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 Fri, 27 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000 Fri, 27 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000 hourly 1 3600 SnapPages.com Live Your Faith http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/04/20/live-your-faith Mon, 20 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/04/20/live-your-faith

The temperature was −32° and getting warmer. I called my buddies and said, "Let's go." We had agreed upon −30° as our 'cut off' for whether or not to go ptarmigan hunting on our snowshoes. As crazy as it sounds, we had learned through trial-and-error in the severe cold that we were able to hold our shotguns with bare hands at that temperature. Not right out of the truck, of course, but after piling on heavy gear and generating tremendous heat while walking 10 or 15 minutes on long Alaskan snowshoes. Activity didn't change the temperature of the world around us, but it most certainly increased our own temperature.

The same thing is true spiritually. If you feel lukewarm or cold in your faith, the problem isn't the temperature of the world around you. The world will always be cold toward Christ. The problem is that you've been sedentary- you haven't been active- you haven't been working. SERVING generates heat. PRAYING (not mouthing a few words, but honestly staying in one place for an hour and PRAYING) generates heat. Spending time in spiritual conversation with a brother or sister in the Lord generates heat. Be an ACTIVE Christian- LIVE your faith-and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on April 7, 2026

]]> Allow God To Use You http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/04/19/allow-god-to-use-you Sun, 19 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/04/19/allow-god-to-use-you

Yesterday in Alaska and around the world, thousands of men, women and children had their first true taste of the resurrection of Christ. What I mean is, for the first time in their lives they heard and responded to a clear presentation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul, formerly an enemy and persecutor of Christians, said, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the POWER of God unto SALVATION for them that believe."

Each time you share the gospel- each time you invite someone to a Bible study or gospel- preaching church, you are on a rescue mission to literally storm the gates of hell. Of the thousands upon thousands who were saved yesterday, the overwhelming majority heard the gospel because SOMEONE INVITED THEM to come! Allow God to use YOU and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on April 6, 2026

]]> He Is Risen http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/04/18/he-is-risen Sat, 18 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/04/18/he-is-risen

He is risen! The man who told us he was with God before our world began. The man who told us that he and God the Father are 'one.' The Miracle Worker who taught like no one ever taught before and loved us like no one ever loved us before. The one they crucified and sealed in a tomb. The one who said he came to SAVE us. HE is risen!

This earth-shaking news spread quickly throughout the Middle East and intoSouthern Europe and Northern Africa. It eventually made it to wherever you are sitting today. I pray that MILLIONS will come to Christ on this Resurrection Sunday. "This is love- not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." (1 John 4:10) Be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on April 5, 2026

]]> Thank The Holy Spirit http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/04/17/thank-the-holy-spirit Fri, 17 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/04/17/thank-the-holy-spirit

For those who had been WITH Jesus, the Saturday that he lay in the tomb was the darkest day of their lives. By 'with' I mean that their HEARTS were with him, their LIVES were SURRENDERED to him, their FAITH was RESTING in him. For THOSE people this was a dark day. Why were they confused? Why, after Jesus had told them that he must die and rise on the 3rd day, did they not see what you and I can see so clearly? Might it have been because the Holy Spirit had not yet been given?

When those believers didn't have Jesus physically with them, He was utterly and completely absent. But you and I have an incredible advantage over them. We have the Holy Spirit in us, and he guides us into all truth. Thank the Holy Spirit this morning for his comfort, counsel and guidance. Be blessed! -Pastor Brad

The sun WILL rise!

Written on April 4, 2026

]]> Give Thanks http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/04/16/give-thanks Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/04/16/give-thanks

GOOD Friday. A day of weeping as the Savior was taken from us.

Matthew 9:14-16 says, "Then John's disciples came and asked him, "How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?" Jesus answered, "How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them- then they will fast."

One of the beautiful, wistful things about a fast is when it comes to an end- your first meal. Even more, you and I should look forward to our first in-person meal with Christ himself! The commercial fisherman who became the Apostle John wrote about this in Revelation 19:9- And the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb."

