Memories from long-time supporters Rudy and Ruth Ann Domke

Your recent letter brought many memories to mind as I recall how my late husband, Rudy Domke, was really “turned on” for LAMP after meeting Pastor Les Stahlke. Rudy met Rev. Stahlke in the 80’s at the Northwest District Convention, probably in Portland, Oregon. There was discussion at that time regarding LAMP coming to Alaska.

As you know, LAMP came into Alaska with many different pastor/pilots until calling Pastor Ed Baltzersen to serve permanently. Rudy and I hosted or entertained some of the pastor/pilots; I recall especially Pastor Lee Berry, Paul Brinkman and Pastor Gary Sartain. I have a quilted table mat as a thank you gift from the Sartains – I still use it every Christmas. They used one of our cars during the time they were in Fairbanks. Pastor Baltzersen became an associate pastor at our church, Zion Lutheran, and a good friend. We’ve stayed in touch with him and his wife, Judy, in their retirement.

Rudy was so very interested in the unique ministry of LAMP and plagued each pastor with questions to learn all he could while they were here. He touted LAMP whenever and wherever he could. One money-maker for LAMP became the annual “Pie Auction” at Zion with Rudy reigning – lots of fun memories as pie-bakers competed. He remained a faithful supporter of LAMP up to his death on March 2, 2010. I hope to be able to continue with that support; both financially and prayerfully. God has been so good to us.

May God continue to bless your ministry and service to His northern people.

In Christ’s love, Ruth Ann Domke

LAMP Offering Stolen, then Replaced Over and Above

This report was received from Bill Reinhardt, long-time LAMP supporter and LAMP Rep from Calgary, Alberta. Bill remembers the Prince of Peace, Calgary, Sunday School children taking a bus out to the airport to see Les Stahlke and his plane shortly after the inception of LAMP in the 70's.

Recently, the Sunday School children from Prince of Peace launched another LAMP campaign, showing the current video* and providing participants with a "northern-style potluck"--bannock and venison included. The children adopted a flight plan goal to "fly 480 miles"* by Easter. They were well on their way to the goal with pennies being collected weekly in a glass jar. Shortly before Easter, the jar was stolen during a church break-in. Undaunted, a new jar was bought. The entire congregation joined in the campaign, and by Pentecost, they passed their goal! The enthusiasm for LAMP also brought a summer VBS volunteer from the church. 

Thanks to LAMP Rep Bill Reinhardt for sharing this story, and his continued encouragement and involvement in the ministry of LAMP!!

*For more information on how your Sunday School can support LAMP, go to www.lampministry.org/Fueling