KodiakCanuck

2010-11-23T22:12:00.003-09:00

We had an amazing 17th Annual Kodiak Crusade for Christ in November and then

traveled to two Kodiak villages, Ouzinkie and Port Lions. God put together a pretty interesting team made up mainly of folks from the Anchorage Native New Life Fellowsip. Gary Simple from Venetie, Alaska near Fort Yukon, on the Arctic Circle, was one of our speakers. Gary has been in Kodiak a number of times for our Crusades. Many of the people attending enjoyed his music and speaking, as well as the others from Anchorage. We were blessed by being able to travel to Ouzinkie and Port Lions. Many of our friends there, appreciated our coming.. Great traveling weather, except for the last day, when we got weathered in, in Port Lions. Even that was a blessing as we met together for prayer with a number of folks from the Hillside Bible Chapel. After prayer that eveing, the winds just dropped right off allowing us to return to Kodiak the next morning.

Breton Daniel Ross

2010-09-26T22:06:00.006-08:00

2010-03-30T18:42:00.003-08:00

Our delightful granddaughter Abigail Raine Tourbin, dressed up as a lion at her home in Port Angeles, Washington. "Abbie" has two older sisters, Elena, and Ava. But look at those beautiful dark eyes. Love it. I think this photo was taken in October 2009. Abbie's parents are Eric and Rebekah Tourbin

Harli Lin Ross at 14 months

2010-03-30T18:16:00.005-08:00

Harli Lin Ross at 14 months. This photo and a few more were sent to us from Harli's parents Richard and Jennifer Ross. She is very photogenic don't you think. We are especially excited for Harli's parents as she is going to have a brother born into their home the summer of 2010. We're pretty excited ourselves, as this will be the first "Ross grandson" to born into our family. See that red hair? It's a Ross trait. Harli has a number of cousins who have this same color hair. We think see's a little doll.

Mary's Writing Nook: Granny Ross: A Leader in History

2009-05-21T10:55:00.000-08:00

Mary's Writing Nook: Granny Ross: A Leader in History

The Newest Grandbaby - Harli

2009-02-12T16:08:00.003-09:00

Harli Lin Ross
Was born in Everett, Washington November 20, 2008 to the proud parents Richard and Jennifer Ross. Richard is our youngest son, and this is Rich and Jen's first child. We are so proud of them all.
We were not able to be present for the birth, but the other set of grandparents, Ron and Linda Ortman of Marion South Dakota were.
Harli is a real bundle of joy.

New Grandbabies

2009-02-12T15:13:00.003-09:00

Abigail Rayne Tourbin,
Daughter of Eric and Rebekah Tourbin was born May 27, 2008 in Port Angeles Washington. Linda and I were there for her birth, and what an excited time that was. She is a real doll, and we are enjoying an extended time of getting to know her better, as Rebekah and the girls are staying with us this winter.

Ross Grandkids in Kodiak Winter 2009

2009-02-12T14:26:00.004-09:00

Right across the street from our home is the Baranoff Park. This was the first stop shortly after our grandkids arrived here on January 17, 2009.

Check out my Slide Show!

2007-07-24T13:23:00.001-08:00

Photo Slideshow of Hearts Going Towards Wellness

2007-02-03T18:54:00.000-09:00

Hearts Going Towards Wellness

Kodiak Winter Scenes January 2007

2007-01-25T19:00:00.000-09:00

Winter 2006-2007 in Kodiak Alaska

Christmas with Family in 2006

2007-01-09T22:45:00.002-09:00

It's been a few month's since I've made an entry, and just wanted to let those of you know who read this stuff, that Linda and I are still "alive and well" - or maybe I should re phrase that; how about alive and getting better all the time. We decided to use up 80,000 air miles and spend Christmas in Washington with two of our kids, Rebekah and Richard, and their families. Prior to leaving Alaska, we also spent a few days with Jon and Leanndra and their girls at their home in Peter's Creek. One of those days we opened a few gifts and then another day we watched the Anchorage Aces Hockey Team play an exciting game. Once in Washington, we were met by Richard and Jennifer and then drove to Port Angeles where we spent four days. Friends in PA we've known for a number of years let us stay in their home while they were away visiting their family. Christmas this year was much the same as last year - when we did exactly the same thing. Only this year, we got to see Rich and Jen's hockey team the Everett Silver Tips (who lead their division in the WHL). They have a tremendous winning season so far. And speaking of winning season's; the Anchorage Aces won the ECHL Championship last year. Of course we're hoping for a 'repeat' this season.