On that day in our future- at that incredible banquet- it will seem as though we'd always been fasting. This will be our first meal in heaven- our first taste of what life was ALWAYS meant to be. As your fast draws to a close- as we prepare to break it tonight with communion and a meal- give thanks for the meal that is to come! Be blessed! Pastor Brad

Written on April 3, 2026

]]> Fast Regularly http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/04/15/fast-regularly Wed, 15 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/04/15/fast-regularly

To RESOLVE- to have fierce determination- this is what is needed in the Christian life. You must RESOLVE to get up early enough in the morning to have quality time with the Lord. You must RESOLVE to keep a prayer journal with all of your friends, loved ones, leaders and their needs. You must RESOLVE to be kind, generous and encouraging. You must RESOLVE to maintain a healthy diet and exercise.

From Jesus we learn not only gentleness, humility and strength, but also RESOLVE- fierce determination to do all that God desired him to do. Fasting strengthens our resolve! It will REIGNITE the spiritual fire inside you, REALIGN your priorities, and REMIND you of the joy and the privilege of following Christ. Fast regularly, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on April 2, 2026

]]> Deny Self http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/04/14/deny-self Tue, 14 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/04/14/deny-self

My biggest problem in life has always been ME. SELF. Pitiful, but true. SELF-denial is something I was never naturally good at. I began at a very early age to work hard and save money, but the goal of both was still so that I might buy things for mySELF. But then I'm not the only one, am I? Selfishness is a part of our fallen human nature. Let's call it what it is- SIN. This is why Jesus said, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himSELF, take up his cross, and follow me."

To be Spirit-led I cannot be SELF-led. Fasting puts us into an immediate place of self-denial. It puts us in an immediate place of obedience to Christ. When a fast is done for God's glory, it positions us properly as followers. It is then that you discover the FREEDOM to deny self in other problem areas. In other words, as you deny self, self-denial becomes EASIER for you- EXCITING for you. Not only are strongholds broken, they are broken with ease. Deny self- FAST- and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on April 1, 2026

]]> The Power Of God http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/04/13/the-power-of-god Mon, 13 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/04/13/the-power-of-god

Jesus said, "WHEN you pray..." and then told us how we should position our hearts for prayer. He also said, "WHEN you fast..." In the same way that Jesus expected his followers to pray, He also EXPECTED us to fast. Like prayer and reading your Bible, fasting is a spiritual discipline that will strengthen your daily life. Through fasting bad habits that have become strongholds can be broken.

This includes addiction to food, alcohol, drugs, pornography, or laziness, to name a few. Your breakthrough is right in front of your eyes. Pray continually, yes, but add fasting, and you will experience first-hand the power of God moving in your life. Be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Late winter evenings in Alaska

Written on March 31, 2026

]]> Fast http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/04/12/fast Sun, 12 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/04/12/fast

In Matthew 6:16-18 Jesus said, "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

If fasting is to receive the attention of God, it must not be done for the attention of others. As much as it is possible, it is only done 'in secret.' In American culture, it is so easy to allow food to become an idol. The average person eats far better than the kings of old. Our food is fast, plentiful, good, and by historical standards- incredibly inexpensive. As you fast, choose one unsaved person to pray for, and one significant need (it might be guidance for an important decision, physical healing, mending a relationship, etc.).

Give the time normally devoted to preparing and eating meals completely to prayer. Each time during the day that you feel hunger pangs, offer up quick prayers for these same things. And don't miss this- pray EXPECTING GOD TO ANSWER! FAST, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on March 30, 2026

]]> Serve Together http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/04/11/serve-together Sat, 11 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/04/11/serve-together

When I am by myself, I often do NOT do good things (or healthy things) that I would ABSOLUTELY do with someone else. The first place that I ever served in ministry as a new Christian was as 'game leader' for a high school youth group. I only agreed to serve because others were doing it with me. This was also true of the first time I attended a Bible study, the first time I attended a Sunday night church service, and the first time I attended a weekend retreat.

