Day 20 – On Mission to the World: Seeing God’s Hand in Every Conversation

One of the greatest joys of this journey has been watching how God weaves together the ordinary moments of our day into extraordinary opportunities for His Kingdom. Today’s Bible study would beautifully confirm everything we experienced throughout the day, reminding us that when we seek God’s Kingdom first, He faithfully orders our steps and places people in our path for a purpose.

We didn’t rush out this morning. Instead, we enjoyed the blessing of slowing down. We finally pulled out on our motorcycles around 10:00 a.m. after sleeping in a little later than planned. It felt wonderful to prepare breakfast together before another day of adventure. I made bacon, eggs, hash browns, toast, and fresh coffee. As we packed a change of clothes for our trip to Chena Hot Springs, I found myself thankful for these simple moments that often become some of the sweetest memories.

Our first stop was the Pleasant Valley Gas Station to fuel up both the motorcycles and ourselves with another cup of coffee. We carried our coffee outside and sat on a bench, enjoying the comfortable Alaskan weather. Little did we know that God had already arranged our first divine appointment of the day.

A middle-aged man walked over to admire our motorcycles. His name was Dan, and within moments it was obvious that motorcycles were one of his greatest passions. He shared how he had moved to Alaska from Missouri back in 1990 after a friend invited him north to help train sled dogs for mushing. What started as an adventure eventually became home. Today, he and his wife enjoy life in Alaska and riding dirt bikes together. His current favorite is a KTM 300 two-stroke.

As our conversation continued, something even greater than motorcycles connected us—our shared faith in Jesus Christ.

Melvin gave Dan a copy of The Life and Teachings of Jesus along with a “What Would Jesus Ride?” Gospel tract. Though we had only just met, it felt like we were talking with an old friend. That’s the beautiful thing about being part of God’s family. The Holy Spirit creates a bond that goes far beyond geography, age, or background.

Dan was so kind that he even offered us a place to stay while we’re in Fairbanks. We exchanged phone numbers and invited him to visit us if he’s ever riding through the Adirondack Mountains back home in New York.

It reminded me of Hebrews 13:2:

“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.”

God continues to remind us that His family stretches far beyond the walls of any church building.

As we continued toward Chena Hot Springs, we spotted a beautiful moose standing peacefully in a pond beside the road. We quickly turned around hoping for a better look, but it had already disappeared into the wilderness. We smiled and continued on, knowing Alaska always seems to have another surprise waiting around the next bend.

The hot springs were exactly what our bodies needed after weeks of riding. Soaking in the warm mineral water while surrounded by Alaska’s breathtaking beauty was incredibly refreshing.

While relaxing, I struck up a conversation with a woman who lived in the mountains near Los Angeles. Before long we were comparing our off-grid lifestyles and talking about the joys of living deep in the woods. Once again, what started as a casual conversation became another reminder that God often connects people through shared experiences.

Meanwhile, Melvin was visiting with an elderly gentleman soaking in the hot springs from his wheelchair. He shared an incredible story of surviving a bear attack while camping near Cantwell. During the attack, the bear dragged him from his tent while he was still inside his sleeping bag, costing him the lower half of one of his legs. Despite everything he had endured, he still came faithfully to the hot springs because the warm water helped ease his pain.

Melvin had the opportunity to encourage him and share God’s Word. We never know the battles someone has faced or the burdens they continue to carry, but God always knows. Sometimes all He asks of us is to simply be willing to listen, encourage, and point people toward the One who brings true healing.

After changing back into dry clothes, we enjoyed lunch together at the Trail’s End Tavern inside Chena Hot Springs Resort. Melvin ordered the salmon burger while I enjoyed the delicious “Field of Glory” focaccia sandwich filled with fresh vegetables and feta cheese.

As we sat together, our conversation turned toward everything God has been doing during this journey. We realized something neither of us expected before leaving New York.

We came to Alaska expecting to be the ones blessing others.

Instead, God has continually surrounded us with people who have blessed us.

From places to stay… to meals… to friendships… to conversations… to unexpected acts of kindness, God has reminded us again and again that He faithfully cares for those who faithfully serve Him.

How comforting it is to know that while we’re seeking His Kingdom, He is already providing everything we need.

On the ride back toward Fairbanks, God gave us another little gift. We spotted a beautiful red fox along the roadside, and shortly afterward, we came upon the very same moose standing in the exact same pond where we had seen it earlier that morning. We quickly grabbed the GoPro to capture the moment, although anyone who owns one knows distant wildlife never looks nearly as impressive on camera as it does in person!

That evening our friend Mark invited us to attend his Wednesday night Bible study at the North Pole Church of the Nazarene. We were warmly welcomed by Pastor Brad and his wife, Nanette, and joined the group as they studied Chapter 11 from Henry Blackaby’s Experiencing God.

The chapter title immediately made Melvin and me smile:

“On Mission to the World.”

We couldn’t help but laugh.

That is exactly what God has called us to do.

For twenty days now we’ve been riding across North America, not simply as tourists, but as missionaries on motorcycles—sharing the Gospel, praying with people, encouraging strangers, and looking for every opportunity God places before us.

As we listened to the lesson, it felt as though God was replaying our entire day.

The study emphasized living in intimate fellowship with God through complete surrender—what the Greek word koinonia describes as deep, life-changing fellowship with Him. We were reminded to maintain a Kingdom perspective, allowing God to open our eyes to the bigger picture beyond our own plans. We learned that God is always at work around us and invites us to join Him in what He is already doing.

Richard and Mike Blackaby shared how important it is to recognize what God is doing in the lives of others so we can be encouraged and participate in His Kingdom work together.

Suddenly the conversations with Dan, the woman in the hot springs, the gentleman who survived the bear attack, and every person we met throughout the day fit together like pieces of a beautiful puzzle.

None of those encounters were accidents.

They were Kingdom appointments.

God wasn’t simply leading us to a destination today.

He was leading us to people.

One verse from the study perfectly summarized everything we experienced:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” — Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)

Following Bible study, we stopped to pick up pizza for dinner from Great Alaska Pizza Company—known by the locals as GAPCO. While waiting for our order, another opportunity presented itself.

Melvin spoke with Macy, the cashier next door at Speedway, sharing a “What Would Jesus Ride?” Gospel tract and offering words of encouragement before we left.

Inside the pizza shop, I noticed a young mother holding her eleven-month-old son, Charlie, while trying to carry two large pizzas to her car. I offered to carry the pizzas for her so she could safely hold her little boy.

It wasn’t a grand gesture.

It wasn’t planned.

It was simply one small act of kindness.

But that’s often how Jesus works through us.

Sometimes the greatest witness isn’t found in a sermon—it is found in quietly serving someone else’s need.

We carried our pizza back to Mark’s house and enjoyed dinner beneath the canopy as a gentle rain fell around us. The peaceful sound of raindrops became the backdrop for another evening filled with conversations about evangelism, life back home in New York, and dreams of one day helping start a ministry that would bless the people of Alaska.

As I reflect on today, one truth stands above everything else:

God is always working.

Long before we arrive somewhere, He has already prepared the people we’ll meet, the conversations we’ll have, the encouragement we’ll receive, and the opportunities we’ll have to shine His light.

Our responsibility isn’t to have all the answers or create opportunities ourselves.

Our responsibility is simply to remain surrendered, available, and willing to say, “Here I am, Lord.”

Today reminded us that every gas station, every scenic stop, every restaurant, every hot spring, every church service, and every chance meeting can become holy ground when we allow God to lead.

And tomorrow, we’ll continue riding wherever He points us next.