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 Thu, 07 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000 Thu, 07 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000 hourly 1 3600 SnapPages.com Persistence Pays https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/31/persistence-pays Sun, 31 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/31/persistence-pays

Persistence pays. Trying to get my youngest son a caribou proved to be a long endeavor. It looked like this: drive 250 miles, hunt for 2 days, drive 250 miles home. We did this several times before finally seeing a small band of caribou standing in the snow in heavy fog. My son got one off-hand shot before they bolted into the timber. He said that he thought he hit one, but nothing went down and there was no blood in the snow. We left disappointed and pulled a sled in to a small, frozen lake where Caribou sometimes cross. We didn't have a machine, so the sled was to help us get a caribou out if we got one.

Late in the day, having seen nothing else, we went back to where Michael had taken his shot. We were dead tired from dragging that sled through deep snow, but we didn't want to quit. We decided to follow the caribou tracks in the fresh snow from earlier in the day to see if we could catch up with them. That's when I saw it- a speck in the snow about the size of the head of a needle that didn't look right. I gently scooped it with my mitten and held it up close to my face. We were 100 yards from where the caribou were standing when my son took the shot, and I said, "Mike, this looks like blood." That was it. No blood trail- just one tiny speck.

To make a long story short- we did find his beautiful bull caribou dead in the timber. For some bizarre reason it didn't bleed. After days of trying he finally had his caribou. Persistence pays. The same thing is true spiritually. In a typical week I have numerous opportunities to invite people to church and several spiritual conversations. Of those, only a few come to church. But some DO come! Some ARE saved! Persistence pays! Friends, don't get discouraged and don't give up! Your faithfulness WILL make a difference in someone's eternity! Be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on May 18, 2026

]]> Stay In The Word Of God https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/30/stay-in-the-word-of-god Sat, 30 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/30/stay-in-the-word-of-god

If you are fortunate to visit an Alaska native village during the 'run' you will see fish racks drying salmon. In the interior you may also see a cache. This looks like a tiny log cabin on stilts- usually 15 ft or more up off the ground. This is where hunters would store their meat to keep it from predators. The meat freezes in cold weather and is good all winter and spring. When it comes to food, these and almost countless other methods have been devised for PRESERVATION. Preservation accomplishes two things: it PROTECTS what is good, and, it keeps what is GOOD from becoming BAD.

As Christians, the righteousness (GOODness) of Christ has been gifted- imputed- to us. Philippians 1:6 tells us, "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." But how, exactly, can we keep this good work of God from being corrupted? Only by the Word of God. God's Word protects what is good, and keeps what is good from becoming bad.

Jude 1:24 tells us that" God is able to keep you from falling and will present you faultless before the presence of His glory.." HE protects. HE preserves. Stay in the Word of God, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Fish rack at Illiamna with oldest son Hunter.

Written on May 17, 2026

]]> Live Without Fear https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/29/live-without-fear Fri, 29 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/29/live-without-fear

For many years this was the time of year when I harvested our spring and summer meat - black bear. I'd still be doing it if I had a place to hunt... but not because it's fun. For me sitting in a tree until midnight, covered with mosquitoes, is not fun. Skinning and cutting up a bear well after midnight by myself is not fun. Getting a bear roast out of the freezer is fun. Men are wired differently, aren't we? We push ourselves- willing to embrace long seasons of discomfort that borders on suffering- simply to meet a challenge. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of women who push themselves, but for some reason an element of risk or danger seems to draw the hearts of men.

Jesus understood this. He knew that his followers would be hunted down like animals, but he didn't tell them to have courage in the face of fear. No, he said to them, "Do not fear the one who can kill your body and after that can do no more." DO NOT FEAR. His was not a "push forward in spite of your fears" message. DO NOT FEAR. I love that.

I love the idea of pressing forward, even when there is risk or danger, utterly without fear. For me, nothing is more satisfying then boldly proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and strongly standing on his truth in the face of our culture's lies. NO FEAR. Friends, if you belong to Christ then you are eternal. Live without fear, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on May 16, 2026

]]> A Thankful Heart https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/28/a-thankful-heart Thu, 28 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/28/a-thankful-heart

My wife, Laura, grew up in Alaska but not in a hunting family. As the oldest child she did much of the cooking for the family when she grew up, but she said that she was too squeamish to even cut up a chicken. As a young married couple in Copper River we were allowed one subsistence caribou each. She wasn't happy about it, but I insisted that she shoot one because we needed the meat. She, however, sat in the tundra overlooking a river and facing the other direction as I cut it up.

