The Crossing

The Crossing We're closer than you think! Centrally located between Anchorage & The MatSu Valley, and just a few miles from Eagle River. Life is better together! Join us! http://crossingak.org Sat, 05 Sep 2026 10:00:00 +0000 Sat, 05 Sep 2026 10:00:00 +0000 hourly 1 3600 SnapPages.com Show Them http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/29/show-them Tue, 29 Sep 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/29/show-them

By the time I shot my first moose in Alaska, I had already taken a lot of deer... but this was different in a BIG way. It was impossible to lift and impossible to drag. I didn't have a saw or a hatchet, and by the time I quartered it and got it home I discovered that I didn't even have room in our tiny apartment to process the meat. That's when a random hunter recommended that I take it to a local man named Bill Jones who would cut your meat in his butcher shop while you wrapped it.

The first time I pulled into his driveway I backed out- certain I was at the wrong place. I ended up coming back a second time. Bill turned out to be both a great storyteller and a great teacher, showing Laura and I everything that we needed to do to get an animal that big into the freezer. There are times in life when it isn't enough for people to TELL us, they need to SHOW us. This is why Jesus spent three years living every day with his disciples. He could have TOLD THEM the good news of salvation and how to live a Christian life in a matter of minutes.

Instead he spent three years SHOWING THEM. Your unsaved friends and family are watching you. Tell them you are a Christian, yes. Invite them to church, yes. But know this- when you SHOW THEM a life of optimism and joy and kindness and generosity- that's when your faith becomes REAL to them. Be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Bill outside his butcher shop.

Written on September 21, 2026

]]> Trust Him http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/28/trust-him Mon, 28 Sep 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/28/trust-him

The bull was ALMOST legal. I ALMOST came home with a moose... but not quite. You see, to ALMOST get something is to NOT get it. To ALMOST get the job is to NOT get the job. To ALMOST go on vacation is to NOT go on vacation. This is the story of literally millions of people in America who go to church every Sunday. They are ALMOST saved. They are ALMOST followers of Christ. After all, they believe that PARTS of the Bible are true. They believe that SOME THINGS Jesus said are true.

What their lost pastors don't know is that to ALMOST be on your way to heaven is to NOT be on your way to heaven. Jesus doesn't make room for 'almost.' Our faith is ALL, or it is NOTHING. He said in Matthew 12:30, "Whoever is not WITH me is AGAINST me, and whoever does not work WITH me works AGAINST me."

Come to Jesus just as you are. Confess your sins and ask Him to forgive you and to save you. Let the words of the beautiful old hymn be true for you- "I Surrender All."

Trust Him with your life and your eternity, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on September 20, 2026

]]> Change Me Shape Me Use Me http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/27/change-me-shape-me-use-me Sun, 27 Sep 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/27/change-me-shape-me-use-me

My priorities have changed over the years. I still love to hunt. I still try to fill the freezer, but if I'm going out for a few hours to call for a moose, I bring my Bible along. Jesus said, "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." I feel that intensely.

No matter what I'm facing, I open my Bible and God speaks directly into my life. After all, "The Word of God is living and active..." Can you pray this prayer with me? "Lord, CHANGE me, SHAPE me, USE me." Be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on September 19, 2026

]]> Thank God http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/26/thank-god Sat, 26 Sep 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/26/thank-god

Four days in the wilderness and we've pretty much seen it all. Heavy rain, fresh snow and warm sunshine. The sunshine is my favorite. I'm at an age where hunting out of a 'lodge' is starting to sound really nice. Go out and hunt hard all day and then come inside to a warm meal, dry your clothes, sleep in a bed...

It's only wishful thinking, but hey, a guy can wish, can't he?

