The Gambell Church is on the western tip of St. Lawrence Island in the Bering Sea. Roughly 200 miles southwest of Nome and 35 miles from Russia, it is one of the most remote Adventist churches. Despite the distance, Gamble was blessed to host a Rocky Railway Vacation Bible School on a most unusual date — Christmas Eve, 2021.
The decision was made to have the program during the dark cold days during Christmas and the new year, or “winter break” when the children were out of school. It was an opportunity to bring light to the few devout kids of Gambell, when daylight averages about four hours a day with short windows of twilight.
Originally, the VBS program was to be held in Nome, but it was diverted to St. Lawrence Island and brought by Arctic Mission Adventure, the ministry outreach of the Alaska Conference with funding from Adventist Community Services. God knew the children of Gambell would need the program, and in His wisdom He ensured materials were on hand where needed!
On good-weather days, the church hosted seven kids. On bad-weather days, three children came to the light and shelter of the church, expressing praise and worship to our Creator. All left with a much-needed diversion from the dark days with the knowledge that they had learned a little more about a loving Savior.
Many thanks to all involved in getting the VBS material together to allow believers in Gambell to present Him to “be (with) His called, chosen and faithful followers” (Rev. 17:14), and knowing “where two or three gather in His name, He is there with us” (Matt. 18:20).
Clockwise from left, Toby Koonooka, Evelyn Denali Koonooka, Ella Koonooka, Alyssa Oozeva and Elayne Koonooka. In background Ina and Safi Koonooka
Evelyn Koonooka, Ella Koonooka and Alyssa Oozeva-Koonooka
Bottom right clockwise: Ashley Oozeva, Ina Koonooka, Evelyn Koonooka, Ella Koonooka, Alyssa Oozeva and Elayne Koonooka.
Elayne Koonooka and Ina Koonooka
Toby Koonooka, holding US emblem, and Evelyn Koonooka enjoy VBS crafts