When we got home she did not help process the meat. But in the coming weeks I saw a change that was very noticeable. Getting those roasts and steaks and burger out of the nice little wrapped packages in the freezer was just like getting it from the supermarket. We were dead broke and waited for 6 weeks for our first paycheck, so this meat literally took care of us. She was proud that she had provided for the family.

From that point forward she helped me process whatever game the Lord gave us. In Scripture part of God's provision included wild game (Genesis 27:3), fish, and animals raised for food. Receive whatever the Lord provides with a thankful heart, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on May 15, 2026

]]> Take Care Of Your 'Tent' https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/27/take-care-of-your-tent Wed, 27 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/27/take-care-of-your-tent

I'm not as strong as I used to be. People who hunt Dall Sheep understand that an 'empty' pack when you leave camp is actually very heavy. You need binoculars, rangefinder, spotting scope and tripod. You need a scoped rifle and extra ammo. You need rain gear and warm gear and an emergency phone. You need food, water, knives and game bags. On top of that, for many years I brought a whole Dall Sheep with cape and horns off the mountain in one trip. Not anymore. I actually brought my last sheep out in three trips, though I could certainly have made it in two.

No matter how hard you train, your body eventually wears out and breaks down. In fact, the Apostle Paul refers to his body as a 'tent' where he lives. Though God created these 'tents' to be eternal, the curse of sin brought about death. The Good News is that every Christian will one day have a brand new perfect body! More than that, the Word of God tells us that we will be "clothed with immortality." Forever young. More and more I like the sound of that.

Knowing all of this, how should we respond? Simple. We need to take care of the tent where we live so that we can better serve God and others. 'Taking care' includes two of my least favorite words: diet and exercise. Ugh! The payoff? Quality of life goes UP and self-inflicted problems go DOWN. Take care of your 'tent' and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on May 14, 2026

]]> Build On Him Alone https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/26/build-on-him-alone Tue, 26 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/26/build-on-him-alone

While I have crossed many glaciers in my life, there is only one time that I was actually inside of one. Friends and I were out on snowmachines and noticed and opening in a glacier. I walked up to the opening and to my surprise was looking into a beautiful, large ice cavern. I actually drove my snowmachine inside. A year later the opening was gone. You see, to all appearances glaciers are rock solid. The ice is solid and immovable and unshakable. But appearances can be deceptive, can't they? That ice is continuously shifting. No matter how level and firm and deep the sheet of ice, it would be unwise to build a house there. It SEEMS like a firm foundation, but it is NOT a firm foundation.

I read of another young star athlete- a young man who earned millions and was drafted number one to play professional sports- who died tragically- mixed up in drug use and dealing. What happened? He built his life on a wrong foundation. He wasted his fortune and lost his fame when he was cut after 6 years. His foundation of being a professional athlete- trusting in his athleticism and money- trusting in the continuous attention lavished on him- proved to be shifting sand rather than solid rock.

If you want a house that will stand forever, there is only one foundation. 1 Corinthians 3:11 says, "For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ." Trust in him alone, build on him alone- and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on May 13, 2026

]]> Better Days Are Coming https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/25/better-days-are-coming Mon, 25 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/25/better-days-are-coming

Though nearly the middle of May, I found myself climbing in fresh snow yesterday. Alaska is indeed a land of extremes. A number of times in my life I've heard people from Southern California complain about the monotony of continuous sunshine. That's never been my experience. Don't get me wrong, I love snow and the crisp, cold air... in winter. But this time of year I find myself anxious for the snow to be gone- for the sun to shine- for the trees to bud. It's an intense longing for something that I know is just around the corner.

This should be our heart attitude towards the day we will be with Christ in heaven. It's not that there aren't things in this life that are beautiful and lovely- there are! It's simply that we know something better is waiting for us and it's just around the corner. The apostle Paul said that he longed to be with Christ, but for the sake of his ministry he was content to stay here on earth.

