I’ll try to get more up before I crash tonight, but some were asking about return flight info. I thought we gave that out at the Saturday parent meeting and I sent it to the kids via our Group Me account, but we’re on Alaska Airlines flight 150, arriving at 6:00 am at terminal 6 at LAX. See you soon.
The Beat Goes On
The Copper Center team continued to work on established projects. The biggest is the artwork on the walls of children’s Sunday School rooms.
Another task came from the community: sorting supplies for local artisans to create local beaded artwork. Before we leave, we should have 3 big boxes ready to be used.
The evening times with kids, both little and big, keeps getting better. It was advertised as 6:30 to 8:30, but the older ones stick around till past 9:30. They really seem to appreciate the games, the music, and the story/lesson. We’ve only got the little ones tonight, and the lesson centers on Esther. We’ve been doing a series on “Agents of Salvation” (a bit of a borrowing from ABC’s “Agents of Shield).”
Each night our team wraps up our day with team devotions. After a time of musical worship, we evaluate how things went that day, and have discussion based on sections of 1 John.
Tuesday night a number were able to see the northern lights, and the kids got some pictures. We were told they returned last night, but at 2:00 am, I think we were all deep in sleep. Then last night we shared a pair of dramatic productions which were definitely comedic.
Again, do neglect to get more pictures on Instagram, wchscoppercenter.
Artistic Debut
After a breakfast of baked French toast casserole and a home made cinnamon roll, we got going on the scene painting. Using a projector, students traced the picture on the wall.
Then the artists among us, took brush in hand and filled in the picture.
Two other pictures were started at well. One should be finished tomorrow, and the other on Thursday. We also have scenes to paint in the larger classroom.
While the mainly female crew painted, the guys went to Pastor Ron’s house to help clear some snow. Tomorrow, a couple should go to Chad’s house to help with a welding project.
It was another good night with the local kids, both younger and older. Besides games, snacks, and crafts (the last for the younger kids), the story focused on Jonah. Gavin Deering and Sean led a great devotional for the older ones.
We are planning to attended the student play on Thursday, leaving just a skeleton crew to run the little kids program
Again, check out more photos on wchscoppercenter on Instagram.
Marvelous Mondays!
Today is the first full day of both work and ministry in Cooper Center. We woke up to the temperatures of somewhere between 1 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit and man was it cold! The students spend the morning working hard by organizing the church sanctuary for the evening’s gathering of elementary students. This included Landon and Lilly setting up an obstacle course and games, Audrey preparing worship songs, Sean and Gavin prepping the story of Joseph with Mr. Burdett, Channing and Hailey cutting yarn for the craft, and Anna organizing Jean’s flannel-graphs.
In addition to preparing for students to arrive later that evening, our team worked hard on the children’s room. We removed the toys, cleaned the walls, tapped the room, and Pastor Ron gave it a fresh coat of white paint. With this done, tomorrow starts the painting of Bible stories on the wall! This was some great team bonding listening to tunes and working hard!
The day continued with Audrey finding ninjas in her belongings, making a trip to the gas station for some snacks, packing Easter eggs and organizing the miscellaneous items in the church for Ron and Jean.
After dinner, local students both young and old began coming to the church. Although we had prepped and had envisioned the night looking a certain way the team did a fantastic job pivoting and adjusting the moment and the people who were present.
Half of our team took the older kids outside and played a few games of dodgeball as an ice breaker (pun intended) in the snow while the others hung out inside with the small kiddos doing crafts and games. We eventually found ourselves all inside (warm) playing improv games and doing worship. Everyone can agree that this night is a reflection that although you have to make plans, plans change and that God knows what he is doing.
Please be in continued prayer for the relationships built from tonight and for lasting connections to be made through the week.
One special highlight is the connection made with a family who has a drama performance this Thursday. A handful of the older students who showed up to tonight’s gather are in this performance and we all agreed we’d love to go and support! Our drama teacher Mrs. Bickett her drama students loved to hear that!
Student shoutouts
Hey mom, hey dad! Hey Nanas and Ada! Having a blast! – Landon
Hey Mom, Dad, and rest of family! Thanks for praying for me all the way. Keep it up God is moving in big ways out here! Love you and miss you! LOVE, Gavin
Hey Mom, Dad, Eyan, and family, I love you all so much and I miss you guys so much and I am having a blast here in Copper Center and God is doing a lot in this place! Anyway, I miss y’all and I love you! – Gavin T
Hey Mom, Dad, Ryan, and the Smoky bear dog. Thank you so much for your prayers; the Lord has big plans for this trip. We are having so much fun! Sorry for not calling, see you in a week or so. 🙂 – Sean
Hi – Anna
HEY FAM!!! miss you and love you guys! we’re having a ton of fun and i miss my bed!! – Audrey
Hey guys!!! Love and miss you all!!! Having a blast!!🥰 – Hailey
Hi family!! Letting you know that I’m having a blast & I appreciate all the love & prayers 🙂 love you all & tell the pups that I miss them 😉 MISS YOU ❤ -lily!
Hey mom and dadddd, I’m having tons of fun! Love you! -Channing
On the Job
We began the day with bagels and cereal for breakfast before attending the service in the church where we’re staying. Audrey, Landon, Anna, and Lily led the music, and Landon and Hailey helped with the kids. Everyone who attends the service stays for lunch. After lunch we got a chance to do some sledding with local kids, and everyone got a lot of “snow time,” After dinner we were able to host several local teens to brownies and ice cream with homemade chocolate fudge sauce and then some games before wrapping up the night with a worship and devotion time. The kids are really doing great. For pictures look at wchscoppercenter on Instagram.
We’re in Copper Center
We made the long drive from Palmer and arrived safely. After getting settled in the church, which will be our home for the next week, we had a brief time to relax before dinner. We found that it really doesn’t feel as cold as we worried it would be. Thenwe got the first chance to meet the kids of the village by offering them an ice cream social and games. Our students performed really well. I’m proud of them. Hopefully, I’ll have pictures for you tomorrow.
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We’re on our way
It’s Getting Close!
Just two days from now, the Copper Center team will depart for regions of frigidity. A slight change in plans came when Mrs. Christy Johnson had to withdraw from the trip due to her dad’s health. BUT, Mrs. Teresa Bickett, our fearless drama teacher, has volunteered to take her place. Hopefully, she’s got some warm clothes ready to go :).
It’s Been A While
After the COVID-induced shut down in 2020, Woodcrest Missions didn’t restart until June 2021 when a group traveled to serve in Copper Center, Alaska. Now in March of 2022, we’ll be returning to that location. Please follow our story on this site.
God’s Still in Charge
In case you hadn’t heard, the world situation concerning the COVID-19 virus forced the cancellation of all WCS mission trips this year. This is deeply disappointing, but it certainly wasn’t a surprise to our Lord. Discussions will be held about trying to reschedule the trips, but that remains very uncertain. Please keep the continuing threat from this disease in prayer.
WCS Alaska 