Category: Uncategorized

The Flying Theologian: A Journey of Faith and Flight

Soaring with Purpose: My Journey as The Flying Theologian

Back in the 80s, I embarked on an adventure that would shape the rest of my life. I became a commercial seaplane pilot, soaring over the stunning landscapes of Alaska. Those early years in aviation were thrilling, but deep down, I felt a calling to do something more meaningful with my life.

As the summer season drew to a close, I decided to pursue a new path. I enrolled in a Bible college in Seattle to study theology during the off-flying season. My college days were set to begin in mid-September, and I was filled with excitement and anticipation.

In the first week of July, I received an unexpected phone call that would change everything. It was Ken Eichner, the owner of Temsco Airlines. He had heard about me and wanted to discuss an opportunity. We arranged an interview, and during our conversation, Ken offered me a job as a seaplane pilot for his company. He proposed to base a plane in my hometown of Metlakatla and assured me that the salary for my first season would cover my tuition, rent, and books for my first year in college. This generous offer left me stunned and thrilled.

When I returned to Alaska the following spring to fly the summer season, my fellow pilots affectionately dubbed me “The Flying Theologian.” I embraced the nickname with pride and joy. It represented my dual passions for aviation and theology, and my commitment to making a positive impact in the world.

Throughout my journey, I have been grateful for people like Ken Eichner, who saw potential in me and believed in my abilities. Their support and encouragement have been instrumental in my success and growth.

Today, I continue to balance my love for flying with my dedication to spreading hope and faith. My journey has been one of adventure, learning, and profound purpose. I am excited to see where the skies and my faith will take me next.

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Finding Balance: The Importance of Taking Breaks

Embracing Change: Finding Balance in a Busy World

If you’re anything like me, the thought of not doing anything is slightly daunting. I’m always on the go; I love learning, I love creating, and I love being busy with projects. Sticking to the same routine is, arguably, pretty routine for me! For the most part, routine is a huge benefit to my lifestyle. However, there comes a point when having a set schedule becomes too mundane and doesn’t fuel me in the way I need. I end up feeling less motivated to check off whatever is on my to-do list and instead, start to have this sense of being stuck.

I used to just push through this, thinking it would pass. And sometimes it did. But there were periods where this ‘stuck’ feeling lasted for days or even weeks, and the more I tried to push myself, the more I started to resent the task in front of me.

One thing I’ve started to recognize is that this means my body and brain need a break – and not just a few minutes away from the screen. I need to temporarily walk away to come back more refreshed. After all, my best work isn’t produced when I am tired and frustrated, bored, or depleted. Rather, it comes from being energized and having a genuine love for it. Sometimes I need to walk away for an hour or an afternoon. Other times, ‘walking away’ means putting my ‘Out-of-Office’ on and having a few days focusing on other activities that have been on the back burner.

Learning to recognize when I need to take a step back and have a break is essential so that my projects and hobbies continue to be enjoyable. This is still something I’m figuring out, but I’m glad I am recognizing this. We all need rest – sleep, yes – but also rest away from being in ‘work mode’ whether it be for school/university or full-time and part-time jobs.

When I need a short break, I try to avoid screens because I work on one for most of the day. I often find myself going for woodland walks or getting ice cream/coffee, and having a nap is sometimes a good call when I am feeling particularly tired. I also like doing paint-by-numbers, playing the guitar, painting my nails, and browsing the local shops. If you struggle to carve out time to recharge, sometimes it can help to have planned activities with a friend so that you can hold each other accountable. Occasionally, I’ll do crafts at my friend’s flat or we will pop out to a nearby town for a change of scenery – we will take a picnic and go exploring. Whatever it is, I try to be present in the moment.

This is your reminder that it is okay to take a step back and recharge, and I hope this provides you with some ideas for what you could do.

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The State of the William Duncan Memorial Church

Restoring Heritage: From Heartbreak to Hope

As I stepped into the William Duncan Memorial Church, my heart broke. The once proud and beautiful building, an emblem of our community’s heritage, now stands tired, run-down, and alone. The condition of the exterior and interior is heartbreaking, and I will be sharing photos on my Facebook page and future blog articles to show the extent of the damage.

