The Baran Family

Our first Sunday in Alaska was spent with Pastor Ferrett and Independent Baptist Church in Big Lake.  As we drove to the church, we were introduced to the snowy weather of Alaska.  Thankfully, being from Buffalo, I’ve had some experience driving in that type of weather!  Brother Ferrett was shoveling when we arrived and was happy to see that we made it! Pastor Ferrett is a missionary to Alaska and has been serving faithfully in Big Lake for years. Together, he and the church have built a beautiful building and have been a wonderful testimony in their community. 

Deputation has taken our little family to the beautiful state of Alaska!  We arrived on November 1st and were in our very first meeting the next day.  Pastor Hamman and Independent Baptist Church in Wasilla invited us to come to their Wednesday evening service. The people were so friendly, it was like we had already known them from years past.  What a privilege to meet these dear folks!  Later that week they also took us sightseeing around Wasilla and provided a violin for my wife to play while we visit churches in the state.  We’re so thankful for the people the Lord puts in our path.  What a great first meeting!

We traveled to Dresden, New York to be with the Good Samaritan Baptist Church for their Sunday services.  This is a beautiful area of New York, located right next to the Finger Lakes. We enjoyed the view of the lake and the colors of fall as we drove!  Pastor Ed Rice and I had met at the annual Youth Ablaze conference earlier this year and had set up this time to present our burden for the people in Cebu.  We were blessed by the church and their heart for missions.  The pastor’s son is actually a missionary to Peru!  It was a blessing to see this church, though not large, involved in missions.