Building Lives Worth Living

More than a chronicle about carving a large Christian camping ministry out of the remote Alaskan wilderness. More than a tale about an ice cream-eating bear or baptizing people in a frozen lake. This is an account of willing but very human individuals who followed God's call to serve Him in Alaska. It is the story about uniting early missionary efforts across the state, the unique ministry tool of Christian camping, and equipping each new generation. Ultimately, it is the testimony about the God who is seeking and saving the lost (Luke 19:10). This is a second, expanded and updated, edition of Building Lives Worth Living which was originally written to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Victory Bible Camp. The story did not end after the first book. In the last 25 years, God has continued to use His people to build His Kingdom! Ginny Gillespie suspected that she might end up at Victory Bible Camp someday because Stan hinted at such when he asked her to marry him in 1967. But she never dreamed it would be the place where they would raise their children (Kim, Chris, and Michelle), serve for thirty years and experience so many challenges and blessings. At Victory, Ginny served as the ministry's bookkeeper, while also filling roles in administration, cleaning, and cooking. Kim and Michelle have used their camping experience internationally in Siberia and Central Asia, as well as domestically in the mission organizations they serve. In writing this second edition, Ginny and her daughters feel less like authors and more like collectors of stories. Their deepest desire is that you see God's hand in the pages of this book and that it gives you the courage to follow His voice wherever He calls YOU to serve.