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! https://crossingak.org Tue, 13 Oct 2026 10:00:00 +0000 Tue, 13 Oct 2026 10:00:00 +0000 hourly 1 3600 SnapPages.com Be A Witness https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/11/09/be-a-witness Mon, 09 Nov 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/11/09/be-a-witness

Our power has been out all morning. This not only means no electricity, but it means no heat. I used my cellphone flashlight to guide me into the garage, where I pulled out two small camp lanterns and my Jetboil. I built a roaring fire in my fireplace and used a French press to make really good coffee. We still have over an hour of darkness and the wind is howling outside, but we have all that we need. Heat and light (and coffee) make for a good morning in my book. HEAT and LIGHT.

As Christians, we should bring both with us wherever we go. The FIRE of the Holy Spirit gives us power to be a witness- the LIGHT of the gospel is "the POWER OF GOD unto salvation for them that believe." As followers of Christ, we can be out of electricity, our batteries can be dead, our gas tanks can be empty, but we can NEVER be without power! When you SPEAK the Word of God, you UNLEASH the POWER of God! Be a witness, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on October 30, 2026

]]> Jesus Is Calling https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/11/08/jesus-is-calling Sun, 08 Nov 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/11/08/jesus-is-calling

How big is Alaska? Well, let me put it this way: I've hunted caribou 1,200 miles south of Anchorage and 800 miles north of Anchorage- all in Alaska. That's BIG. In fact, Alaska has more coastline than the lower 48 states COMBINED! That's BIG! If you cut Alaska in half, Texas would become the 3rd largest state. And yet, our population is one of the lowest in all of America. How can that be? More than 100,000 glaciers cover about 30,000 square miles.

Far more than that amount is covered with year round snow. All of those places are beautiful to visit, beautiful to photograph, but it would be impossible to live there. Those barren places do not support abundant life. In the same way, much of the world around us consists of 'barren places.' People chase the 'dream' through alcohol and drug use, sexual experiences, fame and fortune, and all of it leads to a barren life.

Friends, we were created first and foremost to worship- to love God with every ounce of strength and passion that we have. Second, we were created to love one another. If you are sick and tired of being in a barren place, look up! Jesus is calling! Be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Adak, Alaska bull.

Written on October 29, 2026

]]> Be The Light https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/11/07/be-the-light Sat, 07 Nov 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/11/07/be-the-light

There is something special about climbing in the dark and making it to the top of a mountain for sunrise. Somehow the experience of darkness makes the light not only more welcome, but more 'alive'- more invigorating. It's as though God gives us a daily reminder that we were once living in darkness, but now can see. Isaiah 9:2 says, "On those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned." Jesus said, "I am the light of the world," but he also said to his followers, "YOU are the light of the world."

Once we've experienced the light of Christ in a life-changing way, once we've been born again and are new in Christ- it is the most natural thing in the world to reflect HIS light. Every person who meets a Christian should experience a little glimpse of Christ. If their hearts are tender and open, they will see for the first time the darkness they've been living in. Young children sing, "This is my little gospel light. I'm going to let it shine!" SEE the light, BE the light, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on October 28, 2026

]]> Get Off The Trail https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/11/06/get-off-the-trail Fri, 06 Nov 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/11/06/get-off-the-trail

To truly see nature- to truly experience the wild places- you need to get out of your comfort zone. Roads and trails are great for getting places quickly. They are great for getting a general view of the country. But you miss a great deal more than you actually see. In some respects always staying on familiar ground is like walking in a deep rut. Walking in a rut is safe. It's familiar.

You don't have to worry about getting lost. But you miss 99% of what is going on in the world, the adventure of the unexpected. Every time that you decide to share your faith- to invite another person to church- you are stepping out of the rut and into life's adventure. Don't fall into the trap of a self-centered life. Get off the trail! Get out of your comfort zone, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on October 27, 2026

]]> Keep Asking https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/11/05/keep-asking Thu, 05 Nov 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/11/05/keep-asking

For years I spent several mornings (or more) a week climbing with my partners Roger Denny and Tom Devine. If I ranked the blessings that this was to my life, I would say 1) Friendship, 2) Fitness, and, 3) Accountability. Men generally have a harder time 'going deep' when it comes to friendship. That's just how we are wired. Our conversations aren't best over the phone or even over a cup of coffee. We are DOERS. SHARED EXPERIENCE is the key to knitting our hearts together.