The sanctuary, fellowship hall, and the front of the church where the steeples are located have all suffered significant water damage. As I moved slowly, assessing the situation, the memories of how it used to be came flooding back. Standing in the sanctuary, I visualized the church filled with people, vibrant with life and joy. Tears welled up as I saw the extent of the damage—my heart ached to see it in this state.

Despite the pain, there is a glimmer of hope. This is not the end for our beloved 80-year-old church. I am working tirelessly to get the building restored and revitalized. My goal and vision are to see the church once again filled with song, laughter, joy, hope, and unity. The church was built with pride, love, and honor by our forefathers, and it’s time to bring back that spirit.

I am excited to be part of the Restoring History Foundation, dedicated to this mission. It is time for the next generation to enjoy the beautiful building that our families built with so much vision and dreams. We need to pick up that vision and fulfill the dreams that once were.

While it hurts to see the church in its current state, I am filled with hope and determination. Together, we can restore the William Duncan Memorial Church to its former glory and create new memories that will last for generations to come.

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The Timeless Tapestry of William Duncan Memorial Church

From Humble Beginnings to Enduring Legacy

The William Duncan Memorial Church, a beacon of faith and community, has stood as a testament to the enduring spirit of its congregation. Its history, rich and layered, is interwoven with the lives of countless individuals who have sought solace, inspiration, and connection within its hallowed walls.

The original church, a magnificent Victorian wooden structure, was a cherished landmark for generations. It was a place where joy and sorrow were shared, where hope was kindled, and where faith was nurtured. However, a tragic fire in the 1940s claimed the beloved building, leaving a void in the hearts of the community.

Undeterred by adversity, the congregation rallied together to rebuild their spiritual home. The result was the current “Big Church,” a magnificent edifice born from the collective efforts of dedicated volunteers. With every brick laid and every beam raised, the community poured their love, labor, and faith into the project.

The Big Church has since witnessed countless milestones: weddings that sealed lifelong bonds, baptisms that marked new beginnings, and funerals that honored lives well-lived. It has been a sanctuary for prayer, a stage for inspiring sermons, and a gathering place for joyous celebrations. The church’s choir has filled the air with heavenly harmonies, while youth groups have ignited the passion of future generations.

Beyond its architectural beauty and historical significance, the William Duncan Memorial Church is a living testament to the power of human connection. It is a place where people from all walks of life come together to worship, to learn, and to serve. The church’s legacy is not merely a collection of bricks and mortar, but a tapestry woven from the threads of countless stories, dreams, and aspirations.

As a member of the Restoring History Foundation, I am honored to be part of the effort to preserve this sacred space for generations to come. By restoring the church to its former glory, we are not only honoring the past but also investing in the future. May the William Duncan Memorial Church continue to be a source of comfort, inspiration, and community for years to come.

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Reflecting on My Health Journey

Finding Strength in the Face of Adversity

Sitting here reflecting, I’ve noticed that the past two days I’ve been feeling out of sorts and quite grumpy in the mornings. I wasn’t sure why or what was going on. But today, while out for a walk, I realized that tomorrow marks one year since a significant event in my life.

On December 5th of last year, I was at home, feeling miserable with a terrible cold that had lasted about a week. That morning, I made myself a breakfast smoothie and a protein shake. While in my home office, I fainted and fell flat on my face on the hard wood floor. My face hit my guitar case, and I lost consciousness.

A few days later, my landlord and best friend found me face down on the floor in my room, in a pool of blood, and having convulsions. She immediately called 911. The ambulance arrived, assessed the situation, placed me on a stretcher, and moved me to a church parking lot a few miles away, where an air ambulance helicopter picked me up. They flew me to the University of Tennessee Hospital, where I arrived having multiple mini-strokes. An MRI revealed a brain bleed and pneumonia. The pneumonia had triggered everything that was happening in my body, and the brain bleed was caused by my fall and lying there for days.

When I woke up in the hospital a few days later, everything was in black and white, and I couldn’t hear anything. I saw my friend talking to the nurse, but I couldn’t hear their voices. I was in tremendous pain and quickly lost consciousness again. When I woke up two days later, color and sound had returned, but I was still in a lot of pain and hooked up to many IVs.