At the moment the sun is shining and I'm starting to forget being aching and shivering cold. Fall is my favorite time of year... when the sun shines. But then, I love summer and spring... when the sun shines. Take a moment to thank God for two gifts- the sun and the Son- and you will be blessed! Pastor Brad

Written on September 17, 2026

]]> Be Patient http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/25/be-patient Fri, 25 Sep 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/25/be-patient

There were so few deer in Southeastern Minnesota when I was growing up, that the 'gun' season only lasted 2 days. It was absolutely unheard of for someone to 'pass' on a legal deer. Even a 'spike' buck was highly prized. When I graduated from college and moved to Montana, I took this perspective with me. I shot the first whitetail buck that I saw, not realizing that it was a long, beautiful fall and that I would have dozens, if not hundreds of opportunities for better bucks. Later that season I had to pass on a trophy Mule Deer, because I had already used my tag.

Sometimes the best course of action is simply to WAIT. I've had to learn this lesson over and over again in life. I've purchased cars and homes that weren't right, and then had to go through the whole process again. So often, in life wisdom says, "Wait" when everything in us is screaming, "I want a solution NOW!" Be patient, my friends, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

My first Montana buck.

Written on September 14, 2026

]]> Truly Life http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/24/truly-life Thu, 24 Sep 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/24/truly-life

Fall. Crisp, cold mornings and (on occasion) clear, spectacular, sunny days. The colors have changed, leaves are starting to fall, blueberries are ripe, and hunters are in the wilderness by the thousands. Winter will soon be here. Jesus once challenged his disciples by telling them that though they could read the changing weather they failed to understand the spiritual signs that were all around them.

Friends, do you see the signs? Half of the men and women smiling on political fliers, looking like wonderful people, support what a single generation ago would have been 'unspeakable' evil. Wake up! Jesus is coming soon! It is time for the church to pray, to seek God's face, and to be a part of a tidal wave of righteousness, turning this nation from wickedness to the life that is TRULY LIFE. Stand firmly, be humble, be joyful always, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on September 13, 2026

]]> Be Adaptable http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/23/be-adaptable Wed, 23 Sep 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/23/be-adaptable

Black bears are excellent climbers and can get comfortable almost anywhere. They are also able to adapt to nearly any climate as long as they have food and water- whether the red rock deserts of Arizona or approaching the Arctic Circle. How about you? Can you get comfortable almost anywhere? Are you adaptable to any climate?

I don't simply mean the weather, I'm talking about changing life circumstances. We have sayings like, "Roll with the flow," and, "Bloom where you're planted," both speaking to the importance of a keeping a positive mindset in your sometimes difficult, sometimes painful, sometimes challenging, ever- changing life.

God tells us to "Consider it all joy whenever you face trials of many kinds..." This helps us to persevere and centers our minds and hearts on the hope in Christ that we possess. Yes, life changes. Some of those changes are unwanted, it's true. Be adaptable. Roll with the flow- bloom where you're planted- and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on September 12, 2026

]]> Take A Step Of Faith http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/22/take-a-step-of-faith Tue, 22 Sep 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/22/take-a-step-of-faith

Growing up in Alaska, all of my kids became excellent snowboarders... but not the way you might think. On our budget, they usually went to Alyeska Ski Resort at most once a year, and to a small lift in Anchorage or on the military base once or twice. How, then, did they learn? By climbing small hills (and sometimes mountains) carrying their boards, again and again and again. If you want to do something badly enough, you'll figure out a way. This was my experience in serving at my church.

As a young Christian I didn't know the Bible and didn't feel qualified to teach. I also didn't get vacation days as public school teacher, and with every Alaska hunt being an 'expedition', I missed a lot of Sundays in our short August/September season. But the thing is, I really WANTED to serve. The solution? Laura and I hosted a small group in our home in Glennallen and invited an older, godly man to lead it.

Then we signed up to co-lead an evening high school youth group, again with a couple who were far more qualified than myself. You see, where there is a WILL there is a WAY. The only question that remains is, "Do you genuinely WANT to do something for the Lord?" If so, TAKE A STEP OF FAITH, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Daughters Ariel and Sarah

Written on September 11, 2026

]]> Trade Religion For Life http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/21/trade-religion-for-life Mon, 21 Sep 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/21/trade-religion-for-life

A number of years ago, my good friend Chuck drew a lottery bull tag. John, another good friend, and I traveled over fifty miles into the mountains on four wheelers with Chuck. It was a great hunt- good weather, good friends, and Chuck got his moose. John spent the better part of a day slow-cooking a huge rack of moose ribs over a fire. This was entirely new to me. I had always boned out my ribs and ground the meat into hamburger. Never again. Those ribs were so incredible that I made a decision that from that point on I would bring those out with me.

