Travis – is eight.  He likes just about anything that keeps him moving.  He loves to read.  He also likes Superheros, riding his bike, playing baseball, soccer and basketball.  He really likes to learn new facts then repeat them to anyone who will listen. Travis has NEVER met a stranger and will likely have a few new best friends by the end of the first day in Craig.

Cole – is twelve.  He likes sports.  Baseball is his favorite and he is a Detroit Tiger's fan even though he pretends he isn’t.  He likes basketball too and likes to watch football and play it in his backyard.  Cole is a soft-hearted young man and will likely relate well to the children of Craig as he loves to play anything with a ball.

 Abigail (Abby) – is 14.  She likes animals (horses mostly), reading, writing, artsy stuff, shopping and just hanging out.  She is our best babysitter in the family as she will play games with her little brothers instead of plopping them in front of a television.  She is very creative and will has a beautiful singing voice.  She relates well to people of all ages and will be a great asset to the mission team.

Erin – is 15.  She likes basketball but she loves soccer.  She is tough on the playing field and pretty sweet off it.  She has an incredible sense of humor and a soft tender heart for children.  She will play hard with the kids and keep them fired up.

Samantha – is 17.  She also likes basketball and soccer and has been playing both sports for about 13 years.  She adores kids and sometimes prefers to spend time with them over the dramatic teenagers in her peer group.  She also relates well to people of all ages but will likely prefer the kids. 

All six children have been raised to know the love of Christ to the best of their parents ability to teach them.  They understand, each to their own age level, what Jesus did for them and are not ashamed of the Gospel. 

Kevin Thomas

Pharmacist

Loves the outdoors and basketball

He is a senior high Sunday school teacher along with Rick

He is praying that God will soften the hearts to allow a seed of Jesus to be planted.

Rick Kauffman

Has been a military man stationed in Alaska and is now an ROTC teacher at a high school.

Teaches senior high Sunday school

Is a fisherman and hunter.

Prays to spread the love of Jesus to the lost.

Josh Kauffman

1. Baseball, Basketball, Soccer, Youth Group, Golf, Running and fishing.

2. "I feel compelled to go on this trip because I think it would be a fun way to spread God's word.

3. Spreading God's word and help bring other to Him.

4. That others will be influenced by me and I in return will be drawn closer to God.

Kyle Thompson

1. Social, athletic, like basketball and baseball. Loves being around friends.

2. I think it will be fun to not only meet new people but show them to God as well.

3. I pray that God will help me get the message across clearly and understandably.

4. My prayer request are that we have a safe trip there and back, that we can make a significant difference, and that hearts will be won to God.

Cory Thomas

1. Basketball, fishing, hunting, hanging out with friends and all sports.

2. Opening his plans to me and through me.

3. I will be able to use my specific talents to share God.

4. The plane will get there.

Nancy Thomas

1. Watching my kids play sports, flowers, sewing, children and outdoor activity.

2. I felt God calling our family to share with other the love of Jesus. We are stepping out in faith to reach the ends of the earth for the Lord.

3. I am praying that God will speak through our group to make a connection for Jesus. To show that he is real and alive and willing to save those that call upon His name.

4. I am praying for safety in travel and for good health. I am also praying that God will soften any hearts that we com in contact with that they may be accepting of Him.

Lindi Thomas

1. Volleyball, basketball,piano

2. To teach kids all about Jesus hopefully to draw them to have a relationship with Him.

3. That I can use the right words and information kids need.

4. That I will draw God's children closer to Him.

Joe Burton
(Founder of The Isaiah Connection)

Interests: Scifi Movies, Fictional Adventure books, Outdoors, Food (all Kinds) 

Gifts: Leadership, Apostleship, Craftmanship 

Why Called:  God has placed on my heart to teach those in the body of Christ that he has given them a gift from the Spirit to be used for reaching those that feel hopelees and lost, and he does not want us to sit idol, but wants us to use them for his glory. 

Prayer:  (1) that I can be a good encouraging leader (2) that I will stop feeling stressed out as I put all that is needed in the field together for this summer (3) for family while I am gone (4) I can be used by God for his purposes and not my agenda

Dennis Murphy
(Alaska Team Leader)

This is Dennis' fourth trip to Metlakatla and he serves as the Upward Basketball Camp Director.  He is also the overall site leader and loves to work with children.  He was a pastor in Minnesota for 16 years and served as the Associational Missions Camp Pastor for ten years.