The advantages of fitness go without saying, but the accountability was priceless. Hundreds of times the only reason that I got up at 4 a.m. and put on my climbing gear was because those guys were going to be at my house shortly. Of course, these same advantages apply to women even though it is in their nature to go deep. Whether it's going for a run, going to the gym, climbing, hunting, fishing or adventuring, keep asking until you find a consistent partner, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on October 26, 2026

]]> Choose https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/11/04/choose Wed, 04 Nov 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/11/04/choose

My climbing partner, Ed (and his wife Christine) maintain an excellent level of fitness in spite of Alaska's extreme challenges. How? They ski, hike, climb, run and bike all winter. While the right clothing and equipment is essential, those things are secondary. The most critical element is MOTIVATION. So many of the things that are good for us carry with them a degree of suffering- of hard work and unpleasantness.

The payoff is twofold. They experience many incredible things that belong only to those who venture into the wilderness; and, their commitment to fitness improves their overall quality of life. How about you? Are you willing to do hard things? Are you willing to make a sacrifice today in order to reap a benefit tomorrow? Friends, your life is built one decision at a time. CHOOSE to be joyful. CHOOSE to be thankful. CHOOSE to work hard, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on October 25, 2026

]]> Obey The Spirit https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/11/03/obey-the-spirit Tue, 03 Nov 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/11/03/obey-the-spirit

Living high on a mountain has advantages and disadvantages. We have a beautiful view and can walk from our house into millions of acres of public land. But in a region with 6 months of winter, we get a full extra month of snow- pushing winter even longer. At my house it snowed 7 days in May, we got 4 inches on the last day of August and 4 inches again the last day of September. Those snows all melted, but our October snow is here to stay. Yesterday a friend and I walked from my house and began our first winter climb of the season.

At my age, if I don't force my body to do things it would really rather NOT DO, I will soon lose the ABILITY to do those things. So... I take a deep breath, groan inwardly, and begin the 20 minute process of 'layering up' my gear for the morning climb. Spiritual disciplines are no different. It is so much easier to NOT spend time in God's Word, to NOT spend time praying with and for your a loved ones, to NOT serve in your church.

But make no mistake, you will NOT get spiritually stronger- you will NOT maintain the spiritual strength you already have. Either you will INDULGE the FLESH or you will OBEY the SPIRIT. The first leads to LETHARGY and APATHY, the second leads to ENERGY and VITALITY. Be disciplined! Obey the Spirit, and you WILL be blessed! -Pastor Brad

First winter climb

Written on October 24, 2026

]]> Open The Word Of God https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/11/02/open-the-word-of-god Mon, 02 Nov 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/11/02/open-the-word-of-god

When I was a young man, I loved hunting with a bow and arrow. I was never on par with those really skilled bowhunters, but I did get lucky every now and then. As strange as it may seem, in terms of sheer volume I took more grouse and ptarmigan than anything else. In fact, I carried arrows specifically for shooting game birds. Why, in the days of high-powered rifles, would anyone hunt with a bow and arrow? For me, it was about the challenge to get 'close.' Anyone who's ever called in a bull moose or elk knows that there is a wild difference between seeing one at 400 yards and calling that same animal in to 20 yards.

When you get close- really close- all of your senses are on high alert. You can often hear your heart pounding in your ears. You hold perfectly still- knowing that even the slightest sound or movement can ruin your chances. Somehow, in those moments of nearness, you feel more alive. Drawing near to God can be every bit as challenging.

We are surrounded by activity and noise that drown out the voice and presence of God. He says, "BE STILL and know that I am God," and, "DRAW NEAR TO ME, and I will draw near to you." Friends, being STILL requires intentionality- it requires an active decision. Open the Word of God, draw near, be still- and your faith will come alive! Be blessed! -Pastor Brad
A Montana Ruffed Grouse

Written on October 23, 2026

]]> Bringing People To Christ https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/11/01/bringing-people-to-christ Sun, 01 Nov 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/11/01/bringing-people-to-christ

I got to my ATV, crossed the river, and was just starting my journey home, when to my surprise I ran into another hunter. He pointed to the mountain I'd just come from and asked, "Was that you crossing that long cliff face earlier today?" I said, "Yes, that was me." He replied, "I was watching you through my spotting scope. I didn't think you were going to make it." The Bible talks about those few who will make it to heaven (1 Corinthians 3:15) "as those narrowly escaping flames."

Why? Because they built their lives upon temporary goals, temporary accomplishments, and temporary pleasures. Enjoy life's many blessings, but don't build your lives upon them. Good times with friends and family, hunting and fishing, vacations and retirement accounts- they all have their proper place.

