The group of 11 backpackers from Amazing Grace Academy had 2 more miles to walk before reaching their campsite.
They were out for three nights in a paradise of ocean, mountains and rainforest in Seward, Alaska. Everything was working out for the group. That’s when two families — a total of nine hikers — appeared.
The immediate concern of Ryan Rogers, Palmer district pastor and group leader, was that both groups planned to stay at North Beach for the night. While he didn’t mind sharing, he knew that not every group of strangers is appropriate for a Christian youth group to share a campsite with.
The new hikers weren’t strangers for long. Both parties shared the beach and adventured as one group of 20 hikers until they said goodbye in the parking lot at the end of the trip. Meals were shared and the kids spent every bit of free time together.
They planned goofy team challenges, times of solitude and scripture reflection, group discussions and a Sabbath worship experience that included singing in the rich acoustics of a World War II bunker. The group of nine joined the AGA hikers for all of it. Currently, one of the kids they met on the backpacking trip is now a student at AGA!
It was not how they had planned it; it was better. The Palmer outdoor ministry setting was ideally suited for delivering those unexpected blessings that could never really be planned.
In February 2024, North Pacific Union and Alaska Conference granted $20,000 of Spark Tank evangelism funds to Palmer Church and AGA for outdoor ministry. The ministry has welcomed 40 backpackers, ranging from ages 8–78, on three separate multi-day backpacking trips. Groups have paddled glacial rivers, summited mountains, snowshoed in negative temperatures and shared priceless moments of worship and spiritual conversation.
The church and school are grateful to NPUC and Alaska Conference for having the vision to see this kind of ministry as evangelism and for supporting it with funds to get started.
Learn more about the outdoor ministry at palmersda.org/ministries/outdoor.
The two groups hike along North Beach together.
Palmer Church members enjoy outdoor ministry with AGA.
New friendships form after a weekend of fellowship between hiking groups.
The group explored the natural beauty of Seward, Alaska.
Both groups shared the beach and adventured as one group of 20 hikers until they said goodbye.
The group participated in team challenges and had time for spiritual reflection.