Our ministry continues with "Native New Life" and "Hearts Going Toward's Wellness". Following Christmas with family, we are back at both, and enjoying the ministry God has given us here in Kodiak. Towards the end of 2006, Linda and I became homeowners. After renting for 19 years, we bought the home from our employer's - "InterAct Ministries". It was a blessing to be able to do this, and now we trust the Lord for Him to provide for the mortgage payments. With some of our savings, we've been able to make some improvements, like laminate flooring for the living and dining room and hall. Then in the kitchen we took out the old linoleum and put down a ceramic tile flooring. We are thankful to be able to make these changes, and it looks so nice.

unguwatet asiyaturtut - "Hearts Going Towards Wellness" on Woody Island

2006-10-07T15:05:00.000-08:00

Here is a set of slides recently taken on Woody Island, Alaska, as Thirty-three participants and thirty-two leaders, met for the FIRST unguwatet asiyaturtut (HEARTS GOING TOWARDS WELLNESS). No this isn't a physical therapy workship or even "Cardiac Rehab".... but a moving towards our hearts becoming well, from the damage of our past. This FAITH-BASED initiative is helping hundreds of Alaskans on their JOURNEY OF HEALING. I hope you enjoy seeing what God did on Woody Island (near the City of Kodiak) in just 8 days. Hearts Going Towards Wellness - Woody Island

God Bless you.

Alan & Linda Ross <><

Memories of a Dear Friend - Rev. Joyce Smith

2006-09-08T11:11:00.000-08:00

A few days ago, Linda and I had the distinct privilege to say good bye to a dear friend, who had so faithfully, and for so many years, served the Lord along with her late husband, in the Kodiak Island village of Ouzinkie. Special memories were remembered about Joyce Smith by the Ouzinkie people. Norman and Joyce Smith came to Alaska in 1952, and first lived in the village of Larsen Bay on the west side of Kodiak Island. That was the year "the mission" was built in Ouzinkie. The Smiths would travel around the waters of Kodiak Island on a mission vessel called the "Evangel". They eventually settled in Ouzinkie about 1957. The previous year Norman and Joyce started a Christian Camp on Woody Island, called "Camp Woody".

In August of 2006, a frail but spirited Joyce, at age 88 attended the 50th Anniversary of the camp. Some of the words she shared at that gathering, reflected on God's Sovereign will for the camp, but more so of her dear friends in Ouzinkie. "Whatever God plans to do, cannot fail". At the "Celebration of Joyce Smith", a few days ago, we heard how much the people of Ouzinkie were going to miss their lifelong "friend", "teacher", "healthaid", and "pastor".

The word "Ouzinkie" I'm told is a Russian word meaning "narrow". Probably reflective of the 'narrow' passage of water between Kodiak Island and Spruce Island, where the village of Ouzinkie is situated. With even a deeper spiritual meaning, it now seems with Joyce's homegoing, that the 'narrow' way to Heaven that Jesus spoke about in Matthew 7:13, will be lived on by those who will follow in her footsteps.

Linda and I have loved going to Ouzinkie and seeing our many friends there. We share these few pictures of Joyce and scenes in the village to remind us to pray for God's will, and future ministry among the people.

If you would like to travel to this village and get a feel for what the Smith Family has meant not only to this village, but other villages around Kodiak, visit the Journey's of the Evangel on Kodiak Island at http://tanignak.com/Evangel%20Index%20Page%20web.htm

It's called unguwatet asiyaturtut - "Hearts Going Towards Wellness"

2006-09-07T21:53:00.000-08:00

During the month of September 2006, approximately 50 or more people will gather on Woody Island Alaska, to attend Kodiak's first, "Hearts Going Towards Wellness" Conference. That is the literal meaning of the Alutiiq words unguwatet (oong oo watet) asiyaturtut (azee ya dook tut). Participants and leaders will gather for five and a half days, to learn about the deeper inner healing that can take place from the woundedness and brokenness of our past, that can affect us today. Twelve Teaching Topics from the "Journey Guide" manual, Personal Stories by the "story tellers", and Small Groups, is the format. Local and other leadership from off the island will spend three days prior to the HGTW in training. Prayer is such an important foundation to the success of this conference, which will be attended by people from Kodiak and some of the villages around Kodiak Island. The dates are Sept 20-25. I will try to add some color by way of photos from the conference when it is over.

Grandkids visit Kodiak

2006-07-28T19:06:00.000-08:00

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Kodiak Wildlife

2006-07-22T22:58:00.000-08:00

Puffins are a very interesting and colorful sea bird. Most often viewed on the ocean feeding on small needlefish, they can often be seen as in this photo, nestled among the cliffs and rocks close to the water. The Horned Puffin is a very common type of Puffin. I wish I could say I took this photo, but must give credit to someone else.