Hebrews 10:24 says, "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good works." What does that mean? Simply this: we are to ENCOURAGE- MOTIVATE- INSPIRE- CHALLENGE one another to SERVE Christ and WITNESS for Christ in our daily lives.

Serving and witnessing are great. Challenging another person to serve or talk to others about Christ WITH YOU is even GREATER. Talk to a friend. Take a small step. Sign up somewhere to serve together, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on March 29, 2026

]]> Worship Him http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/04/10/worship-him Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/04/10/worship-him

Men, in general, are more reserved when it comes to singing out loud in front of other people. In worship, this can cause us to become more SELF- conscious than we are GOD- conscious. But don't imagine it's because Christian men won't worship. We love it when ours is one of many voices that become ONE voice. This is what happens when you fill a room with godly men... or godly women... or Christ followers of any age from any culture.

First and foremost, worship is an act of LOVE. Secondly, it is an act of GRATITUDE. Finally, it is an act of PRAISE. When a person's heart is full of love, gratitude and praise, worship NATURALLY POURS OUT of them. It cannot be contained. Jesus said in Luke 6:45, "For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks." Does your heart overflow with love, gratitude, and praise for Jesus Christ, or does it overflow with apathy, complaining, and criticism?

Ouch! Do you need reminders from the word of God?

"Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength."

"Give thanks in all circumstances."

"Rejoice in the Lord always."

"His praise will ever be on my lips."

WORSHIP HIM, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Worship Team at The Crossing Men's Retreat

Written on March 28, 2026

]]> Share Life http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/04/09/share-life Thu, 09 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/04/09/share-life

One thing about our incessantly difficult weather is that most of us TREASURE a beautiful day. I spent 5 hours with two friends this week drinking in the sunshine. From our 0° start to the day, the temperature by mid-afternoon had risen more than 20 degrees. The trail in was both difficult and unpleasant, but we eventually broke into open country with deep powder. We prayed together and openly thanked God many times.

Describing something beautiful to another person is a good thing, but EXPERIENCING something beautiful with other people is a GREAT thing. It is easy to miss the profound truth God gave us in Ecclesiastes 4:9 when he said, "Two are BETTER than one." That's GOD talking. We are BETTER together. Why not go through the contacts on your phone and invite someone to go out for coffee or lunch? Share life, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

My good friend Ed Bennett deep in the mountains.

Written on March 27, 2026

]]> Take That Step http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/04/08/take-that-step Wed, 08 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/04/08/take-that-step

A week ago I climbed an inactive volcano named 'Koko Head.' During WWII they actually lay rail tracks up the vertical slope and put defense bunkers on top. To get to the top, you must climb what seems like thousands of railroad ties one step at a time. Some things in life can only be accomplished that way. If you want to be a nurse, you must first graduate from high school or get your GED. Then you must fill out an application and financial aid paperwork and be accepted by a college.

This is followed by years of study, and, for most people, working a job to help pay for it. After graduation comes another test for licensure, and then you need to be hired. Step by step you BECOME a nurse. This same pattern is true for so much of life, and it's certainly true for becoming a disciple of Christ. Anyone can CLAIM to be a Christian, but Jesus made it abundantly clear when he said, "If you LOVE me, you will OBEY my commands." Learning to obey is a process.

We must not only love our brothers and sisters in Christ, we must love our ENEMIES. We must not simply read the Word of God, we must DO what it says. It is not enough to recognize Jesus as the source of life, we must STAY CONNECTED to him. What next step has the Holy Spirit been asking you to take? OBEY- TAKE THAT STEP- and you will be blessed! Pastor Brad

Koko Head Trail

Written on March 26, 2026

]]> The Joy Of Giving http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/04/07/the-joy-of-giving Tue, 07 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/04/07/the-joy-of-giving

Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." We are naturally good 'receivers.' That's easy. Just make certain that your children open one gift at a time and then walk over to thank and hug the giver before they open the next gift. Receiving well takes a little practice, but the joy of giving is something that needs to be TAUGHT to our children, MODELED for them, and PRACTICED daily.

