This is a book worth reading! Christel Decker Bresko conveys the hardships of a call to Alaska to serve as a missionary with her husband Bill. The severe weather and dropping temperatures, the need for game and meat, the reckless ways of some who have had a bit too much to drink to keep warm…all of these struggles and more are faced by Christel and Bill.
She begins with her story of moving from Germany to America to attend college and how she soon meets Bill, who takes an immediate interest in her. Bill once promised God for getting him out of a jam in the war that he would one day serve as a missionary to either Australia or Alaska. After he marries Christel, it is determined that Alaska will be it. There are victories won and lives changed but not at an easy cost. The isolation and frigid temperatures make life difficult for the young couple.
Christel writes with a nice sense of humor, opening up the chapter on page 71 with, “Snow! Snow! Snow!” Her insights into the people they ministered to and the keeping grace of the Lord is well worth reading. She does write plainly and mentions a few occurrences such as stumbling into a sex party with the drinks flowing, and also of the occasional violent act of a drunkard, such as the man who holds a knife to her side. For these reasons we are recommending the book for ages twelve plus. This is an inspirational story and we are so pleased to award the book our Dove “Family-Approved” Seal. In one scene, in the dead of winter, a woman’s husband manages to give her a dozen red and fresh roses which makes her day. Apples didn’t grow for Christel in Alaska but a lot of people will enjoy reading how God’s grace grew for her and for Bill while they faithfully served him. The book is a fairly quick read at 134 pages, with some photos included. Read this book soon! You will be glad you did.