But only two things in this world will last forever: the Word of God and the souls of men. Allow God to speak to you through His Word, invest your life and resources in bringing people to Christ, and you will be building a life that changes the world! Be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on October 22, 2026

]]> Ask Jesus To Save You https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/10/31/ask-jesus-to-save-you Sat, 31 Oct 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/10/31/ask-jesus-to-save-you

I descended as far as I could and found myself about six feet above a basketball-sized ledge covered with a little pyramid of fine gravel. It was barely big enough for both of my feet, but I had to jump and land perfectly on that ledge in order to begin to descend again. Bracing my body against the cliff wall was sapping my strength, so with very little mental preparation I had to jump. My landing was perfect, and without a pack or rifle I was able to quickly lean back into the cliff wall. From there the descent became less technical. In other words, it was still ugly, but there was nowhere where I would have fallen to my death.

I picked up my rifle on the next ledge beneath me and my pack several ledges further down. When the gorge finally opened into a stream bed my continuous prayers turned into audible praise... and then I was down. I told the Lord then and there that I would never make that same mistake again, and I haven't. I have seen rams in that face over a dozen times and I simply look at them longingly and then go the other way. I tried stalking them from the other side and even from the valley on the other side of these peaks (which included a 9 mile hike and a raging river), but there is simply no approach.

Sometimes the saying, "You can't get there from here," is true, isn't it? Sadly, that is the current truth for millions of church attenders. They think that they are going to heaven because they 'believe in God.' They think that they are going to heaven because they 'attend church,' or 'were baptized.' But the truth is that they are living the same old lives with a little bit of Jesus added.

The devil believes in God, and believe me- he is in control of every church with a rainbow flag outside of it along with many others. Those people want to go to heaven, but from where they are standing the saying is true- "You can't get there from here." Repent. Confess and turn from your sins. Humble yourself. Ask Jesus to save you. Surrender your life to Him. THIS is the ONE and ONLY path that leads to LIFE. Take it- RIGHT NOW- and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on October 21, 2026

]]> Give Thanks By Faith https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/10/30/give-thanks-by-faith Fri, 30 Oct 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/10/30/give-thanks-by-faith

As I descended into the gorge the cliff walls closed in on me. What had started as a seep of water had turned into a trickle and now was a stream that I did my best to straddle. When I reached the choke point, I discovered that I was standing on top of a ten to twelve foot waterfall with the stream flowing between my legs. Fortunately, I had a rope in my pack. After securing everything and tightening all my straps, I simply dropped my pack over the edge of the fall and it tumbled out of sight. Then I lowered my rifle down the flowing stream of water until it finally stopped and rested beneath me. Then, with my back to the cliff wall and my hands bracing my body on each side of a crack down the cliff face, I began to descend.

This experience had gone from REALLY BAD to EVEN WORSE. How does the old expression go? Oh, yes- "When it rains, it pours!" When you find your circumstances going from bad to worse (and believe me, sooner or later this WILL happen) it is essential to MAINTAIN a HEART of GRATITUDE. Don't misunderstand me- God never tells us to give thanks FOR all circumstances. That would be ridiculous. He tells us to give thanks IN all circumstances. THAT we can do. No matter how hard things are, GIVE THANKS BY FAITH and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on October 20, 2026

]]> The Next Right Step https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/10/29/the-next-right-step Thu, 29 Oct 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/10/29/the-next-right-step

I was in a bind. The grassy patch I was resting on played out a short distance beneath me. From there I had no choice but to step onto a steep granite slope covered with little rocks ranging from bb to marble size. This funneled me into an unknown gorge, but I had no other option. My only possible route was down. Between trying to keep my balance and also keep from sliding out of control, every single step mattered. This is more true in our daily lives than we often realize- EVERY STEP MATTERS.

One of my former students, a fantastic athlete from a good home, just spent a night partying with his buddies- they weren't hurting anyone. When he drove off the road into a tree, one of his good friends was killed and he went to jail. Every step matters. Another friend, given the option to escape a jail sentence if he joined the military, took that step. The trajectory of his life was positively changed forever.