As young children my brothers and I would walk to Skog's Variety store to buy each other and our parents birthday and Christmas presents. It was a source of great pleasure to walk up and down the 2 or 3 aisles of that tiny store looking for exactly the right gift. But the greatest pleasure was watching the other person opening his or her gift. We learned the joy of giving because our parents TAUGHT us to give, MODELED giving, and PRACTICED giving all the time.

Our children and grandchildren also learned and are learning the joy of giving. Are yours? Are you teaching them to be generous? If not, you are not only responsible in part for their selfishness, but you are also robbing them of blessing! Good news- it's not too late to start! Teach your children the joy of giving, and you (and they) will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Granddaughter Piper experiencing the joy of giving as I open the card she made for me.

Written on March 25, 2026

]]> Fasting And Prayer http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/04/06/fasting-and-prayer Mon, 06 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/04/06/fasting-and-prayer

Each year our church fasts together and then breaks the fast together with communion and a simple meal at our Good Friday service. Why fast? 1) Fasting is an act of OBEDIENCE. Giving instructions to his disciples, Jesus said, "WHEN you fast..." He did not say, "IF you fast..." 2) Through fasting, we force our flesh to come under the control of our Spirit. SELF-discipline is hard for all of us to maintain.

Fasting brings victory. 3) Fasting is a weapon of spiritual warfare. Whether you are praying for an unsaved relative, asking God for a miracle, seeking answers or guidance in the middle of difficulty, or needing breakthrough- FASTING and PRAYER moves the hand and heart of God. Incorporate fasting into your daily life, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on March 24, 2026

]]> Practice http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/04/05/practice Sun, 05 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/04/05/practice

Successfully fishing Southeastern Minnesota trout streams requires expert casting. The first reason for this is that the streams are lined with brush and low-hanging branches that dangle just above the surface of the water. Those who can't cast well spend more time with their hooks snagged on the brush than they do fishing. My brother John and I spent hours practicing in the backyard with a 1 oz sinker tied to the end of our fishing line, casting at an ice cream bucket. Eventually, though very young, we truly became expert casters.

The second reason that casting is so important is that the fish like to lie in the shade under those overhangs or beneath fallen logs. A perfect cast produced a lot of exciting fishing, where a poor cast simply 'spooked' the hole and left you empty. When I moved to Montana, I was invited by two young guys to go trout fishing on one of their favorite streams. They each put a worm on a hook and cast their bobber into a deep hole.

I told them that I was going to walk the stream casting for fish.They very smugly told me that I was wasting my time. When I returned at our agreed upon time four hours later, they had one nice fish. I had my limit, and they never took me fishing again. Practice matters. Skill matters. The Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:26, "I do not run aimlessly. I do not fight like a boxer beating the air."

Paul was SKILLED at sharing the gospel because he PRACTICED! Share your faith today. Invite someone to church or your Bible study. Share a cup of coffee with a friend and tell them what Jesus has done for you. PRACTICE and you will become SKILLED, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

A limit of rainbow and brown trout.

Written on March 23, 2026

]]> Don't Miss Out http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/04/04/don-t-miss-out Sat, 04 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/04/04/don-t-miss-out

I just got back from an amazing weekend with 50 other men. Pastor Dean Burris challenged us with great messages on Biblical Masculinity. We had ring toss contests and ping pong, golf on the lake and trap shooting. Men played board games and cribbage, skied and rode snowmachines... We had incredible times of worship, laughed together, made new friendships and strengthened ties with those we already knew.

God created us to be in relationship with our spouse and family, but he also created men to share life with other men. He created women to share life with other women. In our segmented culture, we don't do enough of this. Our signature verse for the weekend was Proverbs 27:17- "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." Over the last several days we were sharpened by godly men. Don't miss out on these opportunities, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

The Crossing men snowmachining high in the mountains.

Written on March 22, 2026

]]> Start Working http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/04/03/start-working Fri, 03 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/04/03/start-working

My brothers, John and Jim, are good hunters. I told them that if they would take vacation time the first week of August and fly up from Minnesota to hunt with me, that I would buy their plane tickets. I told them to come for a minimum of 10 days, but they were each only able to get 5 days of vacation time. I drove over 200 miles to pick them up at the airport and then drove over 800 miles to hunt caribou north of the Brooks Range. This only left us 2 days to hunt because of the time it would take to drive to Copper River, process meat, and get them back to the airport.

