Day 18 – God’s Divine Appointments in the North Pole

Our first night in North Pole, Alaska was a wonderful blessing. Our friend Mark graciously opened his home to us and even set up his truck camper so we could stay comfortably for the week instead of pitching our tent each night. After weeks on the road, this simple act of hospitality felt like a gift straight from God. We had a comfortable bed, our warm sleeping bags, and for the first time in quite a while, we didn’t have to set an alarm. There was nowhere we had to be except wherever the Lord chose to lead us.

The morning was absolutely beautiful. The sun was shining beneath brilliant blue skies dotted with a few white clouds, and the temperature hovered in the low 70s. Since we had picked up groceries the day before, I brewed a fresh pot of coffee and cooked bacon, eggs, hash browns, and toast. We carried our breakfast outside beneath the canopy, soaking in the peaceful Alaskan morning. It was one of those quiet moments where God’s presence could be felt in the stillness and simplicity.

Mark had taken the day off from work to show us around Fairbanks. Our first stop certainly wasn’t on any tourist brochure—the local transfer station. While it may seem like an unusual place to visit, we were amazed by Alaska’s exchange area where people leave items they no longer need and others are free to take them. Mark shared how he has found many useful things there over the years. It was a beautiful reminder that God often provides through the generosity of others. Even something as simple as sharing possessions becomes another way His love is demonstrated within a community.

From there we toured KJNP Radio (AM 1170 & FM 100.3), a missionary radio station located in North Pole that has faithfully broadcast God’s Word across Alaska since 1967. Founded by missionaries Don and Gen Nelson, their vision was to reach even the most remote villages with Christian teaching, encouragement, and hope.

The entire property was unlike anything we had ever seen. Every building—including the radio station, church, missionaries’ homes, and the founders’ residence—was built using traditional log construction with beautiful sod roofs. It is believed the station itself is the longest log building with a traditional sod roof. Missionaries from around the world still come to serve there, helping with maintenance and whatever work needs to be done while living right on the property.

One of the ministries that especially touched us was their Saturday evening “Village Voice” program, where listeners from remote villages call in to share testimonies, prayer requests, and words of encouragement over the airwaves. Nearly every mile of Alaska seems impossible to reach by road, yet through radio, the Gospel travels where people cannot. What an incredible reminder that God’s Word knows no boundaries.

Everyone we met welcomed us like family. Their passion for serving Christ was contagious, and we left encouraged by their faithfulness. It reminded us that no matter where we travel, God’s family stretches far beyond the walls of our own church.

Our next stop was Pioneer Park, a 44-acre historical park in the heart of Fairbanks. Walking through its streets felt like stepping back into the early 1900s during Alaska’s pioneer and gold rush days.

The first thing that captured our attention was the magnificent SS Nenana, known as the “Last Lady of the River.” Built in Nenana in 1932 and launched in 1933, this impressive 247-foot wooden sternwheeler carried passengers and freight along the Yukon and Tanana Rivers until 1954. As we wandered through the park, we explored buildings modeled after the homes and businesses of Alaska’s early settlers. Inside were mining equipment, gold rush relics, antique furniture, and countless artifacts that told the story of those who endured the hardships of life in the far north. It was fascinating to see the perseverance and determination that helped build this remarkable state.

After leaving the park, we stopped at Taco King for lunch. While authentic Mexican food isn’t exactly what most people think of when they picture Alaska, it was absolutely delicious!

As we were eating, Mark’s phone rang. It was the ladies from our church back home in New York. They wanted to pray over us and bless our journey.

What a precious God moment.

Thousands of miles separate us from home, yet through prayer there is no distance in the family of God. Hearing familiar voices lifting us up before the Lord reminded us once again that we are never traveling alone. We are surrounded by brothers and sisters in Christ who faithfully encourage us and cover this mission in prayer.

As lunch came to an end, the bright blue skies suddenly turned dark. Strong winds began sweeping through town, and just as we pulled into Costco’s parking lot, the heavens opened. Rain poured down in sheets, the wind howled, and before long, nickel-sized hail was bouncing off the hood of the truck.

We simply sat there watching the storm unfold, thankful that God had us safely inside the truck instead of riding our motorcycles down the highway. His protection is often seen not only in what He brings us through, but also in what He keeps us from.

After the storm passed, we celebrated with strawberry shortcake ice cream sundaes.

While we were inside, a young girl—probably ten or eleven years old—walked over and handed me a small piece of paper. On it she had handwritten the words, “Have a beautiful day,” surrounded by flowers she had carefully drawn herself.

It was such a small gesture, yet it touched my heart deeply. I couldn’t help but smile as I thought about how God often reminds us of His love through the kindness of His children. Sometimes His greatest encouragements come through the simplest acts of compassion.

On our way back to the truck, we met another one of Mark’s friends, Dan, from Last Frontier Ministries and Flash Point Mission. As always, the conversation quickly turned toward what God was doing in Alaska. Dan and Melvin exchanged phone numbers, and he invited us to stop by the mission as we traveled toward Denali.

Once again, another divine appointment.

It continues to amaze us how God orchestrates our path. Every day He places people in our lives who love Him, serve Him faithfully, and encourage us along this journey. These meetings never feel accidental. They feel ordained.

Before heading home, we made one final stop at Sportsman’s Warehouse. While browsing, Mark unexpectedly ran into an old coworker named Radic whom he hadn’t seen in nearly three years. Originally from Czechoslovakia, Radic now lives in Alaska with his wife and children, working as a miner.

The two of them spent a long time catching up on life, family, work, and, naturally, their shared love of firearms. Before we left, Radic strongly encouraged Melvin and me to each carry bear spray while camping in Denali and riding the historic Denali Highway. He also recommended we spend a night at Alpine Creek Lodge near Paxson.

Even practical conversations can become another way God watches over His children.

By evening the skies had cleared, the air had cooled, and the sun once again lit up the Alaskan landscape. Back at Mark’s place, we brewed another pot of coffee, settled into our chairs beneath the canopy, and built a crackling campfire.

For hours we sat together sharing stories, talking about God’s goodness, laughing, and simply enjoying one another’s fellowship. It reminded us that some of life’s richest blessings aren’t found in busy schedules or famous destinations, but around a campfire with friends who love the Lord.

As this day came to a close, one truth echoed through our hearts.

God continues to place us exactly where He wants us, exactly when He wants us there.

None of these encounters have been by chance. Every conversation, every act of kindness, every prayer, and every new friendship has been another reminder that He is directing our steps. We may have come to Alaska on motorcycles, but this journey has become so much more than miles traveled. It has become a beautiful testimony of God’s faithfulness, His provision, and His people.

“Comfort, yes, comfort My people!” says your God.

Isaiah 40:1 (NKJV)