was there). We plan to do so on Monday, July 6.

July 4. Today was a big day in Fort Yukon. At noon there were sirens as the ambulence, followed by ATV's decked out with balloons, drove down main street. The parade ended up in "downtown" where burgers and hotdogs were being grilled and a big luncheon was being laid out. On main street the big event for the day--races--were being prepared. There was race after race by all ages. Running, three-legged, gunney sack, bicycle. They raced for cash and soda prizes. It was quite the sight. The egg toss and nail driving contests were especially fun. While we retired from the festivities at supper time, we could hear dancing going on until the wee hours of the night. Quite the celebration. Later in the evening I paid a pastoral visit on a member of St. Stephens who was flying into Fairbanks tomorrow (Sunday) for a colonoscopy.

July 5. Today begins our last full week in Fort Yukon. Church attendance was light--17--probably due to all the celebrating. I preached on the Gospel reading, Mark 6:1-13, on "Honoring Your Prohets." We have made some wonderful friendships at St. Stephens and in Fort Yukon. They have a deep and abiding faith in Jesus despite some incredibly difficult circumstances. One friend has four children. However, two have died (cocaine and alcohol) and two are in prison. Yet he remains positive in disposition and rooted in faith. We can learn from them the power of faith to carry us through even the deepest valleys. The deacon of St. Stephens, Theresa Thomas, expressed appreciation for the clear and simple Gospel that I have shared. I told her in the end it is the only message that matters. For it endures to eternal life.