One meal- one single experience- changed my perspective. This was also my experience when I became a Christian. When I was invited to a Bible study, I thought, "What kind of people do this?" To be honest, I thought it was kind of 'cultish.' But my first night there- one single experience of being with people who opened the Word of God- changed my perspective forever. I expected 'religion.' I found LIFE- a life I never knew existed. If you are in a dead church, why not try something new? Trade religion for LIFE, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on September 10, 2026

]]> Fisher Of Men http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/20/fisher-of-men Sun, 20 Sep 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/20/fisher-of-men

Fish on! As a young man living in rural Alaska, fishing for King Salmon was an annual adventure. To be successful, you first have to go where the fish are. That may seem obvious, but in Alaska, the salmon travel from the ocean up the rivers. It is very common to go to a place where they were catching fish yesterday and not have a single bite- the fish are gone. The guys who are most successful use the right equipment and know how to play the fish.

I once fished with a party of 7 (the limit was 2 kings each). The other six people caught one fish between them. Fishing right beside them, I caught fish continuously. I TOLD them how to fish. I SHOWED them how to fish. They were too prideful- they refused to change what they were doing. Jesus spent 3 years modeling for his disciples how to 'fish for men.' He was the ultimate picture of LOVE IN ACTION.

He boldly proclaimed the truth: "I am THE WAY and THE TRUTH and THE LIFE. No one comes to the Father EXCEPT THROUGH ME." At the same time, he loved people and served them and continuously held forth the offer of forgiveness and eternal life.

The result? After his resurrection and return to heaven, his small group of followers could not keep silent! They shared this news that changed the world! Be a 'fisher of men' and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Two of my best friends from boyhood (Doug Budensiek and Brian Weis) in Alaska catching Kings.

Written on September 9, 2026

]]> Invest In Friends http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/19/invest-in-friends Sat, 19 Sep 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/19/invest-in-friends

The majority of my success over the years has been on 'solo' hunts. Even on my first Dall Sheep hunt my partners and I split up, camped and hunted separately. My solo hunts are driven more of necessity than choice. As a public school teacher, I was only given two vacation days a year. That prevented me from joining with the vast majority of hunters who go out for at least a week. Now, as a pastor, I need to be home preaching on the weekends, which does not fit with most hunting parties. My choices are very often 'go alone' or 'don't go.'

Don't misunderstand me, I'm not complaining. I am extremely comfortable in the wilderness by myself... right up to the moment I harvest a big animal... or get my machine stuck in a bad place... THEN I much prefer hunting with partners. Many people are like this in life. They prefer doing things 'solo' until... they face a project they can't do... a heavy weight of loneliness sets in... You name it- a solo life has limitations and disadvantages.

This is why God says in Ecclesiastes 4:9, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work." Two aren't just DIFFERENT, two are BETTER! Share life. Invest in friends, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Just off the mountain with my first Dall Sheep

Written on September 8, 2026

]]> Draw Near To Him http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/18/draw-near-to-him Fri, 18 Sep 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/18/draw-near-to-him

As a young man teaching school in rural Montana, I loved spending time in the Missouri Breaks hunting Sage Grouse. A person who was willing to walk all day would find some, that wasn't the problem. The problem was that they are so smart that it was hard to get near them. If YOU saw them- THEY saw you. Drawing near to the things we want isn't always easy.

You want a better job, but can't afford to quit the one you have. You want to be married, but can't seem to meet the right person. But one 'drawing near' (the most important one) comes with a promise. James 4:8 says, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." Draw near to Him, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Me many years ago with two Sage Grouse.

Written on September 7, 2026

]]> Be Inspired http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/17/be-inspired Thu, 17 Sep 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/17/be-inspired

When driving across America (or Alaska), everyone experiences something different. I have always been fascinated by EVERYWHERE I've been. I look out the window constantly and don't want to miss a single thing. And here's the thing- it doesn't matter how many times I pass through the same country, it always inspires me. I found myself constantly waking up my kids saying, "Guys! Look!"

