This is for all of you dear ones who prayed everyday from June 27 – July 17 (for 21 days and nights), for the safety and successful commercial fishing for salmon by Bishop William Nicholson and his three crewmembers!
As most of you know my 61 years as a captain of a Bristol Bay Commercial salmon fishing vessel is a primary source of income so I can minister fulltime as Senior Pastor of the Anchorage Moravian Church and lead the United International Moravian Ministry groups program.
Heartfelt thank you’s goes out to especially my wife, Barbara, my Anchorage Moravian Church members (and friends) and United International Moravian Ministry group leaders, Pastor Fred Nielsen in Dillingham, and pastors & bishops of the World Wide Fellowship of Moravian Revival Churches. Namely Pastor Carlos Marin (Arizona) and Bishop Isai Granwell (Honduras) & Bishops in Uganda and Tanzania, who prayed with faith believing so my boat ran efficiently and the salmon net was full enough to keep my crew smiling.
Our fishing vessel, the F/V Earl suffered and lost a couple of tides (day and a half) due to a malfunctioning diesel engine alternator, but a miracle happened. When I think of it, tears comes to my eyes, which allowed us to continue fishing in a critical timing window of sockeye salmon run. I thank a big supporter of God’s work, Brother Thomas Hoseth of F/V Hey Tom and a partner member of our salmon group Brother Harlan Backford, who help me to get fixed up so that I could continue fishing. Frankly, those days waiting (3 or more days) for an Alaska Airlines gold streak from Washington State, if missed would have been financially devastating for me and my crew.
The F/V Earl with Bishop William Nicholson’s three crew hauled into Dillingham boat harbor, yesterday morning, July 17, 2026, early. The same day later the red trimmed bow picker fishing vessel was pulled out of the water and carried on wheels to its autumn/winter storage.
It was a cold, rainy, among the roughest of the fishing years due to adverse weather, and much of the salmon run was missed by the fishing fleet due to conservation of the Chinook salmon. It was a scrapy season, but worked out for us. The hand of God was around us as our nets had fish and many around us less. God obviously wanted me to make it so I could work for Him and fulfill His Will for another year.
Yes, we rejoice that God has done so much for us that we cannot begin to count our blessings. And all God asks in return is a living and on-going relationship that brings life and joy into our lives. It’s what God has been trying to do all along.
May we find ways to love God who has loved us first. And we can do it by doing more things for Him. Amen.