Every step matters... but one matters more than all the others. Come to Jesus. Come now. Get into an excellent Bible-teaching church. And then? Simple. TAKE THE NEXT RIGHT STEP and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on October 19, 2026

]]> Take Time To Recover https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/10/28/take-time-to-recover Wed, 28 Oct 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/10/28/take-time-to-recover

I made it through the first impossible spot only to run into another... and then another. I was just under the mountain's jagged peak at the foot of a cliff face, standing in deep, vertical shale. My right foot was in the soft shale about two feet lower than my left, and was the only thing bracing me from falling down the mountain. This is why I couldn't turn around. I was finally in shooting range of the ram, but with the falling rain and the dangerous position I was in, I couldn't twist my body and hold the rifle steady even if I wanted to. Oh well...

By the time I made it to the grassy slope where the ram had been, I was so filled with relief that it's hard to describe. It was still nearly vertical and slippery, but at least I could dig my heels in and sit down to let my shaking legs recover. I would much rather have kept moving. I was shivering cold and drenched with sweat and rain all at the same time. Perhaps only sheep hunters really understand what I'm talking about. I wanted off the mountain, but I knew that it was essential for my muscles to have a break. How about you? You work hard. You live a busy life.

Do you take time to recover? It might be an hour nap for a busy mom, an afternoon away, or even a weekend or longer break. Friends, we were created in the image of God to WORK, but we were also created in the image of God to need REST. Jesus said, "Come to me, you who are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." Take time to recover, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on October 18, 2026

]]> Make God Honoring Choices https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/10/27/make-god-honoring-choices Tue, 27 Oct 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/10/27/make-god-honoring-choices

I learn from my mistakes. Honestly, I do. My problem is that I keep making different ones. I was traversing an extremely dangerous cliff face with a backpack and a rifle. I wrapped bandanas around my hands because I was getting cut clinging to the sharp shale. I was after a legal ram, but at this point I just wanted to make it out alive. How did I get there? It wasn't intentional. Well... it WAS intentional, but only because I didn't know what I was getting into. Once I made my first bad decision, I had no way to turn around. From there things just got worse.

That's the way it is with bad decisions, isn't it? Oh, we know the party was wrong, the sex was wrong, the drinking and drugs, the dishonesty and theft- was all wrong- we just did it anyway. How did we know it was wrong? Simple. We have been created in the image of God and his laws are written on our hearts. Bad decisions are simply a REFUSAL to LISTEN and LEARN from our loving Father.

In Matthew 11:29 Jesus said, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart." Carry what HE asks us to carry, listen and learn- life is just that simple. Easy? No. Simple? Yes. Don't let bad decisions complicate your life. Make God- honoring choices, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on October 17, 2026

]]> Don't Waste Today https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/10/26/don-t-waste-today Mon, 26 Oct 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/10/26/don-t-waste-today

Our last day of August and last day of September snows have all melted from my yard, but the fresh snow on the mountains keeps getting closer. Strange as it may seem, I honestly love the snow- l love being outside in winter. Don't get me wrong, I would also love two more months of fall. But hey- we get what we get, don't we? Every season has its advantages. In the winter we don't have to deal with no-se-ums (biting gnats) and mosquitoes, it virtually never rains, and the air is always fresh and invigorating. Every season of life also has its advantages.

Single? The Apostle Paul says that you are able to serve the Lord with greater freedom. Married? Proverbs 18:22 says, "He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord." Raising children? Psalm 127:3 says, "Children are a blessing and a gift from the Lord." Retired? Speaking of those who follow Christ, Psalm 92:14 says, "They will still bear fruit in old age.They will stay fresh and green." Don't waste today longing for yesterday or waiting for tomorrow. Embrace this season, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on October 16, 2026

]]> Rise To The Challenge https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/10/22/rise-to-the-challenge Thu, 22 Oct 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/10/22/rise-to-the-challenge

It was my first extended hunt in Alaska's wilderness. I didn't have a single piece of high quality gear and carried in everything but the kitchen sink. I had the large arctic army pack, which to this day has far more volume (and less comfort) than any pack on the market. I was pleased to get my pack down to just over 70 pounds, and I, of course, had a rifle that weighed 10 more. I hiked in more than 8 miles and climbed two mountains wearing this full pack. Why? What drives a back-country hunter?

Taking nothing away from our tough ladies (and Alaska is full of them), there is something about rising to meet an extreme challenge that satisfies a man at his very core. To struggle and persevere, to suffer and refuse to quit, to rise in the face of adversity and overcome- these things make a man's heart soar. Christian men and women, let me be blunt. If you have a flat, disinterested faith, it's because you have refused to face adversity- to persevere- to struggle and overcome in the sharing of your faith. No pilot wants to spend 20 years in ground school, he wants to fly!