He said, "For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain." Let this be your heart. Enjoy and give thanks for the good things in this life, but don't become too attached. This world is not our home. And when life gets hard? Remember this- God is good and better days are coming! Be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on May 12, 2026

]]> What Truly Matters https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/24/what-truly-matters Sun, 24 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/24/what-truly-matters

It's May 11th and I have a fresh blanket of snow the ground. About a month ago I got serious about climbing again. It's unpleasant. In fact, I'm always a little bit nauseous until my body adjusts to the exertion. Many of the things that are good for us in the long haul are difficult in the moment. Maintaining sexual purity until marriage, sticking with your marriage even when things get tough, laboring through school or training to earn a better living- all of these can be very hard at the time.

In our spiritual lives one of the HARDEST things with the BIGGEST payoff is to set aside time for personal Bible study and prayer. Is finding the time a problem? It's painful to hear, but the solution is probably to get up earlier. For me this means getting up at 4:00 a.m.. But here's the thing- I never ever ever ever regret starting my morning this way. My day is BETTER because I begin the right way.

Colossians 3:2 says, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." As you open the Word of God and pray you set your mind and your heart in the right place. You become centered on what truly matters. This impacts your decisions and relationships all day long. Be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Still Climbing

Written on May 11, 2026

]]> Give Honor https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/23/give-honor Sat, 23 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/23/give-honor

Happy Mother's Day to all you moms out there. I'm one of those who is blessed with a great mother, as was she. My wife and my daughters are great mothers. Being an excellent mother doesn't require perfection, it simply requires that you give yourself fully in each of your life's roles.

For example, you can give 100% to being a mother, 100% to being a wife, 100% to being an employee, 100% to being a good friend and 100% to following Christ- all at the same time! It's a woman's superpower- to be fully engaged in the moment while multitasking! Give honor to the various moms in your life today (and every day) and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

My amazing mom and dad with a 'great-grand.'

Written on May 10, 2026

]]> Teach Them The Truth https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/22/teach-them-the-truth Fri, 22 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/22/teach-them-the-truth

Satan continues to wage his war on what it is to be masculine and feminine. Sadly, many young Christians are unknowingly leading their sons and daughters into this confusion. Raise your boys to be strong- guardians, protectors, providers. No, they shouldn't be playing with dolls. Give them a hammer and some nails and a pile of scrap wood. Give them bows and slingshots and knives. Let them cook, sure, but let them do it wearing jeans and a flannel shirt.

What about girls, you ask? Yes, of course girls love to do physical and outdoor things- especially with Dad. Many are great athletes. Many love to hunt and fish. But never make the mistake of listening to your young girl who says, "I don't like dresses." Wrong. Teach her to rejoice in her femininity. Let her hair grow and buy her pretty dresses. Make sure that she learns how to cook and take care of a home.

Let her know that being a girl is a wonderful thing and that she is perfect just the way God made her. In spite of Satan's lies, men are MEN and women are WOMEN. Teach them the truth about themselves and the truth about their Savior, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Daughter Sarah with a nice black bear.

Written on May 9, 2026

]]> Worth Waiting For https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/21/worth-waiting-for Thu, 21 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/21/worth-waiting-for

We all came from somewhere. I'm not talking about YOU, specifically, I'm talking about your 'people'- your ancestors. Every person on earth shares a common Grandfather- Noah. We all shared one and the same language, and I'm quite positive it wasn't English! Mankind was settled on an enormous plain in the Middle East, and was building a tower that reached to the heavens- without God- in spite of God- with no care for God... so God confused their languages, divided them by clans and spread them all over the earth.

Not only was man divided, the earth itself was broken apart and divided. (Genesis 10:25 "In the days of Peleg the earth was divided.") This is why we see at the same period in history amazing towers- pyramids- all over the earth. The original builders and architects and craftsmen of Babel took their skills with them. And while our 'family trees' are a valuable and interesting study, our SPIRITUAL family trees are what's truly important.

In other words, it is because of another person that YOU heard the gospel and were saved. That person is your spiritual father or mother. He or she also heard the gospel from a person and was saved. That is your spiritual grandparent. Each one of us will be able to trace our salvation, one generation at a time, all the way to Christ.

