The 62nd General Conference Session in St. Louis, Missouri, was not only a significant event for our world church, impacting leadership and mission across the globe, but also a milestone for Arctic Mission Adventure.
As attendees entered the lively exhibit hall at GC Session, they were greeted by a buzz of conversations from the many booths and cultures represented. Amid the crowded aisles stood booth #945, the temporary home of AMA. Although the booth was in a 10-by-10-foot space, it attracted steady attention of curious people throughout the 10-day event.
For most visitors, this was their first time hearing about AMA. They were surprised to discover that such a mission field exists within the U.S. It was encouraging and touching for those working within the booth to witness the many hearts moved by the needs existing within Native communities across Alaska.
As a fundraiser to help raise awareness and support for Arctic missions, scrunchies were handmade by volunteers with fabric designed by an Iñupiat artist in Utqiaġvik, Alaska. These became quite popular throughout the event. One woman, inspired by the mission, shared it with her friends and brought them to the booth to buy their own scrunchies and thus further spread the mission’s story.
Adults were stirred by the mission field, but some of the most memorable interactions within the booth were with children. A boy from Australia, after visiting the booth with his mother, returned another day with his own money to donate. He shared that he wanted the Alaska Native children to know that a young person in Australia was thinking of them and saying hello. Another child, from the continent of Africa, shared his dream of returning to the U.S. as an adult to become a missionary in Alaska.
These heartfelt interactions are just a glimpse into the many meaningful connections experienced at the booth. Many visitors were surprised by the number of Alaska Native villages that have no AMA presence and no missionary support. Our prayer is that the time spent at GC Session will result in lasting partnerships with our brothers and sisters in Christ from around the world, and that together we will help move this vital mission forward across Alaska.
The AMA booth is set up at the 62nd GC Session.
From left to right: Vecous and Loretta Waite, Kodiak pastoral couple, and Celesta and Zack Babb, Fairbanks and North Pole pastoral couple, prepare to welcome visitors.
AMA shares Alaska Native crafts and the AMA ministry.
Visitors learn about the AMA ministry reaching Bush Alaska.
Zack Babb, pastor, shares stories about AMA with children.
Zack Babb, pastor, shares the challenge of reaching those people living in places only accessible by plane.