The doctor came in and told me I was very lucky to be alive. I later learned that the hospital had tried to contact my sons for permission to unplug me because they didn’t think I would make it through the night. By some miracle, they couldn’t reach them, and I thank God that I am still here today.

I spent two weeks in the hospital, mainly in the ICU, and had to relearn how to walk. I remember a scripture that gave me strength while lying in that bed: “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” I prayed to God for strength because I had none left.

Nearly passing from this world to the next, God saw fit to keep me alive. This is why I’ve been on edge the past two days. I thank God I can share my story with people. I am still on this health journey and have many more appointments to go through, but I am grateful for the chance to continue living and sharing my experiences.

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A Holiday Reflection on Metlakatla

I’ve been speaking with many folks in our town over the past few days, both on the day after Thanksgiving and today. It’s clear that many people are tired and struggling, emotionally and physically. I can sense the pain and hardship that so many are experiencing right now—whether it’s dealing with physical ailments, sickness, or emotional trauma. It breaks my heart to witness this, especially as we enter the Christmas season.

In times like these, it’s my hope and prayer that everyone finds a renewed sense of hope, faith, and joy in their hearts. Now, more than ever, we need each other. The holiday season is a time to come together and support one another, spreading glad tidings and joy wherever we go.

Let’s make a conscious effort to lift each other up, both those who are here in Metlakatla and those who are away. By doing so, we can create a ripple effect of kindness and compassion that touches every member of our community.

I love the people of Metlakatla deeply, and I believe in the strength and resilience of our community. Let’s embrace the spirit of Christmas and let hope, faith, and joy fill our hearts once again.

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A Christmas Reflection for Metlakatla

Rediscovering Christmas: The Gift of Giving and Faith

How’s your Christmas shopping coming along – has it sucked the Christmas spirit right out of you? Trying to find the perfect gifts for the ones I love sometimes threatens to rob me of my Christmas joy. I’ve heard that the tradition of giving gifts is based on the wise men in the Christmas story, but I believe we want to give good gifts because we are made in the image of THE Giver, the King of Glory who gives Himself to us.

Think about it: God created the world to give it to man, the ones to whom He gave His own image! And ever since then, He’s been pouring out gifts of all kinds, both necessities and blessings – life, light, hope, faith. When we were ungrateful and rebellious, He gave His Son to redeem us and His Spirit to empower us. Every day God gives us everything we need to live victoriously. The unchanging God is the giver of all good things (James 1:17), and we’re made to be like Him.

Even knowing all that, sometimes I need to revisit Luke’s account of the worshiping wise men to retain my joy. These pagan scholars from the East studied the stars but knew about the prophecies of a coming King. So when one unique, gloriously brilliant star appeared in the sky, they noticed. Believing it to be the herald of God’s promised gift, the wise men left their old lives behind and set out to worship the promised Gift of God. After months of arduous, desert travel, they arrived in Jerusalem and began asking questions.

The news of their arrival prompted the earthly king to call on the local religious scholars for details about this prophesied King. The Jewish leaders quickly came to share their vast knowledge. They loved the respect and riches studying the Word brought to them, but they had no desire for that Word to come to life and disrupt their status quo. Unlike the wise men who traveled far and left their old lives behind, these fools – living just six miles from the King’s birthplace – clung to their way of life and missed the actual Gift of God.

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The Story of Alexander Atkinson, Sr.

Alexander Atkinson, Sr. is a man whose life has been a testament to love, dedication, and community spirit. As a beloved son, husband, father, and grandfather, his influence extends across generations, touching the lives of many.

Alexander, fondly known as Alex, has been a pillar of strength and support for his family. He is a devoted father to Alberta Buxton and Alex Atkinson Jr., and a proud grandfather to Jacob, David, Michael, Joseph, Tobin, and Gabriel. Despite the heartache of losing his first wife, Roberta Atkinson, Alex has found happiness again with Christine, bringing joy and warmth into their family life.