We saw very few caribou, but my brother John made an amazing shot to take a nice bull with his bow and arrow. Jim, on the other hand, had to trek in over 5 miles with John at midnight and make a long rifle shot to get his bull. The chances of them both being successful on such a short hunt were utterly remote- yet they WERE both successful. Why? Because they TRIED. Because they MADE THE EFFORT. Because they were willing to GO WITHOUT SLEEP and WORK HARD.

The simple truth of life is that hard work pays off. In fact, I once made custom t-shirts for my wrestling team that said on the back, "The HARDER I work, the LUCKIER I get." Work is a GIFT from God. When God first created the world, he gave Adam a job- to work and care for a beautiful garden. Friends, stop 'wishing' and start WORKING, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Me with brothers John and Jim and their caribou.

Written on March 21, 2026

]]> Outside Your Comfort Zone http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/04/02/outside-your-comfort-zone Thu, 02 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/04/02/outside-your-comfort-zone

When Laura and I taught school in rural Alaska, we were each allowed to take one caribou. The problem (from Laura's perspective) is that she was not a hunter. In fact, she would not even cut up a whole chicken that you bought at the grocery store. I, however, had no intention of shooting HER caribou. We needed the meat- she needed to hunt. It was that simple. But I had an even stronger motive for wanting her with me. I wanted her to experience the wilderness. I wanted her to share my love for the wild country. She wasn't excited to go. There is no question that this was an act of love on her part.

Denying SELF (doing what YOU want) for the love of another person is a beautiful thing in God's eyes. It not only leads to new experiences we would never choose on our own, but also strengthens the bonds of love between those who share life. So? Step outside your comfort zone. Do something with another person that THEY love to do, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Laura taking a nice bull caribou.

Written on March 20, 2026

]]> Have A Plan http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/04/01/have-a-plan Wed, 01 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/04/01/have-a-plan

I talked about the importance of having a partner when you get stuck. What about those times when you are utterly alone? I was on a narrow trail in a spot that looked like you sliced the 3' tall sides of a trail with a knife. I was high centered and could not stand on either side of the machine to lift, and I did not have a winch or a rope. In my frustration and impatience I expended a tremendous amount of sweat and energy without budging it an inch. I finally had to stop working and start THINKING.

I needed a PLAN. So often in life we ATTACK a problem rather than SOLVING it. A child is disobedient? Attack the child. A spouse is not pleasing us? Attack the spouse. This, of course, does not SOLVE the problem, it only makes things worse. Stop responding in frustration and THINK! God tells us that "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness gentleness, and self-control.

My initial response to being stuck exhibited none of those. When I finally stepped back and took a deep breath I felt a little foolish. There is most definitely a time to ACT, but those who are wise have a PLAN. Be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on March 19, 2026

]]> Don't Stay Stuck http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/03/31/don-t-stay-stuck Tue, 31 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/03/31/don-t-stay-stuck

A person who is afraid of 'getting stuck' simply can't hunt on Alaska's trail systems. Countless times I have driven into a bad place that I KNEW I couldn't get through. Why? Because there was NO OTHER PATH. So- how DID I get through? With the right tools and partners. I have a heavy duty winch, a strong rope, hip boots, and at least one other person. We help each other get through.

There are so many times when we all feel 'stuck' in life. We are facing things- real things- HARD things- that we simply don't know how to get through on our own. When that happens, what do YOU do? Well... you need the right tools and you need partners. You need the Word of God. You need to pray. You need a positive attitude, a thankful heart, motivation and work ethic.

And you need a church family that will draw alongside of you and help you through. Friends, don't STAY stuck! Whatever you are facing, you CAN get through it! Start moving forward today, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Son-in-law Micah Ellington STUCK!

