For the sixth consecutive year, nine people sponsored by the Delta Junction/Tok District made the trek to Shungnak via Adventist World Aviation aircraft. This Eskimo village of 350 people, situated north of the Arctic Circle on the banks of the Kobuk River, has become more and more receptive and connected to these yearly returning missionaries. It is amazing to see how taking the time to learn a child’s name and to remember the child's birthday with a card can make a difference.
After spending five days in Shungnak, the mission team was transported to Selawik for four days of VBS, building improvements and general cleanup. No Adventist mission team had been in Selawik for many years.
Mission work in Selawik was begun in the 1930s and 40s by early Adventist flying missionaries. The first baptisms took place in the Selawik River. Several young people from the village spent some years at the Bristol Bay Mission School during the 50s and 60s. In this growing village of some 950 people there are currently only about 15 members, but many local people have a connection to the church via family affiliation. “Why don’t you come back and have regular leadership here? You have a lot of members here!” was heard frequently as the mission team walked the board-walk streets of the village
This mission trip once again illustrated the crying need of North American missions. As indigenous people worldwide have developed a global view, their desire for an understanding of biblical truth has increased. Alaska needs committed young people willing to invest several years of their lives living in an Alaskan village working side-by-side with these people while being Spirit led to prepare them for Jesus’ soon return.
For more information or to obtain an application, contact the Alaska Conference at (907) 346-1004.
Shungnak children enjoy VBS fellowship and crafts.
Adventist World Aviation pilots and folks from Wasilla, Palmer, Delta Junction, and Fairbanks ready themselves for flight beyond the Arctic Circle.
On Sabbath, April 23, 2005, 11 Inupiat Eskimos were baptized by Pastor Rick Binford at Selawik, Alaska, following a crusade by Pastor Brian and Denise Bechthold. With no baptistery available, materials were hauled across the frozen river by snowmobile, and a wooden baptismal tank was constructed and lined with a plastic tarp. Temperatures plunged to -20 F but hearts were warm as everyone praised God for what He is doing in the far north.
