After a smooth flight in the sunshine, we arrived in Seattle this afternoon. Sunshine? well....until about 500 feet above the ground anyway, then we descended into cold soggy and foggy Seattle. We will be on furlough for the months of February and March. Our travels will take us from Western Washington down to Oregon up through Eastern Washington and then into Idaho and Montana before winding up back in Western Washington.
It has been interesting getting ready for this trip. One thing after another broke. First we had water pouring into our utility/playroom when the temp spiked from -30 to +40 and melted the snow and ice around the house. Whew, we got that cleaned up and things sealed up just in time for the arrival of the family that is staying in our house while we are gone. That same day, the vehicle that we got last spring, the one that is not suppose to need to be worked on by Mark because he just doesn't have the time to be working on our cars, left him stranded in town. It was an electrical problem, that Mark was able to fix, but it took away from the time he needed to get ready for the trip. Then our toilet tank cracked and was leaking. Now our stove is making a funny buzzing sound. So, our poor friends have a list of things to fix while we are gone, but they have such a sweet generous attitude about it all. We are so happy that they will be taking care of our home and animals and that our home is a provision for their family these next two months while they are going through the orientation process at MARC. Pray for the Lazaros family these next two months, that the Lord will guide and direct them in what He wants them to do.

Even in the midst of the busyness and stress of preparing to leave, the Lord was so good in giving us moments of relaxation and fun. Twenty hours before we were to get on the plane, this is the scene I found and I just had to take a picture.

Mark leaves on Saturday for training in Witchita. When he returns we officially begin our time of furlough. Please be praying for him as he studies and is tested this coming week. The kids and I are staying in Seattle with friends, pray that we will be a blessing to them. Pray for travel safety and for good health. Thank you for taking us to the throne of God.

In December, Mark spent four days in the village of Beaver. For information about Beaver check out http://www.commerce.state.ak.us/dca/commdb/CF_BLOCK.cfm

He took a Wings of Mercy team in to conduct revival services in the church during the evening and youth activities after school. The church in Beaver has no pastor, therefore the people are very excited and enjoy having evangelistic teams come and minister to them, especially during the sub-zero winter months.

They used demonstrations to convey Biblical truths

Had craft activities

Puppet shows Distributed Christmas gifts to all the children And ministered through music

Did I mention it was cold?

At home, school continued at full speed. In science, we are learning about our solar system and beyond, the perfect subject to study during our darkest months of the year. Please pray that I will continue to be prepared for teaching the children and that they will have teachable hearts and minds.

MARC’s founder, Roald Amundsen, joined his beloved, Harriet, at the feet of Jesus on Thursday, December 4. He is now in eternal glory, worshiping his Lord and Savior. Please keep his family and loved ones that remain here in your prayers as they greave their loss.

Our time in Anchorage for the quarterly Child Evangelism Fellowship State Board meeting of which Mark is the Chairman, was a great family get-away. Weather was good and road conditions great. We continue to be excited and encouraged with how God is using the ministry of CEF in reaching and changing the lives of the youth of Alaska. Pray that God will provide the workers and the finances needed to continue and grow the CEF ministry in rural Alaska.

God has blessed us: our health, our family, our marriage, our relationships with others, our ministry through MARC. Your prayers have had a major role in this. We appreciate and never take for granted the time you spend upholding us to the throne of God. Thank you.
Our hearts ache. There are so many we know and love that are hurting: they deal with health issues that are irritating to potentially fatal, there are strains in family relationships, their marriage is in jeopardy, their lives are falling apart. I have no doubt that your hearts ache for those hurting around you. Please pray that we are able to benefit those around us. That God will use us to encourage and strengthen through words and deeds those that are hurting. Pray that He will give us the wisdom, strength, and energy to make a difference.

Our First Blog!!!

Welcome to the Swensen Family's first blog. Please check back often as we will be updating it often. Thank you for stopping by.

God bless,
Mark, Michele and kids