In heaven you will meet all of those people! My Great-Great-Great Grandfather, Anders Rud, immigrated from Norway. I believe that he is in my spiritual family tree. On his tombstone is carved the words (in Norwegian) "As Christ was raised, so also we shall be raised, and that is well worth waiting for." Be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Anders Rud's Tombstone near his homestead in rural Minnesota.

Written on May 8, 2026

]]> Lean In https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/20/lean-in Wed, 20 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/20/lean-in

Some people grow up expecting others to do everything for them- to solve all of their problems- to meet all of their needs. Sadly, these wrong expectations are often learned in childhood. It's actually GOOD for people to be a part of the solutions that they need. Years ago my young granddaughter Harper wanted me to fill a small swimming pool with water so the kids could 'swim.' I told her that if she dragged the pool out to the front yard then I'd fill it. Tiny as she was, she didn't even flinch. She grabbed that giant pool, leaned in, and started dragging.

The idea that life should be 'free' (college, health care, welfare etc.) is a twisted plot of the devil to destroy lives. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that inner city and rural village welfare 'plantations' have kept people enslaved to government handouts- literally decimating cultures. People don't need a handOUT- they need a handUP.

The Word of God tells us that "If a man does not work, he shall not eat." Why did God set this principle for life? Because he LOVES us, and knows that working to provide is a BLESSING, not a curse. LEAN IN- be a part of the solutions that you need, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on May 7, 2026

]]> Do What You Can https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/19/do-what-you-can Tue, 19 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/19/do-what-you-can

One of the reasons young children learn and grow so fast is that they 'believe' that they can do almost anything. Ask a kindergartner- "Can you run fast? Can you jump high? Can you draw a beautiful picture?"

"Yes! Yes! Yes!"

A number of years ago as my 3 year old granddaughter Piper climbed the tiniest little 'rock wall' you've ever seen to go down a slide, I heard her say to herself, "I'm SO strong!"

Sadly, when we get older the word "CAN'T" enters our vocuabulary- keeping us from trying so many good things- keeping us from learning and growing. As we GROW our CAN'T becomes our CAN.

Think about it- you couldn't write your name. You couldn't add. You couldn't drive a car or dribble a ball or a thousand other things... now you CAN.

The devil does not want you to witness for Christ. He will whisper into your mind the thought- "I can't." It may be teaching children in Sunday School or leading a group of friends in a Bible study. It may be a commitment to inviting several strangers a day to come to church.

Friends, the idea that you can't do it is a LIE. You CAN! And as you DO what you CAN, you will discover that you GROW and become STRONGER. Don't worry about what you think you CAN'T do. DO what you CAN, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Piper 'climbing' her wall to the slide.

Written on May 6, 2026

]]> Fix Our Eyes On Jesus https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/18/fix-our-eyes-on-jesus Mon, 18 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/18/fix-our-eyes-on-jesus

The statement- "It's a pretty good trail" means something entirely different in Alaska than in other states. In Alaska it simply means that if conditions are right you will 'probably' get through.... but you might get stuck many times- your ATV may break down- you will definitely want a winch. Even so, I am thankful for the small number of trails that we have into the wilderness. From year to year you never know what you will discover ahead of you, that's true. But when you follow a trail you always know the way home.

This is what the Word of God does for us in life. It's a clear guide- the only right path to follow. We never know what we'll run into on the journey, but we are always secure in the fact that this trail leads us home. When do things get 'iffy?' When you set your eyes on something else- pursue something else- and lose sight of the trail.

This most commonly happens when we pursue money rather than pursuing God. 1 Timothy 6:10 says, "Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows." Friends, stay on the path. Fix your eyes on Jesus, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

My kids on a typical 'pretty good' Alaska trail.

Written on May 5, 2026

]]> Step Out In Faith https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/17/step-out-in-faith Sun, 17 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/17/step-out-in-faith

Some people claim that my 'hunting ideas' aren't always the best. For example, when my wife Laura drew a lottery moose tag a few years ago, she and I and our son David rode triple on a four wheeler (Laura behind me on the seat and David on the front rack). After eight miles which seemed uneventful to me and death-defying to Laura, we hunted on foot. Now- why in the world would I have us ride triple? Because at the time I only had access to one machine. I figured one was better than none- Laura disagreed. The result? Laura shot a nice moose.

