One of the "strange" things about the "Arctic world" is that during the summer months the sun never sets. Tonight is the first night that this happens for Aklavik, and since I love sunshine, this is great! I've always wondered what it would be like to live in a world where the sun never sets. The Bible talks about a time when 24-hour "Son-light" will be a reality! It really is different because your body clock gets changed significantly, in that you don't get tired as quickly in the evening. Aklavik is a fairly quiet town, but even now as I type this at 12:43 in the morning people are out and about doing things.

We had a little slower day today because the roof was done, but that does not mean we did not stay busy! We are continuing to work on projects at the church and the Noland's house. We finished putting some steps outside one of the church doors, and we also built a cross to put on the outside of their church building. We plan to finish these projects tomorrow.

Tonight, after a great American meal (fried chicken) with some local people at the Noland's house, we went four-wheeling in the bush. On our trip we saw some beautiful landscapes with trees, mountains, and lakes--many of which are still thawing out and have snow on them. We saw a muskrat emerge from one of the icy lakes. Here muskrats are hunted for their fur (hunters/trappers can get $8 for each one). Standing still, it was absolutely silent. We took a rifle along with us on the trip because three grizzly or brown bears were spotted recently. Not too far away, grolars, have been hunted, too (grolars are a mixed breed of grizzlies and polar bears).

I'm looking forward to what the Lord will do over the next couple of days. I'm checking my email when I can--sometimes early in the morning--if you want to email (pastor@opendooronline.com). I appreciate your prayers and concern for the spread of the Gospel worldwide--including Arctic Canada!

Yours in Christ,
Pastor Dennis M. Schaffer