One of them would sleepily mutter, "Yeah, dad, that's cool."

In their defense, I've read in books that people actually DO need to sleep...

To be INSPIRED is a gift that is rooted in gratitude. In spite of its brokenness, this world is an amazing place! Whether you are in the city or the country, make it your goal to visit a new place this week. Allow yourself to be inspired, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on September 6, 2026

]]> Seek First http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/16/seek-first Wed, 16 Sep 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/16/seek-first

I walked the edge of the vertical cliffs, looking into every possible cut that could hold a Dall Sheep. I saw exactly 'zero' Sheep, but had a wonderful climb. When I returned to camp, however, I looked up and saw five sheep where I had just climbed. Where did they come from? How did they hide? So often in life the things that we are pursuing seem to be hidden from us. Where do I meet the right person to share my life with? How can I get out of this dead end job and earn a better living? More importantly, how can I finally find peace and contentment and fulfillment?

The Apostle Paul was whipped, beaten and imprisoned, though he had committed no crimes. He said, "I have learned the secret to being content in all circumstances." What was the hidden secret? Simply this- true contentment will never be found in our circumstances. It is found only in embracing our eternal position as children of God.

You are literally (not 'theoretically') a son or a daughter of The King. This and many other life-changing truths are 'hidden' in the Word of God. Jesus said, "Seek FIRST the Kingdom of God and his RIGHTEOUSNESS, and all other things will be added to you." -Be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on September 5, 2026

]]> Work Earn Share http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/15/work-earn-share Tue, 15 Sep 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/15/work-earn-share

When my boys were young, I always made a big deal out of cooking and eating anything they brought home. I wanted them to feel the pleasure and satisfaction

of being a provider. And it wasn't just me. Whether they snared a rabbit, shot a ptarmigan or grouse, or caught a fish, Laura was their biggest cheerleader. At mealtime we 'announced' who had provided dinner.

Do you celebrate one another for providing? Do you teach your children the joy of caring for the needs of others and reward them for helping? Do you honor your spouse in front of others for the contributions he or she makes? You should.

The Apostle Paul told us to work with our hands in order to provide for our own families, but also so that we would have extra to share with those in need. Work. Earn. Share. These are some of the key ingredients of a beautiful life. Be blessed! -Pastor BradPreston Nanalook, Hunter, Michael, David

Written on September 4, 2026

]]> Tell Them http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/14/tell-them Mon, 14 Sep 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/14/tell-them

When my kids were growing up, we had a 'teacup ' Toy Poodle named Spike. He

was very well trained and loved to be around people. One fall in the midst of fun

and activities at our cabin, someone let him out to go to the bathroom and forgot

to let him back in. Because the kids slept in a separate bunkhouse, and the dog was commonly there and in the main cabin, no one noticed that he was gone. We did not discover that he was missing until the next morning.

This began a panicked (and tearful for some) search that included driving up and down the highway and calling everyone we knew. The temperature was well below freezing and he would be an easy target for anything that eats small animals. Finally, we stopped at the tiny store at Pippin Lake, and they told us that someone who lived more than a mile away from us had found a tiny dog whining on their doorstep in the middle of the night. We found our dog.

Jesus once told a parable that captures the heart of that experience. A shepherd left all of the sheep that were with him in order to search for one that was lost. When he found him, there was great rejoicing over that one sheep! The lesson was this: our focus should not be on ourselves, but on those who do not yet know Christ (the 'lost sheep'). SHARE your faith, INVITE others to church, PRAY for them, TELL them about Christ's love for them, and you (and they) will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on September 3, 2026

]]> Learn To Laugh Well http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/13/learn-to-laugh-well Sun, 13 Sep 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/13/learn-to-laugh-well

All five of our children have a wonderful sense of humor. It is a blessing to be in a home filled with laughter. Did you know that on average, a child will laugh more than a dozen times for each one time that an adult laughs during the day? How did this happen? How can that be? Have YOU forgotten how to laugh? Nehemiah, though a slave, had been released by his king to rebuild the walls around Jerusalem. This was an enormously difficult task, and the workers literally worked from daylight to dark.