But think about it- why were we successful? For one reason: I was determined to do my best with what we had. Many people are unwilling to undertake a challenge unless they have everything that they think they need. They won't start unless circumstances are 'just right.' You see, if my machine is broken, I walk. If my gear is lacking, I make do. Dozens of times I have been successful simply because I was determined to do my best even when I didn't have everything I needed. Nowhere is this more true than in our spiritual lives.

You don't need a seminary degree to tell people about Jesus (or to preach, for that matter). You don't need millions of dollars to give sacricially to advance the gospel. Very often the ministry challenges I've faced over the years did not include "what I needed" up front. And what did I discover? That all I TRULY needed was to step out in faith. God did the rest. Don't wait for perfect circumstances. Begin doing what you KNOW God wants you to do, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Laura and David with our 4-wheeler. I'm taking the picture.

Written on May 4, 2026

]]> Life Is About Relationships https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/16/life-is-about-relationships Sat, 16 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/16/life-is-about-relationships

May 3 and still ice on the lakes. My yard high on Bear Mountain is down to about a foot of snow. Think about it- COLD makes things HARD. Water freezes, and if the cold continues, the ice gets thick enough to drive on. In fact, it gets thick enough to build a fire on. For me, the wilderness experience is all about the fish and game and the country I'm in. For my kids it was all about the snacks and the campfire... even in the winter... even on the ice. But here's the thing- it PLEASED me to bless them. It PLEASED me to do the extra work, spend the extra money. and spend the extra time doing something (in this case) wholly unrelated to catching fish. Why?

Because I wanted them to enjoy the experience. I wanted them to laugh together and have fun. The fish were an exciting bonus, but the smiles and laughter and memories are what I was after. There are times in life when I've been utterly too serious- when I've been so focused on the task at hand that I 'pushed hard' rather than 'led well.'

Friends, this life is about relationships- first with Jesus Christ and then with one another. If you miss the first, the second doesn't matter. Pray together, laugh together, make life 'special' for those around you, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Ice fishing years ago with my 'gang' of teenagers.

Written on May 3, 2026

]]> Determine To Choose https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/15/determine-to-choose Fri, 15 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/15/determine-to-choose

Some men are just plain 'steady.' In other words, you know that you can count on them. My friend Chuck Bohling is like that. He has a great sense of humor, can recite wilderness poetry around a campfire, and has invested many years in behind-the-scenes leadership at The Crossing. As you look around your 'friend' and 'work' circles, identify those things in other people that you wish were true of yourself.

When you are in private, write them down. Be very specific. Instead of writing, "He (or She) is friendly," write, "He always says hello and asks if I need anything." "She regularly brings a plate of cookies or snacks to share at the office." "He always offers to help other people with their projects." Learn from others, and begin to imitate those practices and behaviors that honor God and others.

After all, if you want to be known as a GENEROUS person, you have to BE generous! If you want to be known as an ENCOURAGER, you must learn to encourage EVERYONE at every opportunity! People don't set out to be miserly or selfish or critical, that's not a 'life goal' for anyone. People become that way not because they INTENDED to, but because they do not INTENTIONALLY choose- DETERMINE to choose- right behaviors. As you imitate those traits that you admire, they WILL become true of you! When this happens, you (and THEY) will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Chuck Bohling feasting on moose ribs at hunting camp after knocking down a nice bull.

Written on May 2, 2026

]]> A Mountain Worth Climbing https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/14/a-mountain-worth-climbing Thu, 14 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/14/a-mountain-worth-climbing

For many years after our Vacation Bible School I would take our youth group on a 'climb.' After a 4 hour 'Bear Mountain Loop' Laura and I would feed all of them an Alaskan meal (usually moose chili and bear roast). The climb itself was difficult for many and extremely difficult for a few, What was the most important job on this climb? The leader? No, the leader's job was much like a cowboy holding the reins- you simply had to slow the horse down. Otherwise the fastest climbers would be on top an hour ahead of the others.

The most important job was the 'trail'- the person who was the LAST one up the mountain? Why? Because the last person was a skilled, fit climber whose job it was to motivate and encourage those who felt like quitting.- to let them know that they were doing great- that (no matter how slow) we were ahead of schedule. That job was usually mine. You see, I knew something many of those young people didn't know: The secret to climbing a mountain is DON'T QUIT. I KNEW that every single young person could make it to the top I KNEW that a young person who quit would not only feel shame, but also would be much less likely to try climbing again in the future.

