Downeast Maine

Good morning on this beautiful New England day,

The last two days we have had cooler temperatures and the air just feels so crisp. Yesterday, I traveled to Machias, Maine for an engine removal for an aircraft we service at work. On my way back, I followed the coast home and went into the heart of Maine that is considered to be known by a few terms: Downeast Maine, and Blueberry County.

Travelling back I looked and waited to see many churches in these old ports, and I was surprised to find only a few, most of them appear to not be Bible-preaching churches. Our region is and has been saturated with Catholicism for centuries (1620 and on). The Methodist came into the state and hit the islands hard (66 Methodist churches in Maine to be exact), this is why most of the Islands only have a Methodist church and have waffled on their doctrine from the original principles of John and Charles Wesley. According to one website (Unsure of the reliability) there are approximately 276 churches in Maine, and a majority of those being non-bible preaching churches. We can get wrapped up in the numbers game, but the reality is, parts of Maine is considered one of the bottom three states that are unchurched. Please do take note that there are some great Bible preaching churches across the state and scattered abroad that are a great light to some of these communities and we are grateful for them, we seek to support them, and some of them support us. We need more of these churches.

On my way back home yesterday it was clear that our God is the Creator, as I passed through places like Searsport, Bucksport, Ellsworth, Bar Harbor and many more. The crisp air, the blue Atlantic ocean, occasional lobster fishing boat, and the people flooding those areas was encouraging to see. The taco stand on Verando Island was also a hit :)

Now that we all want to go to Downeast, Maine, it is important to note that there is a great spiritual need there. Today, I finish up two of my classes (Historical books and Paul’s Letters). Wrapping up the study on Paul and His letters, we close out the class with Romans 8:30:

Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

My question to you today is…What is calling you to do within your mission sphere and giftedness the Lord has given you? Isn’t it encouraging to know that God does the qualifying?

I pray you have a blessed day. Here at PTG we are working with MAF as they are sending two pilots to fly at IAM camp in a few weeks. These pilots plan on using our airplane for the camp and we are thrilled to be able to serve in this capacity. Also coming up on the 26th is our plane wash at 2PM at 63B where we will wash and clean both mission airplanes as we prepare for our camp on Aug 21-22. August second I have been asked by NASCAR to give the pre-race invocation an am honored to be able to give God glory and Praise through this invitation at the New Hampshire motor speedway. I am getting more preaching/ pulpit fulfillment calls and I am thrilled to preach the Word of God here in Maine!

Blessings to you all,

Alec S. Kindred