The Kodiak Brown Bear is a trademark of Kodiak Island, Alaska. Here on Kodiak, about 3000 of these magnificant animals exist. Mostly seen on the National Wildlife Refuge lands, but also on most outlying areas of Kodiak, especially around streams and rivers where the Salmon come in each year to spawn.

A day fishing with my son

2006-07-21T16:21:00.000-08:00

It was Saturday morning July 22 2006. Our Son Jon had come to Kodiak with his two daughters Lily 5, and Lauren 3. They would be staying with Grandma Linda and Grandpa Alan for about three weeks. And so the Halibut fishing trip was on with a friend offering to take us out in his 24 foot aluminum skiff. We left the dock at St. Paul's boat harbor around 9 am, and headed to Cape Greville, over very calm conditions. The forecast was for two foot seas - virtually "flat calm" - on Chiniak and Marmot Bays. Yes!! this is my kind of fishing weather. As the hours we going by, and no Halibut, we decided to troll for King Salmon, which also didn't produce any fish. After trying a few places off Greville for Halibut and Salmon, Jim said, "let's reel in and go down by Ugak Island, off Narrow Cape". This was a spot that Jim had done good in the past. About 35 minutes later, we were dropping our anchor and our freshly thawed out Octopus bait I had been given from a commercial Halibut "Longliner" friend of mine.

We dropped our baited hooks in about 100 feet of water, thinking "okay, this is the place".....Well it didn't turn out to be the place, so we pulled our gear once again and cruised over toward the beach on the outside of Narrow Cape. You may have heard of Narrow Cape, as the place where the test missiles are launched. The shoreline actually looks quite deserted in this area, except for Burton's Ranch and Hotel, and then the Kodiak Launch Complex, with it's missile silo.

Once close to the kelp beds, and with a depth of 50 feet of water, we decided to try 'our luck' again. Time was running out on our day's fishing with no Halibut on board yet, when the fish started to hit. The first one was about a 25 pounder, and then the next three were about thirty-five pounds. Jim landed the biggest one at about 50 pounds. All together we had our limit and then headed back to Dog Bay.

We had good tide and conditions coming back to Kodiak, and made it to St. Paul's boat harbor in under an hour. It was a very good day on the water. The work of cleaning and processing the Halibut was just beginning. Jon was not disappointed on this day of Halibut fishing, and took quite a bit home with him that evening as he caught a later flight back to Anchorage.

Oh, and one more thing of interest. Octopus is some of the best bait there is for Halibut fishing. The reason being, it stays on the hook a long time. Can you believe I used the same baited hook the whole day to catch my Halibut!!

Catching and Processing Alaska Sockeye Salmon

2006-07-10T21:58:00.000-08:00

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Our Family

2006-06-19T21:38:00.000-08:00

If you haven't met my bride yet, I want to introduce you to an incredible lady. We met in Vancouver British Columbia (where I was born) in 1965 and were married five years later, 1970, in Kenai Alaska (where Linda was born). This year of 2006 we celebrate our 36th Wedding Anniversary. God has blessed us with three wonderful children, Jonathan, Rebekah, and Richard, and a total of eight grandchildren. We are also blessed to have Staci (Linda's daughter whom we just found a few years ago) and Andy, and their two children Madison and Jackson, as part of our family.

Alan's favourite pastime

2006-06-16T12:36:00.000-08:00

Kodiak the Emerald Isle

2006-06-16T12:05:00.000-08:00

Can you guess which hands?

2006-06-11T15:21:00.000-08:00

At a recent Valentine's Party, some of the married men were blind folded and then brought in one by one and asked to identify which hands belonged to his wife, who was somewhere in the line. It was too funny, as none of the men could identify his wifes hands. Now what does that tell you...?

Alan & Irene leading music at Native New Life

2006-06-10T15:57:00.000-08:00

Kodiak Native New Life Fellowship

2006-06-10T11:44:00.000-08:00

Every Sunday evening for the past 19 years, Kodiak Native New Life Fellowship has been meeting together to worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Our purpose is to lift up His Name, to encourage and pray for one another, and to hear the Word of God. Music is a big part of our fellowship. The songs and words are so inspiring and uplifting. Our style is 'country western gospel', and we use instruments like Guitars, Accordian, Harmonica, and Mandolin.

Alan & Linda at Pasagshak

2006-06-10T10:59:00.000-08:00

This picture of my wife Linda and myself was taken at Pasagshak on Kodiak Island in May of 2006.