I KNEW that there is a sense of confidence and accomplishment when overcoming a difficult challenge that you simply don't get anywhere else. Maybe that challenge for you is sharing your faith. DON'T QUIT. Continue to invite people to church, continue to tell them what Christ has done for you. Sooner or later a person WILL respond, WILL come, WILL be interested in hearing about Christ. THAT is a mountain worth climbing! Be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on May 1, 2026

]]> Follow God's Simple Rules For Living https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/13/follow-god-s-simple-rules-for-living Wed, 13 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/13/follow-god-s-simple-rules-for-living

Sometimes danger is clear- no one could miss it. Other times it isn't so obvious. At the end of a mission trip to Uganda we spent 2 days on and along the Nile River. The riverbank was lined with large crocodiles- clear danger. But to our surprise, our native guide told us that BY FAR the most dangerous animal was the hippo. That was unexpected. Some of life's dangers are clear, and we cross those lines both to our own harm and often the harm of others.

Adultery and divorce? Even a child knows that parents are to love each other and stay together, yet the innocent victims and collateral damage devastates lives. Tobacco and drug use, alcohol abuse? Even a child learns of and understands the dangers of harmful behaviors- yet many people choose to cross those lines. Other dangers are NOT obvious- in fact they are a central part of what many people consider to be 'success.'

The LOVE of and drive to get more money- to be rich- for example. Or the temptation to live this life as though what Christ did for the world doesn't matter. God warns us about these hidden dangers.

1 Timothy 6:10 "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager to get rich, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows."

Hebrews 2:3 "How shall we escape (judgment) if we ignore so great a salvation?"

The KEY to living well is to avoid both the obvious and the hidden dangers. Live simply. Love God and others. Be thankful and kind and generous. Follow God's simple rules for living, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Crocodile and Hippos- Nile River

Written on April 30, 2026

]]> Point People To Jesus https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/12/point-people-to-jesus Tue, 12 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/12/point-people-to-jesus

If it wasn't for a good friend who is a more successful hunter, some years moose meat would be almost non-existent in my diet. The moose in my freezer right now is from a roadkill and I'm glad to have it. Perhaps the Lord has kept me focusing on being a 'meat' hunter by not giving me large moose, or perhaps it's just a combination of the country I'm hunting and my own deficiencies. But ONCE- just ONCE- after nine days of hunting in the freezing rain without seeing a single moose- the weather cleared at sundown and froze hard overnight. I called moose until after dark, and my partner (Pastor Josh) asked, "Where are we hunting tomorrow?" I said, "Right here. Every bull for miles has heard these calls, and this clear weather will have them up and moving."

I was barely out of my sleeping bag when the first big bull walked right into camp- but he didn't have enough brow tines to be certain he was legal, so we let him go and continued to call. Soon another big bull was coming right for us from several hundred yards upriver. That's the one- the only big bull I ever shot. What's my point? Circumstances matter. Persistence matters. Continuus rain kept the moose hidden, cold and clear got them moving.

When it comes to sharing our faith with friends and family members, there are circumstances where they are far less likely to be receptive. It may be during a birthday or other gathering with friends. It may be when they are in the middle of work or an important project. Those are times when a simple invitation to church or your Bible study are appropriate, but you can hardly expect them to break away from friends or work to genuinely listen to the gospel.

Of course we don't give up- we simply wait for a better time. Better yet, we orchestrate a better time by inviting them to lunch or out for coffeee- just the two of us. Friends, God is clear- you ARE a witness for Christ. The only real question is this: "What kind of witness are you?" Point people to Jesus. Be wise, be persistent, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Photo of 7th load out- first 6 loads were meat!

Written on April 29, 2026

]]> Your Are Free https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/11/your-are-free Mon, 11 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/11/your-are-free

Up at 4, off to the airport and waiting for a 6 AM flight. Travel to and from Alaska means something different than it means to most of the world. I just spoke to someone who flew RT between two nations in Europe for $39. We have villages in Alaska where the cost from Anchorage is closer to $1,000. It's simply a part of living in the last frontier. And yet- we CAN travel. We CAN buy a ticket and simply GO. Our neighbors across the Bering Sea in Siberia don't have that freedom.

