Our Ministry
Can you Come?
By Sharon Geldaker
As part of our mission, the MV Christian travels to various communities on the many islands of Southeast Alaska. Prince of Wales Island is one of the largest, and home to many of the communities and villages we visit, around its vast coastline. A few of these communities are connected with each other by road, but many are not, or they are road- accessible only at certain times of the year. All deal with isolation as a way of life.
Though many have chosen, by lifestyle, or by heritage, to live in these remote settings, they are not reclusive or isolating in their manner. This is especially true with kids.
As we pulled into one village, it wasn’t 15 minutes before two boys clambored aboard, to say hello, and check out the boat, the bunks, and climb the crow’s nest, as they had done the previous spring on an outing we hosted on board the CHRISTIAN. As we walked to an elder’s house to visit, they escorted us, and filled us in on the community. There were only 8 going to school there this year. Before we parted, they told us they were soon playing basketball in the next village, and asked, “Can you come?”
Not long after, an elder we visited related to us, the many ways she tries to watch out for her many grandchildren. A widow now, she tries not to dwell on her own children, and their struggles and divorces, but on the next generation. She hurts for all the broken relationships, and knows how this has impacted each of their lives, striving to be a stable touchstone for them. Still she worries, and knows she will be gone soon too..."Can we say a prayer for them?”
Again, in another native village, we were invited to help decorate a church for the Christmas season. When we first arrived, only two young girls were there. They 
showed us what the tradition was and told us what we could do to help. One of them recognized Stan from the previous summer’s Vacation Bible Camp. At first shy, before we left, they too told us of an upcoming game in the community center, and inquired… “Will you watch us?” “Can you come?”
As Pastor Skipper and First Mate of the MV CHRISTIAN, we know the boat is well trusted in these communities, because of the caring and dedicated work of Ken & Nancy, and Elvin & Alice before us. But we are new, and we relish these opportunities to be a witness and join the communities, in whatever way God can use us. So we go! And strive to answer any invitation given…..to root from the bleachers, and watch these precious kids play, and let them know we want to become part of their lives; to help a church decorate, to support its struggling congregation to feel beautiful and alive; to pray with an elder who worries about her grandkids, and the hurtful relationships they’ve inherited. God has blessed us with these opportunities, and graced us with this vessel, to try to respond in small ways, with a large heart.
In Luke 18:16, Jesus called the children to Him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”
As ministers for Lutheran Association of Missionaries and Pilots U.S., we gladly follow our Lord’s directive, and welcome these kids, at every opportunity, to come on board this vessel, to participate in their lives, and to help them feel connected, in an isolated and broken world, with His heart and Spirit.
They welcome us so willingly. Thank you for empowering us to respond.