On top of that, their enemies were threatening to kill them for rebuilding the wall, so they had to work while holding their weapons and post guards every night. If any person had reason to be sour and disappointed in life, it would have been Nehemiah. Instead, he was a great encourager. In fact, he said something profound to the people: "The JOY of the Lord is our STRENGTH."

Friend, when the cause is right and wholesome, smiling and laughter make you stronger. They make your family stronger. They make your children feel safe and secure. Learn to laugh well, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Not saying which kid got this for me.

Written on September 2, 2026

]]> Choose http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/12/choose Sat, 12 Sep 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/12/choose

Seven. That's how many days it snowed at my house in May. I only bring it up because yesterday (August 31) it not only snowed, but it snowed so hard that I had to change my hunting plans because of dangerous ice and inches of snow on the highway. I'm not complaining, I'm just saying... You don't get to choose the weather. What do YOU do when life interrupts your plans? Get angry? Curse? Mutter under your breath?

Friends, God wants us to grow past all of that. His Word says in 1 Corinthians 13:11, "When I was a child, I talked like a child, reasoned like a child and thought like a child. When I became a man I put childish ways behind me." No, life doesn't always go our way. Choose to have a great attitude anyway, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on September 1, 2026

]]> Be Wise http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/11/be-wise Fri, 11 Sep 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/11/be-wise

They call them 'wisdom' teeth because they come in when you get older. If this was true, then the people serving in congress would be full of wisdom. Yet over half of them have NO wisdom- not as God defines it. Proverbs 9:10 says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." This means the 6 year-old who loves Jesus has far more wisdom than the 66 year-old who opposes Christ's teaching.

Wise? Not on your life. Do they protect the life of unborn children? Do they honor marriage between a man and a woman? Do they work against the genital mutilation of children confused by the very people harming them? No, on this and countless other issues, they stand opposed to Christ. Why? Because they have no wisdom. Why? Because they do not fear the Lord.

For years I worked for a home builder who would say with a smile, "I used to be young and foolish. Now I'm older." Friends, don't let that be true of you. Wisdom BEGINS with a relationship with Jesus Christ. Be WISE, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Daughter Sarah with no more wisdom teeth

Written on August 31, 2026

]]> Keep Climbing http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/10/keep-climbing Thu, 10 Sep 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/10/keep-climbing

One of my goals when my brother Jim came to visit me in Alaska was to take him on a climb 'above the clouds.' Having lived and hunted elk in Colorado for years, he was accustomed to being in the mountains. Even so, Alaska is somehow different... wilder... more extreme. There is a perspective- a view- that comes only to those who climb. As you get higher the view changes again and again.

Your perception of the world around you changes. What you see at the bottom is TRUE, but it's just a small sliver of truth. More and more of WHAT IS TRUE becomes visible as you climb. The same thing is true spiritually. As we climb from the newness of faith in Christ on to maturity, we see more of what is true at every step along the way. Because we see what is true, we suddenly know what is NOT TRUE.

It hurts my heart when I see Christians rallying behind and supporting things that are NOT true. The problem? They DO NOT see clearly because they ARE NOT climbing toward Christ. God is clear, "Draw near to me, and I will draw near to you." Keep climbing, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on August 30, 2026

]]> Prepare Yourselves http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/09/prepare-yourselves Wed, 09 Sep 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/09/prepare-yourselves

Eleven people, three rafts, two kayaks, a mountain of camping gear, a 250 mile drive, and three miles across a frozen lake, dragging all of it. Our aim was to float the Gulkana River from Paxson Lake to Sourdough, but on Memorial Day weekend, the lake was still frozen. In Alaska's interior at the end of May, you need to be prepared for hot weather, cold weather, and continuous rain. At times you experience all three on the same day.

You will see wool hats, down jackets and warm mittens in the morning, shorts and t-shirts in the afternoon, and suddenly be wet and shivering cold in hours of rain. Every trip into the wilderness is an expedition. What if a machine breaks down? What if someone is injured? What if it snows? What if it rains? What if it's hot? What if we are stuck out there for longer than we planned? Do we have enough food? Do we have the right clothing? PREPARATION is the key.

