Wrights On A Mission

Faithfulness in the Ordinary
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” — Proverbs 16:3
We enjoyed another peaceful and comfortable night’s sleep in the truck camper at our friend Mark’s home in North Pole, Alaska. After so many nights in tents and cabins, this season of rest has truly been a gift from the Lord. We slept in until 8:00 a.m., then slowly enjoyed hot coffee and blueberry muffins while talking about what the day would hold. Sometimes the greatest blessing is simply slowing down and allowing God to direct your steps instead of rushing ahead.
Our first priority was taking care of my BMW 750 GS. She has served us faithfully over thousands of miles, but the journey has left a few scars. After the first fall, my rear brake lever broke, and the second tip-over on the loose gravel roads of the Yukon cracked my left rear turn signal cover.
I called Gabe at Westside Motorsports in Spokane, Washington, and what a blessing that conversation turned out to be. He quickly ordered the parts and estimated they would arrive in about a week—perfect timing since we’ll be passing through Spokane on August 7th. Even better, Rusty from the local Christian Motorcyclists Association has graciously offered to pick up the parts for us until we arrive. Once again, God was already providing before we even knew how everything would come together.
It’s amazing how often the Lord reminds us that He is working behind the scenes.
“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19
After breakfast we gathered our laundry and shower supplies and headed to The Wash House, just ten minutes away. Even a routine stop like doing laundry became another divine appointment.
We met the young lady working there and learned that her boyfriend is originally from Elmira, New York—only a few hours from where we live. It’s incredible how often God connects complete strangers through the smallest details. Before we left, Melvin had the opportunity to share the Gospel with her, giving her a Life and Teaching of Jesus book along with a Gospel tract. We also visited with a gentleman from Texas who was helping her prepare for another Alaskan winter after she discovered just how challenging her first one had been.
Every conversation reminds us that people everywhere are carrying different burdens, different dreams, and different stories. We simply pray that God uses our brief encounters to plant seeds that He alone can grow.
Lunch took us to the Country Café. Melvin enjoyed his favorite breakfast of two eggs over easy with bacon and home fries, while I ordered a turkey club on toasted sourdough that was so large half of it will become dinner for another evening.
Three soldiers from the nearby military base sat beside us, and we enjoyed chatting with them for a few minutes. Both waitresses were amazed that we had ridden our motorcycles all the way from New York. One shared that she hopes to buy a Honda Rebel someday, so we gave her a Gospel tract as well. The other waitress, Savanna, told us her father rides a Harley. Before we left they surprised us with a Country Café sticker for our panniers—a fun reminder of another stop along this incredible journey.
Our next stop was Delta Powersports to investigate a clanking noise Melvin had been hearing at slow speeds. Once again, the Lord placed kind people in our path. A mechanic stopped what he was doing to take the bike for a test ride. After cleaning and lubricating the chain and inspecting the sprockets, he discovered they were badly worn. After some research, we realized they would likely need to be replaced at a larger shop in Anchorage.
While it wasn’t the news we were hoping for, we’ve learned throughout this journey not to panic over unexpected obstacles. God has carried us through every challenge so far, and we trust He will faithfully guide us through this one as well.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” — Proverbs 3:5–6
Later we rode over to Northland Wood, where Mark works. As we arrived, I noticed the sky growing darker by the minute. I smiled and thought, “Here we go again.” We made it to the lumber yard just in time. By God’s grace, Mark quickly directed us to park the motorcycles beneath a covered bay.
Moments later the wind roared through the yard, creating a massive dust storm across the dirt roads. Dust swirled everywhere, forcing everyone to shield their eyes before retreating inside. Then the heavens opened. Rain poured sideways in the fierce wind as flashes of lightning lit up the sky and thunder echoed across the valley.
Safe inside, Mark showed us the enormous planer he uses to smooth rough-cut lumber before taking us through the mill. Watching giant logs transformed into perfectly cut 2x4s and 2x6s was fascinating. The massive saw sliced through huge trees with incredible precision, reminding me how skilled craftsmen use powerful tools to shape something useful from something rough.
It also reminded me of how God patiently shapes us.
Just as rough lumber is refined before it becomes useful, our Heavenly Father lovingly uses both peaceful days and difficult days to mold us into the people He created us to be.
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works…” — Ephesians 2:10
We also had the opportunity to meet Jason, the owner, before the workday ended. As we were preparing to leave, Mark ran into his friend Ken. After only a few minutes of conversation, Melvin invited him to continue talking over coffee. Instead, Ken generously offered to take all of us out for dinner at C & J Drive-In in Fairbanks.
What an unexpected blessing.
Over burgers, fries, and ice cream, we enjoyed sweet fellowship with another brother in Christ. Ken shared stories of hunting and fishing throughout Alaska and told us about proposing to his wife on the final day of the Yukon River Crusade years ago. Sadly, he also shared that she passed away about a year ago. Though he smiled often, you could still see the ache in his heart. Grief leaves deep footprints, but we were thankful simply to listen and spend time together.
Then Mark asked Ken about the property he had recently purchased. Instantly his face lit up. He hurried to his truck and returned with a survey map, eagerly showing us where he hopes to build his future home. Watching his excitement reminded me how God places dreams in our hearts that keep us moving forward.
I quietly prayed that the Lord would provide every resource Ken needs to build that home one day.
By the time dinner was over, another rainstorm had rolled in, so we waited patiently until it passed. Once again, the Lord timed everything perfectly. We rode all the way back to Mark’s house without getting wet.
Back at camp we gathered around another evening fire beneath Alaska’s endless daylight, talking about life, ministry, dreams, and the road still ahead.
Today wasn’t filled with breathtaking mountain passes or famous landmarks. Instead, it was filled with something just as meaningful—faithfulness in the ordinary.
Laundry was washed.
Motorcycles were cared for.
Unexpected problems found solutions.
Meals were shared.
The Gospel was proclaimed.
New friendships were formed.
Believers enjoyed fellowship.
Sometimes we look for God in the extraordinary while He is quietly working through everyday moments. Today reminded us that every conversation, every act of kindness, every mechanical repair, and every shared meal can become part of His greater purpose if we’re willing to let Him use us.
Tomorrow we’ll take a day trip out of North Pole and head toward Chena Hot Springs. We’re excited to see what beautiful places await us, but even more excited to discover who God has already prepared for us to meet along the way.
*“This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24