On Dec. 20, 2025, despite temperatures well below zero and blustery winds, it was warm and light in the gym at Amazing Grace Academy in Palmer, Alaska. Palmer Adventist Church, as part of its outreach program, hosted a pre-Christmas dinner for some of the Alaska Native families who were displaced in early October 2025 by the Halong Typhoon.
The Halong Typhoon ravaged several villages along the eastern Alaska coast, especially Kipnuk and Kwigillingok. In December 2025, approximately 1,600 people were still living in hotels and other temporary lodging throughout Anchorage. These individuals and families were isolated and unable to gather in a meaningful way, to support each other or to cook their own meals. They had lost everything that couldn’t be carried with them onto the transport planes that rescued them and took them to cities far away from their culture and native language.
The purpose of the dinner was to give these displaced families a place to gather together, away from their hotel rooms, to visit each other and be uplifted by those in the same situation. The menu included dishes that were part of their culture: moose stew, baked salmon, fry bread and Akutaq — Eskimo ice cream. There were also fresh fruits, vegetables and other appetizers.
The gym was divided in half to allow a place for the kids to run and play. While the adults enjoyed food and fellowship with each other and with the many volunteers, Daniel Shaul, Palmer Church member, kept the kids entertained with activities.
Palmer Church members also gathered items to give to the guests. These included shoes, light blankets, baby care items and other supplies. The students of AGA put together gift bags that included personal care items and candy. To-go containers were provided so guests could take leftovers with them. The impact of the to-go containers expanded the outreach even further as the leftovers were shared with others who were unable to attend.
There was a great turnout of volunteers: some donated moose and salmon; many wonderful cooks made the meal; and others helped with set up, decorating, serving and cleaning up. Tobin Dodge, Alaska Conference worker, coordinated with others in Anchorage to bus the families from Anchorage to Palmer and back, while Connie Smith, Palmer Church member, organized the Palmer Church volunteers.
The best part was that the volunteers and guests were blessed. Connections were made. Several of the guests who attended have started to attend church services in Anchorage. Another dinner is being planned for early March 2026.
