Volunteers from Milton-Freewater, Ore., descended on Togiak, Alaska, on July 25. Over the course of the next month more than 25 volunteers came to work for at least a week before returning to their regular jobs. On the second Sabbath of the project, 63 people gathered for Sabbath services in the old church, which comfortably seats 35 people.
The people of the village have enthusiastically supported the project by helping with construction and helping find material or equipment in the village to carry on the work.
At the end of August, though, there still remained some work to be done, such as plumbing, hanging and finishing sheetrock, purchasing and installing kitchen cabinets, and installing flooring and exterior siding.
With about $45,000 in contributions in hand the Alaska Conference stepped out in faith, trusting that our God who has resources unlimited would supply the need. It will take an additional $85,000 to finish the project.
“When the church/parsonage building is complete, we are praying that the Lord will identify the right gifted people to come and minister in this village,” said Jim Kincaid, Alaska Conference secretary and Native Ministries coordinator. “They will need to be prepared to support themselves by local employment, or by funding that God will supply from donors.”
If you are interested in helping to finish the building or would like to be considered for ministry in Togiak or in another village, please contact Jim Kincaid at (907) 346-1004 or jkincaid@mtaonline.net.
Jim Bingman, Togiak Ministry lay leader, stands between the old church on the right and the new one on the left. He has personally carried on this ministry at his own expense for the last eight years.
