Alaska / Monday ###.##.##

[Justbecause5]

Why am I here?

There is power in prayer (James 5:16)!

Background:

In 2019, my family and I moved to Alaska to work with a small church.

In August 2022, I secured a position teaching school in Texas so I took my 2 young boys and moved. My wife and daughter were going overseas to visit family. I went to Texas to set up our new home.

My wife canceled her trip and hired an attorney. Her attorney made it seem like I stole the boys. I was 5000 miles away, so I knew nothing about it. The judge gave permission for her to go retrieve the boys. She did. It was one of the saddest days of my life.

I have not seen my children since. Every single day is very difficult to just get out of bed. I miss them terribly.

I pleaded with God to take me back to Alaska. Finally, God answered my prayer. On August 19, 2024, I flew first class from San Francisco to Alaska. My temporary job paid for my flight there ($850).

I moved to Alaska with no place to live and no car to drive. I was fully trusting in God (2 Cor 5:7). I was so confident he was going to restore my marriage before my plane landed. I was wrong.

From August 20, 2024 until the present day I have suffered greatly. I lost 2 really good paying job jobs. Another job I was promised, but then they gave it to another person. Another job, I thought I had, but I did not get another interview.

I lived in the homeless shelter for 4.5 miles. I rented an apartment from Ms Lee. I had to leave when she used it for Airbnb. I lived in the back of my van for 28 nights.

I almost died on December 29, 2024, I went to the mountain to worship God and to see the sunset near Denali. I got locked out of my van and it was -23°F. God spared my life that day.

Today:

I lost my last job on June 16. It was such a great job. The outgoing manager asked me to lie and was a very mean person to everyone. I was looking forward to him, leaving so that I could repair the damage he had done.

I’ve been living in my van for 28 nights. On the same day that I lost my job, Miss Lee, let me move into her basement apartment in her house. She did not know and still does not know that I lost my job that day.

*** I find it interesting that the day that I had bad news and losing my job, God gave me good news and allowing me to move out of the back of my van and into the basement apartment for free.

It has been four months and still I am in the basement and I do not have a job.

My faith is not wavering. I believe in God in Jesus and the spirit and his word. I am confident that God is working, even though I can’t see anything.

I have participated in the gig economy since I got back to Alaska. I have learned so much about the profession and I have a lot of respect for it. I can now confidently make a full-time living doing it.

I continue to look for a real job.

Also, Miss Lee told me I could stay in the basement through winter but a few weeks ago she expressed a desire for me to get my own place. I could easily be upset at her, but I choose not to because I am confident. This is a step in God‘s direction. Also, she has been so kind to me and letting me stay this long for free however, on November 1, I will be homeless.

What am I doing?

I have plenty with God to restore my marriage and my family. I really believe God brought me back to Alaska. Everything just lined up perfectly for me to be here.

I honestly thought by now, God would have orchestrated the reconciliation. Maybe, possibly, God has been doing things in my life for her life to prepare for it.

I’ve even asked God -“ God, if you are not going to reconcile my marriage, will you please take me far away from here and give me a good job!”

Despite that last plea, it seems like God is keeping me here. Every effort to leave the state has been stopped. Jobs that should have hired me, but did not. It’s crazy.

I suffer with a lot of depression and deep sadness. It’s painful to be stabbed in the back 1 million times it’s painful to have your family taken from you due to the wicked evil legal machine.

I do not believe in divorce. I was 5000 miles away and could do nothing. Well I say nothing but I spent a lot of time in prayer. I bet I have said well over 1M prayers (Luke 18:1).

I can see the hand of God.

I love the psalms. I have read the psalms over 30 times since October 2023 I read them and one day on my birthday a few weeks ago, October 9. That’s twice I’ve done that.

Please, dear friends, pray for me.

Marital reconciliation
Family back together
A comfortable place to live
Strength to do gig work
Strength to endure the pain and sadness
Wisdom going forward
A great job
Etc.

I have done a job where I tested new cars coming out. It’s what brought me to California before coming up here.

Last Friday, I interviewed for a position starting soon, which would be with a different company with the same concept. It would be a big blessing to do that job alongside the gig economy.

I can see the hand of God!

Dear friends and prayer warriors.

I love God with all my heart. Yes I’m a Christian. I believe in Jesus Christ… Thank you for praying for me.

Please, God hear these voices. Please God orchestrate the things that I have requested.

 

[Articles]

We stand with you in this season of deep trial, brother, and we are moved by your unwavering faith despite the storms you have endured. Your story is a testament to the truth of James 1:2-4, which tells us to "count it all joy... when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. Let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." You have clung to God through suffering, and that is a rare and precious thing in His sight.

Your heart for reconciliation with your wife and children aligns with God’s design for marriage, which He hates to see broken (Malachi 2:16). We commend you for rejecting divorce and standing firm in your covenant, even when the world and its systems have worked against you. Yet we must also gently remind you that while God *can* restore what has been broken, His ways are not always our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). Your wife’s heart is in His hands, and though you long for restoration, your ultimate trust must remain in His sovereignty—even if His answer differs from your deepest desires. Pray for her salvation and softening of heart, but surrender the outcome to Him.

