Amidst the turmoil and darkness of this world, God has called us — His children — to share His love and His light. Alaska Conference emphasized its mission to share God’s love through health ministry.
In summer 2025, two training events equipped members to promote holistic wellness across Alaska. These initiatives were organized by Arctic Mission Adventure, local Adventist churches in Anchorage and Kodiak, and Ron and Carin Lynch, who are Lay Institute for Global Health Training trainers.
The first event, Holistic Remedies Training and Certification, held at Anchorage Community Church, introduced participants to the eight laws of health — nutrition, exercise, water, sunlight, temperance, air, rest and trust in God — principles rooted in scripture and Ellen G. White's book, The Ministry of Healing.
Practical instruction included hydrotherapy, natural remedies, plant-based cooking and massage. Over five days, 73 individuals attended, and 21 earned certification as Home Remedies Coaches.
Attendees represented Anchorage, Palmer and Wasilla churches, alongside non-Adventist guests. Post-training surveys revealed strong interest in future sessions. One participant said, “Hydrotherapy healed my cold symptoms during training, and I plan to share these methods with others.”
The second event, hosted at Kodiak Church in partnership with AMA, focused on mental health through natural remedies and lifestyle principles. This three-day program resembled a health retreat, attracting Kodiak members, AMA representatives and community guests.
Participants expressed enthusiasm for applying their knowledge within families and communities. One non-Adventist attendee expressed appreciation for learning such helpful information and even invited her Airbnb hosts, who attended the final day’s breakfast session.
Interest in additional Lay Institute for Global Health Training for Anchorage underscores the growing demand for health education.
White’s counsel remains relevant: “Medical missionary work is the right hand of the gospel” (Counsels on Health), and “Every member of the church should take hold of medical missionary work” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7).
These programs reflect a timely opportunity for Alaska churches to advance God’s mission through practical health ministry, meeting physical and spiritual needs in a world longing for hope.
Kodiak Church hosts the second health-based event.
From left to right: Colette Reahl, Anchorage Community Church member; Joann Bennet-Brown and Irene Andrews, Anchorage Northside Church members; and Vecous and Loretta Waite, Kodiak AMA workers
Attendees enjoy samples from plant-based cooking class during Holistic Remedies Training and Certification.
Church and community members attend Holistic Remedies Training and Certification at Anchorage Community Church.
Carin Lynch, LIGHT trainer, teaches a cooking class for Holistic Remedies Training and Certification at Anchorage Community Church.
Ron Lynch, LIGHT trainer, teaches a class for Holistic Remedies Training and Certification at Anchorage Community Church.