Alex’s heart is as vast as the Alaskan wilderness he calls home. With a heart of gold, he has always been an exceptional fisherman, hunter, and provider, ensuring his family is well-fed and cared for. His skills in hunting and fishing are legendary within the family, and he has passed on his vast knowledge to the younger generations, teaching them how to harvest seafood and appreciate the natural resources of their homeland.

His commitment to community involvement is unwavering. Alex makes it a point to attend local events, showing his support and fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie. Known for his sociable nature, Alex loves to be surrounded by family and friends. His passion for singing and his infectious laughter bring joy to every gathering, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere wherever he goes.

A deeply spiritual man, Alex’s devotion to serving his Creator is evident in everything he does. He has instilled a servant heart in those around him, leading by example with his humility, generosity, and unwavering faith. His sense of humor and fantastic laugh are as contagious as his spirit of kindness and service, making him a cherished figure in the community.

Whenever you are at the store or attending community events, it is not uncommon for people to inquire about Alex. His presence is deeply missed and fondly remembered by many, a testament to the impact he has had on their lives. As someone who has spent many years away from Metlakatla, you understand the importance of community and family. Returning home to be near your father, after years of learning, sharing, and giving elsewhere, is a journey that speaks to the enduring bonds of family and the deep roots you share with this incredible man.

Alexander Atkinson, Sr. is not just a man; he is a legacy of love, strength, and community spirit. His life story is a testament to the values he holds dear and the countless lives he has touched. As you reunite with him, the circle of family and community continues to grow stronger, enriched by the wisdom, laughter, and love that Alex brings to all who know him.

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The Story of Metlakatla Duncan Memorial Church

The Heart of Metlakatla: A Legacy of Unity, Faith, and Community

Nestled on the island of Metlakatla, Alaska, the Metlakatla Duncan Memorial Church stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and unity of the community. This grand edifice, often affectionately referred to as “The Big Church,” has been a cornerstone of Metlakatla since its construction in the 1940s. Rich in history and cultural significance, the church symbolizes the collective efforts, faith, and traditions of the people who call this beautiful island home.

The journey of the Metlakatla Duncan Memorial Church began with the vision of a community united in purpose. The residents of Metlakatla, inspired by a shared dream, came together to build this magnificent structure. Each brick, each beam, and each stroke of paint reflect the labor of love and dedication from countless hands. Men, women, and children alike contributed their skills, time, and resources, creating a sanctuary that would serve as the heart of the community for generations to come.

Over the decades, the church has been the site of numerous significant events and ceremonies. It has witnessed the joyous union of countless couples in marriage, the heartfelt dedication of babies, and the solemn farewells during funeral services. It has echoed with the harmonious sounds of singspirations, where the community gathered to celebrate their faith through song. Each event added to the rich tapestry of memories and emotions that have been woven into the fabric of the church’s history.

The Metlakatla Duncan Memorial Church is more than just a building; it is a living chronicle of the community’s journey. It has been a place of solace and celebration, a venue where stories are told, and traditions are passed down. The church’s architecture, with its timeless beauty, stands as a tribute to the craftsmanship and artistic vision of those who built it. Inside its walls, one can feel the presence of history, the whisper of past congregations, and the enduring legacy of faith and fellowship.

Beyond the church, Metlakatla is home to other historical buildings, each with its own story to tell. The WDMC, Town Hall, and various cottages are all integral parts of the island’s heritage, showcasing the community’s resilience, creativity, and pride. These structures, along with the church, create a rich historical landscape that offers a glimpse into the lives and experiences of those who have shaped Metlakatla over the years.

As we look to the future, the Metlakatla Duncan Memorial Church remains a beacon of hope and inspiration. It continues to serve as a gathering place for worship, reflection, and community events, nurturing the bonds that unite the people of Metlakatla. The church stands as a symbol of the enduring values of faith, community, and tradition, a testament to the rich history and pride that define this remarkable island.

In celebrating the story of the Metlakatla Duncan Memorial Church, we honor the legacy of those who built it and the countless memories that have been created within its walls. It is a place where history comes alive, where the past and present converge, and where the spirit of Metlakatla continues to thrive.

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