Alaska Conference Men's Retreat

July 23 -25, 2010

 

Gentlemen,

The temperature is near 40 as I write this near the end of February.  As the temperatures warm, my thoughts turn to outdoor activities and camping.  Although it is still five months until our retreat, now is a good time to start thinking about it.

Our speaker this year is Jim Ayer.  Jim is an international speaker whose greatest passion is introducing people to a lifesaving friendship with his best friend, Jesus Christ. His travels have taken him to more than 53 countries.  Jim's training manual for churches, Satellite Evangelism for the 21st Century, has been widely used in many parts of the world, and he has authored five books, including his personal story, Second Chance, co-published by the Review and Herald and 3ABN Television. In addition, Jim has authored numerous magazine articles with special emphasis on revival. Jim was Vice President for Public Affairs and Global Events at Amazing Facts Ministries before joining the General Conference to become Vice President for Advancement at Adventist World Radio. He is also the producer and host of the popular television series Making Waves, which airs on Christian networks around the world.

In preparation for our retreat, we need your help to make this a successful event. 

First of all, we would appreciate it if you would register early.  The fee is $35.00 this year and the deadline to register is July 17, 2010 (the last day of camp meeting).   There is no charge for non-SDA guests or for mature teens.  This is the perfect opportunity to invite your neighbor to an environment that is non-threatening.

Secondly, if you need to be flown into camp, the cost is $120.00 per person and the weight limit for your baggage is 50 lbs.  Please let us know soon if you have transportation needs so we can help accommodate you.  The pickup point for the shuttle into camp is Victory Bible Camp at mile 94 on the Glen Highway.

Thirdly, if you are planning to travel into camp via four wheeler or by hiking, please use the buddy system or let us know your travel plans for your safety. Weather conditions will dictate whether the trail down Alfreds Creek or Squaw Creek will be the best one to take.  Contact Fritz Plier @ 376-9179 if you need directions or if you would like to tag along on a guided trip into camp.

Please do not bring your young children.  This is not an event for them!  If your child is a mature teenager (age 15?) and will attend the meetings, then they are welcome.  Our speakers often touch on sensitive matters that are not appropriate for children.  Also, please leave your pets at home. If you bring a firearm, please practice the NRA firearm safety rules at all times. 

As usual, bring your own camp and food.  Water is available from several creeks near camp.  Be sure to bring a good water filter if you wish to avoid the life altering experience of Beaver Fever.  Weather in Alaska is what it is so dress appropriately.  Expect temperatures from the 30's to the 70's.  Expect rain, snow, sleet, wind and just maybe - sunshine. J  If you fly in, plan on hanging around an extra day in case the weather prevents us from getting airborne.

Pilots - please call Dan Whatley @ 745-5221 or Joe Koliadko @ 745-2222 for information on runway conditions.  The airstrip is 900' long, but has bad approaches at both ends.  This is not the airstrip to practice your newfound bush pilot skills. We have had one close call with an airplane underpowered and overloaded for conditions and we don't want repeat that incident.  Monitor 122.9 and announce your intentions and position when 5 miles from the airstrip. 

 Camp guidelines:

  1. Leave your dirt bike and three-wheeler at home. Please don't be the object of a rescue going in and out of camp.
  2. Please, no shooting during the Sabbath hours.
  3. Use only the designated shooting areas while at camp.
  4. Be respectful of others and enjoy quiet time from 10:00 pm to 7:00 am.
  5. Please use the designated outhouses. One is at the airstrip and one is at the cabin.
  6. Please clean up after yourself and pack out all trash . Kent Sandvik and Monte Burtch have graciously allowed us to use their camp, let's keep it clean.
  7. Please keep ATV's off the runway and watch for air traffic when on the runway!

Finally, some of us may go in early on Thursday and you are welcome to join us.  Also, if you have any musical talent, bring your instrument and join in. 

Blessings,
Danny Whatley
Men's Ministries Coordinator
cubdriver4136@gci.net
Hm:  907-745-5221