Subject: Exciting Updates on the WDMC Church Building Restoration!

Dear Friends,

We are thrilled to share some exciting updates on the ongoing restoration of the beloved WDMC Church Building!

Progress Report:

Town of Metlakatla Support: The town has been instrumental in our restoration efforts.
- They have successfully boarded up a window area requiring a new pane.
- A lift has been scheduled to repair the holes in the steeples.
- Patchwork will commence on the main roof, with a focus on the Southeast side, which directly impacts the sanctuary.
Heating System: We are working closely with Joseph Ridley to get the furnace back up and running, ensuring a warm and welcoming space for future use.
Grant Applications: We are actively pursuing grant funding from two major sources. The application process has begun, and we will keep you updated on our progress.
New Roof Installation: We are overjoyed to announce that the new roof will be installed this spring as the weather improves! The Town of Metlakatla has generously allocated the necessary materials and manpower for this significant project. Praise God!

Looking Ahead:

These are just a few of the many steps we are taking to restore this historic landmark. We are incredibly grateful for the support of the community and the dedication of our volunteers.

We will continue to provide regular updates on our progress through future newsletters.

In the meantime, please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or would like to get involved.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Alexander Atkinson Jr. /Preserving History Foundation & WDMC

January 11, 2025 0

Building a Strong Foundation: The Importance of Faith in God

Faith in God is the cornerstone of a fulfilling and purposeful life. It gives us hope in times of despair, strength in moments of weakness, and direction when we feel lost. As we build our lives on the solid foundation of faith, we can face any challenge with confidence, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.

In today’s fast-paced and often uncertain world, having a strong foundation of faith is more important than ever. It provides us with a sense of stability and assurance that no matter what we face, we are not alone. Here are a few ways faith in God can transform our lives:

1. Hope in Times of Despair

Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and there are moments when we may feel overwhelmed by despair. In these times, faith in God serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that there is a higher purpose and that our current struggles are temporary. Trusting in God’s promises allows us to hold on to hope even in the darkest moments.

2. Strength in Moments of Weakness

We all experience moments of weakness where we feel inadequate or unable to cope with the challenges before us. Faith in God provides us with the strength to persevere. It reassures us that we can rely on God’s power and not just our own abilities. Through faith, we tap into a divine source of strength that enables us to overcome obstacles and keep moving forward.

3. Direction When We Feel Lost

There are times when we may feel lost or uncertain about the path we should take in life. Faith in God offers us direction and guidance. By seeking God’s wisdom through prayer and studying scripture, we gain clarity on His plan for our lives. Faith acts as a compass, helping us navigate life’s journey with a sense of purpose and confidence.

4. Facing Challenges with Confidence

Challenges are a natural part of life, but with faith in God, we can face them with unwavering confidence. Knowing that God is with us every step of the way provides us with a sense of assurance and peace. It allows us to confront challenges head-on, trusting that God will provide the resources and support we need to overcome them.

Conclusion

Faith in God is not just a belief system; it is a powerful foundation that impacts every aspect of our lives. By building our lives on this solid foundation, we experience hope, strength, direction, and confidence. As 2 Corinthians 5:7 reminds us, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” Let us embrace faith in God as our cornerstone and trust in His unfailing presence and promises.

January 11, 2025 0

Faith Over Fear: A Journey to Overcoming Doubt and Unbelief

Finding Strength Through Faith: Emily’s Path to Fulfillment

Once upon a time, there was a young woman named Emily who always felt that she was meant for something greater. Yet, she found herself constantly held back by the paralyzing grip of fear, doubts about her abilities, and unbelief in the path ahead of her.

Emily had a dream of starting her own nonprofit organization to help underprivileged children gain access to quality education. The idea sparked a fire in her heart, but the shadows of self-doubt and fear loomed large. What if she failed? What if she wasn’t good enough? These questions plagued her thoughts.

One Sunday, during a sermon at her church, Emily heard a message that resonated deeply with her. The pastor spoke about the power of faith, quoting scriptures that emphasized God’s promises and goodness. Emily decided to take the first step by actively engaging with her faith. She began to study scripture diligently, finding strength and reassurance in verses like Jeremiah 29:11, which reminded her that God had plans for her—plans to prosper and not to harm, plans to give her hope and a future.

Emily made it a habit to start her day with prayer, pouring out her fears and doubts to God, and asking for His guidance and strength. She also began to meditate on God’s promises, repeating affirmations that bolstered her belief in His goodness and power. Whenever she felt overwhelmed, she would remind herself of Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Surrounding herself with a positive Christian community was another crucial step. Emily joined a small group at her church, where she found supportive friends who encouraged her, prayed for her, and shared their own stories of overcoming challenges through faith. Their companionship reminded her that she was not alone in her journey.

Even as Emily took these steps, doubts and fears still lingered. She acknowledged them, but she also chose to trust in God’s plan. She remembered the story of Peter walking on water towards Jesus, how he began to sink when he focused on the storm around him but was saved when he reached out to Jesus. Emily decided to keep her eyes on Christ, trusting that He would lead her through the storm.

With each passing day, Emily’s faith grew stronger, and so did her confidence. She took small, practical steps towards her dream, from drafting a business plan to reaching out to potential supporters. She faced setbacks and challenges, but she continued to lean on her faith, knowing that God was with her every step of the way.

Years later, Emily’s nonprofit organization became a reality. It thrived, impacting the lives of countless children and providing them with opportunities they otherwise wouldn’t have had. Looking back, Emily realized that it was her faith that had carried her through the darkest moments, transforming her fears and doubts into stepping stones towards her purpose.

Her story is a testament to the power of actively engaging with faith, studying scripture, praying, meditating on God’s promises, surrounding oneself with a positive Christian community, and choosing to believe in God’s goodness and power. By acknowledging her fears and doubts while trusting in God’s plan, Emily was able to overcome the obstacles that once held her back and fulfill the purpose she was created for.

Remember, the journey of overcoming fear, doubt, and unbelief is a continuous process. Faith doesn’t eliminate the challenges, but it equips us with the strength to face them, knowing that with God, all things are possible.

January 11, 2025 0