Written on March 18, 2026

]]> Love Each Other In Jesus's Name http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/03/30/love-each-other-in-jesus-s-name Mon, 30 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/03/30/love-each-other-in-jesus-s-name

Your name is important to God, but only because it is attached to you. YOU are important to God- important enough to die for. 1 John 4:10 "This is love- not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." In the same way that a young man works overtime for months so that he can buy his future bride an engagement ring, love ALWAYS sacrifices.

But imagine if when proposing, he called his girl by the wrong name. That would put a damper on things, wouldn't it? Love not only sacrifices, love remembers your name. The Bible tells us that our names have been written down in the Lamb's (Jesus's) Book of Life. Pray for one another by name. Love each other in Jesus's name, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on March 17, 2026

]]> Be An Active Part http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/03/29/be-an-active-part Sun, 29 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/03/29/be-an-active-part

Our common travel today was unimaginable even 150 years ago. I am reading the life story of a missionary to the polynesian islands around 1810. It took him a full year to sail there from England because of continuous storms and difficult weather. Today we would get on and off the plane the same day and complain about a 'long' flight.

From the standpoint of sharing Christ, our ability to travel great distances quickly is a huge asset. When we add the internet and global communications to this, the opportunities to share the gospel expand almost infinitely. We can learn of a great move of God currently happening somewhere on Earth in a matter of moments- and then we can GO or SEND our resources to help in the work. Be an active part of what God is doing in the world, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on March 16, 2026

]]> Already A Witness http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/03/28/already-a-witness Sat, 28 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/03/28/already-a-witness

Experienced riders on mountain sleds (snowmachines) are able to go amazing places. What my 'non-motor' outdoorsy friends don't realize is that riding into high country is a tremendously athletic workout. Skill, strength and agility are baseline requirements. I have personally never been interested in 'motorized adrenaline rushes' on my snowmachine, but I respect the strength and skill of those who are.

People who are highly skilled make hard things look easy. Some create beautiful paintings and sculptures. Others write beautiful music. Some are able to speak in front of large crowds while others can compute complex mathematical formulas. Some can fix anything mechanical while others can easily cook a fabulous meal.

From a spiritual standpoint, once we have received the basic teachings of our faith, Hebrews tells us, "By now you should all be teachers." Why? Because you know something VITALLY IMPORTANT that other people DESPERATELY NEED to KNOW! True, teaching is a skill that can be developed, but it is equally true that you are ALREADY QUALIFIED! Tell others about Jesus.

Explain the simple truth of the gospel. Invite them to church to come and hear for themselves. The Bible states clearly that you are ALREADY a WITNESS for Christ. Become a strong, skilled witness, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

With my son David in the high country.

Written on March 15, 2026

]]> Rise To The Challenge http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/03/27/rise-to-the-challenge Fri, 27 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000 http://crossingak.org/blog/2026/03/27/rise-to-the-challenge

We woke up to bitter cold. I estimated the temperature at −15°. Shoving my feet into frozen boots was not only unpleasant, but soon painful. I tried to move my toes as much as I could to try to get some blood flowing, but I knew that they wouldn't warm up until I started to climb. We put on our crampons, stepped into our harnesses, grabbed our ice axes and roped together. We were most probably the first and only climbers to attempt this mountain during the winter, and the snow was so deep and the incline so vertical that it was impossible to step forward.

The first climber, by plunging in the ice axe and kind of swimming uphill on the knees would make somewhat of a trough. This made forward progress possible for the second and third climbers. By alternating the heavy work out front, we slowly made our way up the mountain. In addition to the deep snow, we had to traverse numerous rock outcroppings. This was a new and unpleasant winter experience for me. All of this added significantly to our sense of accomplishment when we finally stood on the summit.

So often in life, GOOD things require HARD things. There are even times when the BEST things require the HARDEST things. Following Christ is like that, Jesus never intended for our faith to be a simple add-on to an already busy life. He said that to follow him we must pick up our own cross and deny ourselves. But he also promised that this is the path to an abundant life now and for eternity. Rise to the challenge, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Jon Boone and I on the summit after 2 days of hard work.

Written on March 14, 2026

]]>