Swensen Family

Some have asked how the kids did with the Standard Based Testing for school. I am happy to say they got through the week with mostly smiles. They especially grinned ear to ear when the testing was completed, for we had banana splits for a celebration.

April was so busy, before we knew it, it was over. Mark's first overnight trip was to take a Child Evangelism Fellowship team to Port Alsworth to conduct clubs during Spring Conference at Tananlian Bible Camp.

The next week Mark was out flying again this time for a Moravian Youth Rally in the village of Quinhagak. Weather made it a challenge to get attenders to the rally and unfortunately many were not able to go, but Mark was able to get 54 kids from various villages there.

Mark returned home just in time to participate in a Mission Safety International Safety Seminar. The first week consisted of the MSI staff conducting interviews of all our staff members including the wives to create a report that can assist our mission in making improvements in areas that would help us to be more effective in our ministry and create a safer working enviornment. The MSI wives provided two opportunities for the wives of MARC, Samaritan's Purse, Arctic Barnabas Ministries, and SOAR International to get together to fellowship, build relationships, and be encouraged. Both evenings were a blessing.

The Safety Seminar included Underwater Egress training. It was a great opportunity for our pilots. The kids and I were able to be there to watch.

In April we celebrated the life of fellow MARC staff member, Marge Cochran, who went to be with her Lord and Savior. We miss her very much as each of us will not forget how she has blessed our lives with her love and prayers. Please pray for Dave as he continues on without Marge by his side.

The end of April brought the end of AWANA. We are always ready for it to begin again after the summer break. Here is Mark listening to verses recited by one of the children on his Spark's team.