This is also true in our spiritual lives. 1 Peter 1:13 says, "Therefore, PREPARE your minds for action." We don't know what life will bring today, but God says, "Get ready for ACTION." Spend time in the Word of God. Pray for your loved ones and circumstances. Ask God to bring people into your life today that you can serve and encourage. PREPARE yourselves for ACTION, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on August 29, 2026

]]> Never Be Discouraged http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/08/never-be-discouraged Tue, 08 Sep 2026 11:17:38 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/08/never-be-discouraged

Several years ago, when my uncle Jim and aunt Kathy came to Alaska with my mom and dad, my friend Dan took us fishing on the Kenai. We had missed the run, but through persistence we were able to land a few fish. When fishing salmon in Alaska, TIMING is everything. When Jesus called his first disciples (who were commercial fishermen), he said, "Come! Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men!"

We are to continuously 'fish' (share the gospel), but we need to remember that for some who are not responding, it is a matter of TIMING. They do not understand their own lostness. They do not understand the urgency of coming to Christ. Don't give up on them. Continue to pray. Continue to love. Continue to serve. Continue to share Christ.

As their life circumstances change, as loved ones die or they experience other hard things, many will come to the place where the timing IS right. They will remember your words and will come to Christ by faith. Never be discouraged! Continue to fish for men, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on August 28, 2026

]]> Do All That You Can http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/07/do-all-that-you-can Mon, 07 Sep 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/07/do-all-that-you-can

Lifting a bear off the ground is kind of like trying to pick up a handful of jello... that weighs hundreds of pounds. Everything moves away from whatever spot you are trying to lift. Even so, with two men working, we were able to lash the entire bear on a pack frame. That's when the real work started. If you are going to be successful and happy in life, you need to learn to carry your own weight. It is not the responsibility of the government or any other person to take care of you.

True, there are widows and orphans, those with temporary desperate need, and the severely disabled- all of whom it is our privilege to help. But everyone else? LEARN to carry your weight. DESIRE to carry it. ASK GOD to help you carry it. Do all that you can with all that you have to be a provider (for yourself and others) and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Scott 'carrying his own weight.'

Written on August 27, 2026

]]> The Other Good Thing http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/06/the-other-good-thing Sun, 06 Sep 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/06/the-other-good-thing

The thing about hunting in Alaska is that if you don't find what you're looking for you might find something else. You may be moose hunting in an open area and go home with a caribou or a black or grizzly bear. You didn't get the 'good thing' you were after, but you got a different 'good thing.' This is so often true in the life of a Christian. We are PRAYING for something, LONGING for something, WORKING for something, WAITING for something, and it never comes... Instead God brings us something different, but something GOOD!

Laura and I tried to buy a house in Copper River. We were teaching there and were hoping to raise our children there. Over a period of two years we lost four different houses that we were hoping for. God had a DIFFERENT good thing in mind for us. As you PRAY and WAIT and WORK- look for the OTHER good thing God has for you, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Friend Scott with a nice black bear on an unsuccessful moose hunt.

Written on August 26, 2026

]]> Through Him http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/05/through-him Sat, 05 Sep 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/09/05/through-him

Three times in my life, friends have flown myself and one (or two) of my kids in a Supercub to go hunting. Skilled pilots are able to land and take off in a very short distance on extremely difficult terrain- gravel bars, mountain tops, and open tundra. You see, Alaska has many places (including more than 100 villages) that are only accessible by plane. It's true that a person could say, "I'm going to drive there," but there aren't any roads. A person might say, "I'm going to walk," but mountain ranges, dangerous rivers and miles of tundra swampland would stop you at every turn.

Your hunt would be long over before you ever neared your destination. In many respects, heaven is like this. God has provided ONE way- through faith in Jesus Christ. The trip is free, the invitation is open to everyone, and yet much of the world says, "I'll go my own way." They are lost, wandering souls. Friend, don't let that be true of you. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the LIFE. No one comes to the Father except through Him! Be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on August 25, 2026

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