There is a spiritual war being waged all around us. Don't spend your life in basic training, get into the fight! Step outside your comfort zone and invite someone to church TODAY. Pray for a few unsaved family members, friends or co-workers RIGHT NOW- pray that God will bless them and give them success- and then contact them TODAY to let them know you were praying this for them. Rise to the challenge! Get into the battle, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on October 15, 2026

]]> The One True God https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/10/21/the-one-true-god Wed, 21 Oct 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/10/21/the-one-true-god

What is a kingdom? We usually think in terms of a geographic area, but that isn't exactly right. A kingdom is comprised of those who live under the rule of a king. When Jesus began his ministry by saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand," he was uttering a profound truth. Jesus is King. To repent is to turn from the sin of a self-ruled life, and to embrace Christ as, not 'THE' King, but as YOUR King.

In that moment- in a real and literal sense- you become a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven. In that moment, THIS world is no longer your home. Of course, we still honor and obey legitimate authority. We have an important role to play in bringing righteousness to our nation and state and communities.

We simply answer ultimately to a higher power, the one true God who is ruler over everything. Bow your knee to Jesus. Get into an excellent Bible-teaching church, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

A monument honoring the former king of Thailand

Written on October 14, 2026

]]> Walking Out https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/10/20/walking-out Tue, 20 Oct 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/10/20/walking-out

The problem with a 'walk in' hunt is not the walking in, if you are successful it's the walking out. The moment the animal is down everything gets hard- really hard. This is also true of bad life choices. Whether we're talking about abusing alcohol or drugs, immorality, or dishonesty- 'walking in' is easy. Walking OUT, on the other hand, can be incredibly painful. Sin always takes you farther than you wanted to go, keeps you longer than you wanted to stay, and costs you more than you wanted to pay. Before walking into any situation in life, give thought to the 'walking out,' and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Starting the long walk out with a nice bull caribou.

Written on October 12, 2026

]]> Give Thanks https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/10/19/give-thanks Mon, 19 Oct 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/10/19/give-thanks

One of the great rewards of climbing a mountain is being 'on top of the world.' After the non-stop grind of the climb, there is suddenly this RELEASE- this FREEDOM- that is hard to describe if you've never been there. The young people I take climbing are like calves released from a stall. They go bounding in every direction and forget that only moments beneath the summit they were in pain and maybe even thinking of quitting. In a very literal sense, a whole new world opens before them.

I understand it because I've never stopped feeling that way myself. That kind of RELEASE- that kind of FREEDOM- is available to every Christian who chooses to walk on the 'high road' in this life. Tell the truth. Refuse to take offense. Forgive immediately. Be gracious and kind. Focus on pleasing God and others. Be generous. Give thanks in all circumstances. SMILE! Simply put into practice all of the pleasant things that are a part of a God-honoring life, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on October 11, 2026

]]> Come To Him https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/10/18/come-to-him Sun, 18 Oct 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/10/18/come-to-him

Snow draws kids like a magnet. In central Alaska we have a full six months of winter, and often a bit more. In early June, with the snow finally gone, we treasure our long, sunny days. For years I have taken a group of teenagers to climb a mountain. With our snow gone for barely a month, where do those kids race when we reach the top of the mountain? To the snow, of course! There are some things in life that simply 'draw' us.

For example, even the most hardened atheist is touched by a group of five year olds dressed up like angels for a Christmas play. There is something beautiful and innocent and pure and right that everyone feels strongly. While the unbelievers don't know it, it is simply the Holy Spirit drawing them. The Scripture says that God has "placed eternity in the hearts of men."

Jesus also said, "If the Son of Man is lifted up (the cross) he will draw all men unto himself." All means ALL, but so many choose to resist Him. Surrender- come to Him- follow that inward drawing- that unmet craving in your heart. And not just once- come to Him every morning and throughout every day, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on October 10, 2026

]]> Live Life God's Way https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/10/17/live-life-god-s-way Sat, 17 Oct 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/10/17/live-life-god-s-way

I was officially bowhunting for elk or a nice whitetail or mule deer in Montana's Little Belt Mountains. The country I was in seemed absolutely desolate with no sign of game. An early snow and cold temperatures completely changed the hunt- from 'pleasant' to 'not so much.' Suddenly I came on bear tracks in the fresh snow. At this point in my life I had never shot a bear, and don't remember ever even seeing one while I was hunting. In a split second my senses were on high alert and I began tracking the bear, hoping to catch up with him, hoping to get close enough...

