Downtown Days

Greetings from Juneau!
I know it's been a while since my last post so I thought I would update you all on the wonderful things going on up here. There maybe pictures later. But no promises.
I have a job!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE it! I work at Glacier Smoothie Soaps. No, we don't sell smoothies. We sell hand made soap, made here in Juneau. I work at world headquarters: a small log cabin looking shop downtown. http://www.glaciersmoothie.com/index.html It's awesome! The people I work for are such a blessing to me! Jimmie and Pat work with me every day. They are originally from Texas, but have lived up here in Juneau for about 20 years in the past 30 years. Jimmie is the pastor of a local Baptist church here. Their daughter makes the soap. A lot of members of the family are involved in the soap business. The great thing is that out primary goal is not selling soap. We want people to have a great experience. I really love meeting people from all over and hearing their stories. I have met people from Scotland, Australia, South Africa, Quebec, Hungary, India, Singapore, England and Germany. I've even met a couple who went to Camp Geneva as kids and their daughter is looking at Dordt for a college. Small World!
I never would have expected that this would be the job I would have. But God knows exactly what I need! My ministry is very different than I would have expected. My co-workers are wonderful Christians who bless, teach, and encourage me everyday. Mostly, I just talk to customers and show them Christ's love. Cool story! Earlier this week, a lady came in kind of stressed and Pat started talking to her. Turns out, she had just finished handling a prayer-in-school ordeal. She had proposed to keep pray at the graduation ceremony. Things got crazy and the news even got involved. The school board voted no, but the students stood up and said the Lord's Prayer during the ceremony anyway. We were able to hear her story and encourage her in the battle. Our God is so big! And He is still in control!
The church I go to is also a huge blessing! It is so full of joy and love! The families are so welcoming and love having us there. The fellowship is really neat. I'm excited to get more involved and build relationships with the college and high school students.
We have gone on two camping trips thus far. The first one was pretty taxing plus it was hot out. But we overcame! The view from up top was beautiful and well worth the hard work. The other excursion was much easier and sooooooooo beautiful. It was probably the most beautiful place I have ever been. We camped on a beach and we could see the mountains on the other side of the ocean covered in fog. Behind us was valley then more mountains. We could even see some whales from the beach! Basically, God blows my mind! He is so creative and knows beauty.
God has been teaching me a lot since I've been here. It is hard to describe it in words. I have been learning more about myself and who I was made to be. I have so much more to learn! The community of women has blessed me so much! These women are seriously amazing! It is so encouraging to be around them and share these experiences together. My roommates have shown me so much love and encouraged me every day. The ladies in my action group show me so much grace and understanding as we all grow together spiritually.
Please Pray for...
1) Our ministry here. Juneau is a very dark place. Kids struggle a lot with suicide, drugs, and alcohol. Depression is rampant. Many people are 'spiritual' but don't want anything to do with Jesus. Pray that the Holy Spirit would lead us to those who are ready for the Gospel. Pray that the Holy Spirit would be at work in the hearts of the people here, that they would turn to Him as Savior.
2) My strength. We have a ruthless schedule with very little wiggle room. It is hard to even find time to do ministry with some of the women I have met. I have to fight for time with Jesus and make it a big priority every day. I usually end up getting up early to do it, which is a HUGE deal for me. Pray that Jesus would be my strength and continue to give me the energy to pour into others.
3) My personal growth. Pray that I would continue to be vulnerable with these women and let them in my life. Pray that I would continue to choose to grow and work through the ugly, messy stuff. Pray that I would have boldness living out my faith in my actions and words.
4) My support. I'm still about $1,000 short. Pray that God will provide and guide me in what to do next.
Thank you all for your prayers! We have a God who listens to our pleas! He is so good and takes care of us! Have a blessed week and grow in the knowledge of Him who is beyond understanding. How beautiful, merciful, and sovereign is our God!

For our King,
Emily Ann
Colossians 1:10-14