It's easy to complain about hours and expense without ever stopping to give thanks for the FREEDOM to travel. True, it's a little inconvenient from here, but we are FREE nonetheless. The Scripture says, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free." Freedom from condemnation. Freedom from the power of the devil. But he also desires that we would live in unity with basic human freedoms. Give thanks today that you are FREE, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on April 28, 2026

]]> Intentionally Love Others https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/10/intentionally-love-others Sun, 10 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/10/intentionally-love-others

Though we have collected an almost unbelievable amount of stuff over the years, for my wife, Laura, none of it matters. Life is about people and relationships. She is a lover of people, and the beautiful thing is that it doesn't matter who they are or how old they are. Seeing her interact with others is like a momentary glimpse of heaven. She SEES you and wants to KNOW you and BLESS you.

How about you? Would those around you say that you are a lover of people? After all, Jesus said that the second greatest commandment- the second most important thing that God says every one of his people should do- is to LOVE OTHERS as we love ourselves. Make it your goal today to intentionally love others- to be kind and generous and interested in their lives- and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Laura in her element.

Written on April 27, 2026

]]> Aim For Good https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/09/aim-for-good Sat, 09 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/09/aim-for-good

In my experience, usually violent winds on top of a mountain blow horizontally. In other words, all you need to do is drop off the summit to find calm- the wind will be blowing above you and you won't feel it. Occasionally, however, those incredibly strong winds will blow straight down the side of a mountain like a freight train going downhill. That was our Friday morning. We were forced to look up continuously to stay on course, but we had to lean into the wind to keep from literally being blown backwards. Our exposed faces were being pelted with blowing snow.

It was somehow.. exhilarating! Something deep inside of us craves a challenge- a personal victory to be won at a cost. Perhaps this is a part of God's image being reflected through us. Victory at great cost. For a short period of time life wasn't SAFE, but it was GOOD. When it comes to the cost of following Christ, safety is overrated.In fact, when it comes to matters of faith, it doesn't have a seat at the table.

Trust me, our time in this 'tent' of a body is short. Don't aim for SAFE, aim for GOOD. In this way, you will one day hear the words, "Well done, GOOD and FAITHFUL servant, enter in to your master's rest!" Be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Wind literally driving us off the mountain.

Written on April 26, 2026

]]> The Very Best You https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/08/the-very-best-you Fri, 08 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/08/the-very-best-you

I had the privilege of coaching in Alaska for more than 30 years. What is the purpose of competition? Most of the world gives a 2 word answer: TO WIN. I disagree. I never pushed my athletes to win... but I DID push them, and I pushed them HARD. I wanted each athlete to become the very best that he or she could be. I wanted individuals to learn to work together as a team. I wanted them to love and support and encourage each other. I wanted them to honor and respect their opponents.

And to hundreds of athletes over the years I spoke these words: "All that I expect from you is that you will give 100% of what you have to give- 100% of the time." To find my identity in 'winning' is to find my identity by comparing myself with other people. Competition is not about ME being better than YOU, it's about me being the very best that I can be.

God has created each one of us as a completely unique individual. There is literally no comparison between ourselves and anyone else. We're different. It pleased God to make us that way. So? Stop trying to find your value by comparing yourself with other people. Be the very best YOU that you can be- the you God has created you to be- and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

A little friendly competition, the native Alaskan 'One Foot High Kick' in our living room.

Written on April 25, 2026

]]> Receive His Peace https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/07/receive-his-peace Thu, 07 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://crossingak.org/blog/2026/05/07/receive-his-peace

We've talked about joy, but do you have PEACE? In other words, do you have the ability to set your struggles and your longings on the shelf, accept where you are in life at this moment, and simply be your best YOU today? This is what it means to live by faith, not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7). In spite of our challenges, we are blessed beyond measure and have an amazing life ahead of us.

This is why, even in the middle of trials, we can have genuine joy and peace. PEACE is simply JOY at rest. JOY is simply PEACE dancing. In John 14:27 Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." Receive his peace- live by FAITH- and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad

Written on April 24, 2026

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