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21 years of service to Alaska
For the 21st consecutive year, six members of a team from Tustin Ranch, Calif., headed north to Alaska this summer. Their purpose: to work on The Salvation Army corps building in Haines. Dick Davenport (team leader) and Jim Olson are 21-year veterans; the other four members were Pete Slack, Don Scroggin, Kevin Lowenberg, and Geoff Davis.
Their task was to replace all 19 windows and to paint the exterior of the corps building and attached thrift store. The new dual-pane vinyl-frame windows were slightly smaller than the old single-pane dark glass ones, so they had to build new frames for each window—11 large and eight smaller windows. This included adding insulation and trimming inside and out. They also added weatherproof cladding to an extension of the thrift store.
During the final two days the team spray-painted the outside of the building—a necessary job considering the ravages of winter weather in Alaska. They used a power sprayer and oil-based paint, which covered well and will protect well, but left a messy clean-up operation. The local Salvationists had chosen a mint-green color, which drew comments from passers-by and is certainly attention grabbing. It also provided humorous moments when at the end of the day the two main sprayers—Dick and Don—looked like green Martians!
Although the trip was strenuous, it was successful and rewarding. The team members pray that new people will be attracted to the Haines Corps, extending its spiritual influence to the residents of Haines and bringing glory to God in that corner of Alaska.
Some felt that this might be their last venture to Alaska, as they are all getting older. The challenge is for younger people to come forward and take on this important ministry.
Submitted by Geoff Davis
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