Signs of life gave me HOPE and MOTIVATION. Somehow life was BETTER than it was just a moment ago. This is the experience of every true Christian who belongs to a faithful Bible-teaching church. As you walk in the door you see signs of life everywhere! People are smiling, encouraging- catching up with each other and meeting someone new. And just like that, LIFE IS BETTER than it was a moment ago.

Friends, if you are in a dead, solemn church- if you are in a church where the pastor puts people to sleep- if you are in a church where the highlight every week is walking OUT the door rather than IN- find a different church! Find a church that brings life and hope and motivation to live life God's way, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

I tracked the bear over the top of the mountain, but never caught up with him.

Written on October 9, 2026

]]> Lift Up Thanks https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/10/16/lift-up-thanks Fri, 16 Oct 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/10/16/lift-up-thanks

When the Army sent me to Alaska, I had no intention building a life here. They say, "If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans." I had no desire to go to Alaska and no desire to stay, but decades later here I am. I had 3 critically important meetings in Alaska that changed my life. First, I met Jesus. He began to change me for the better immediately. Though it was more than a year before I put all of the garbage connected to my old life behind me, the Holy Spirit was lovingly relentless.

Second, I met my wife, Laura. In many ways, she was my model for what it looked like to keep God at the center of life. When we first began our courtship, she told me that she wanted a husband who was a spiritual leader. Then she had to explain to me what that meant in practical terms, because I had no idea. Third, I met The Crossing church family. This is where I found strong biblical teaching, godly men for mentors, and a true community of people who honestly loved each other.

God gave us five beautiful children, dozens more that we helped to raise, and now has blessed us with grandchildren- thus far every one 'Alaska born.' Take a moment today to lift up thanks for Jesus, for your spouse and for your family, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Newest joyful grandson Ruger

Written on October 8, 2026

]]> Embrace Each Season https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/10/15/embrace-each-season Thu, 15 Oct 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/10/15/embrace-each-season

If you've read or watched "The Hobbit," you are familiar with 'second breakfast.' Here in Alaska, I refer to March and April as 'second winter.' Our 'first winter' starts in mid-October and runs through the end of February. It's our cold, dark winter. Our second winter has long sunshiny days and warmer weather. When I have the opportunity to get outdoors, I actually enjoy all of it. After winter we have five short months to explore Alaska, complete building projects, and gather fish, game, berries and firewood.

In the same way that seasons of the year determine much of what we do, seasons of life also bring continuous changes. Embrace each season. Choose to capture and hold fast the JOY of being an eternal child of God. BEAUTY surrounds us. Take a moment to thank God for the season you are in, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Second winter on an iceberg.

Written on October 7, 2026

]]> Invest https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/10/14/invest Wed, 14 Oct 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/10/14/invest

While food, clothing, and shelter (even money) are life's necessities, the richness of life is found only in RELATIONSHIPS. We were created to LOVE and BE LOVED. People who sacrifice relationships on the altars of fame, talent, adventure or wealth always wind up empty. The Reverend Billy Graham once spoke about meeting with one of the world's wealthiest men on an island paradise.

The man spoke of having a yacht, airplanes and helicopters, of being able to go anywhere and do anything he wanted, and then said, "But I am the most miserable man on this island." He had all the money in the world and yet never learned that the key to a happy, fulfilling life is to love Jesus and love others.

If you only love others (and NOT Jesus), you may well find a degree of richness in THIS life, but you will wind up empty at the end. Invest- put time and energy- into your relationship with God and with others, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on October 6, 2026

]]> Build Others Up https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/10/13/build-others-up Tue, 13 Oct 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/10/13/build-others-up

Years ago our dear friend Lana offered to do an outdoor family portrait for us. The night before the photo, the skies cleared and the temperature plummeted to well below zero. In order to get the photo she (and we) wanted, we had to race outside, smile, and then race back in to warm up. Then we would do it again and again. Originally we tried to stay longer, but our faces, fingers and toes were so frozen that we had a hard time smiling! But the picture that we see doesn't tell us all of that, does it? The same thing is true of every person that we meet.

We see the outside, but we don't see the life experiences that have shaped the person in front of us. We don't see their challenges, struggles or accomplishments. We don't know if the present moment is filled with joy and expectation or if heartache is just below the surface. This is why it is so important for us to be kind and considerate- to genuinely love people and to build one another up. The person you see goes so much deeper, and it is a gift to get to know them better. Don't judge by mere appearances. Encourage- give compliments- build others up, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on October 5, 2026

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