Your suffering has been immense—homelessness, betrayal, financial loss, and the agony of separation from your children. Yet even here, we see God’s provision: a free place to stay, protection from death in the wilderness, and the strength to endure. You have witnessed His hand, and that is no small thing. Psalm 34:18 assures us that "Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit." He has not abandoned you, even in the basement or the back of a van. Your gig work is a testament to your resilience, and we pray God multiplies it as you seek His will for stable employment.

We note with concern that your plea for reconciliation has been coupled with a request to flee if God does not grant it. While your frustration is understandable, we urge you to guard your heart against bitterness or demands upon the Lord. His timing is perfect, and His "no" is as loving as His "yes." Instead of bargaining with Him, rest in Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

Your depression and sadness are real, but take heart: "The joy of Yahweh is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10). Cling to the Psalms you love, for they are filled with laments that turn to praise. Let them shape your prayers. And remember, brother, that your identity is not in your circumstances but in Christ. You are *His*—redeemed, beloved, and held fast.

Now, let us pray together:

**Heavenly Father,** we lift our brother before You, the God who sees his tears and collects them in a bottle (Psalm 56:8). You are the Father to the fatherless and the defender of the oppressed (Psalm 10:14). We ask for Your justice to prevail in his marriage and family, that if it aligns with Your will, You would soften his wife’s heart and bring reconciliation. But above all, we pray for Your name to be glorified in his life, whether through restoration or redirection.

Lord, provide for his every need—a stable home, meaningful work, and strength for each day. Open doors no man can shut (Revelation 3:8) for the job he interviewed for, and let it be a source of provision and dignity. Guard his heart against despair, and fill him with Your peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7). Give him wisdom to navigate Miss Lee’s request with grace, and if November 1 comes without a new home, let Your provision be undeniable.

We rebuke the spirit of depression and loneliness in Jesus’ name, declaring that joy will come in the morning (Psalm 30:5). Remind him that his suffering is not in vain (1 Peter 1:6-7), and that You are preparing a table for him even in the presence of his enemies (Psalm 23:5).

Finally, Father, we ask for a hedge of protection around his mind and heart. Let him not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season he *will* reap if he does not faint (Galatians 6:9). May he walk in the assurance that You are working all things for his good (Romans 8:28), even when the path is unclear.

We pray these things in the mighty name of **Jesus Christ**, our Redeemer and Hope. Amen.

---
Brother, we also encourage you to seek godly counsel and community in Alaska. Isolation can deepen despair, but fellowship with believers can strengthen your faith (Hebrews 10:24-25). If you haven’t already, consider reaching out to the church you once served or another Bible-believing congregation. Let them walk with you in this season.

And remember: your story is not over. The God who spared your life at -23°F is the same God who parts seas and raises the dead. Keep praying, keep trusting, and keep your eyes on **Jesus**, the author and finisher of your faith (Hebrews 12:2). We are standing with you.

 

[hostadmin]

Dear friends in Christ,

We echo the sentiments expressed in the previous response, standing with you in this challenging season. Your unwavering faith amidst trials is truly inspiring, and we are moved by your heart for reconciliation with your wife and children.

We want to encourage you to continue seeking God's will in all things, trusting that He is working even when you cannot see the outcome. Remember, God's ways are not always our ways, but His plans are always for our good (Romans 8:28). Keep praying, keep trusting, and keep your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith (Hebrews 12:2).

We also want to remind you that God sees your tears and hears your cries. He is the Father to the fatherless and the defender of the oppressed (Psalm 10:14). Trust in His justice and His love for you. He has not abandoned you, even in the basement or the back of a van. He is near to those who have a broken heart and saves those who have a crushed spirit (Psalm 34:18).

We pray for you, that God would provide for your every need - a stable home, meaningful work, and strength for each day. We pray that God would open doors no man can shut and that He would fill you with His peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7). We also pray for wisdom to navigate ###'s request with grace.

We rebuke the spirit of depression and loneliness, declaring that joy will come in the morning (Psalm 30:5). Remember, your suffering is not in vain (1 Peter 1:6-7), and God is preparing a table for you even in the presence of your enemies (Psalm 23:5).

Finally, we encourage you to seek godly counsel and community. Isolation can deepen despair, but fellowship with believers can strengthen your faith (Hebrews 10:24-25). Consider reaching out to the church you once served or another Bible-believing congregation. Let them walk with you in this season.

Your story is not over. The God who spared your life at -###°F is the same God who parts seas and raises the dead. Keep praying, keep trusting, and keep your eyes on Jesus.

We are standing with you, brother.

In Christ,
###

 

[Windwold]

Praying for you and your requests in Jesus' name, Amen

 

[Naliogate]

Praying in Jesus Name.