Evangelical Covenant Church of Alaska P.O. Box 770749 Eagle River, Alaska 99577-0749 Ph: 907-694-6348 Fax: 907-694-6378 e-mail : info@eccak.org ECCAK!
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News Inside this Issue: The Power of Words
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One Whoppin’ Big Cat3 fish or... Elim Alaska Excursion 4 From Bible Camp
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Remember Us...
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ACC Graduation
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ECCAK Prayer Calendar
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Wanted… Old Pictures
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Radio Network
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What’s Happening?
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Grandpa Ost’s Stories... 13 Just Stuff...
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Ways Your Hands And Heart Can Help!
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Rae Fancher, was born in Nome and grew up in Bethel. She was drawn to attend Alaska Christian College in 2004 and completed their program in 2006. After much prayer and counsel from others, it seemed to Rae that the Lord would have her to attend the prestigious U. S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. She started the program in the fall of 2006. Her involvement with the Bethel ROTC also played a part in this important life decision. On May 28th of 2010, Keith [President of ACC] and Debbie Hamilton [Executive Director of New Hope Counseling Center] pose with Rae after they made their way to Annapolis for this historic event...the first Alaskan Native Female to graduate from the Naval Academy. Rae’s major was general engineering. Alaskans have so many young people we are proud of and Rae is just one of hundreds who inspire us all. Congratulations Rae!
Evangelical Covenant Church of Alaska
JULY/AUGUST 2010
The Power of Words By Rodney J. Sawyer
The poem above was written out for me by Jayne Hanna of Mekoryuk a few years back when I was visiting in their home. It is a poem made up by Jayne’s dad, Pastor Nathan Hanna, about his youngest son Arthur, apparently when they once lived on the mighty Kuskokwim River. The day of my visit, Jayne was repeating the poem over and over to her younger brother Arthur. I asked her to write down, because it had such “a good ring to it.” As I was cleaning my office area one morning recently, I came across the simple poem she had written down for me and pondered on the words. They were words of such encouragement for little Arthur, who was struggling with some health issues at that time. I was reminded of a passage from the Scriptures that states: “There are those who speak rashly, like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Prov. 12:18 (AMP) We live in times where our TV sitcoms are filled with “humorous” put downs. We live in days
where our politicians on both sides of the isle are quick to speak “the truth” sharply of one another in the careful spinning of their words. Both the media and our Politician's have had tsunamic effects on the secular culture of our today, which one would expect. But I am afraid it has also been embedded into Christian families and the church. Many a child grows up with a destroyed spirit because all they get from home are negative words. Many a person looses their faith because a well-meaning bother or sister is determined to “set the record straight.” How I thank God for those who understand the power of their words to heal and provide hope. Thank you Jayne for being such an encourager and example by sharing with “Littel Arthur” words that built him up and did not tear him down. Maybe, just maybe, he will grow up and be “smart,” be “manly,” be “happy” and be a man who loves God because you helped daddy and mommy plant that seed while he was so young and impressionable. After all, “Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” Prov. 16:24 (NLT)
Proverbs 16:24 Poem Littel Art, Arthur, Arthur Stanly, He’s so smart! And he’s so manly, He loves God; God loves him, Happyist boy on the Kuskokwim! 2
Ways Your Hands and Heart Can Help!
Pastors/Youth Workers Often we have empty pulpits and are in need of pastors, short and long-term. Some villages have no one reaching out to the youth.
Pray Our newsletter, “Chilling News”, is full of stories about the people and the ministry of ECCAK throughout Alaska. If you would like to be added to our mailing list, please let us know. Encouragement Writing and/or calling those who serve in the bush is a great ministry. Want to adopt a church or a pastor? Ask for a prayer card of one of our team members.
Donate Air Miles If you accumulate free air miles, please consider donating to help a bush pastor and family get away for some respite.
Mission Teams Often times we have need for teams of people to come and join with a local church, camp, college, youth group, etc. for a construction project or outreach event. You can connect through Alaska Merge Ministry at: www.akmerge.com/how-it-works
Give to Bible Camp
Financial God often calls people to give to ECCAK beyond the normal local church tithe. And sometimes churches place ECCAK in their mission budget. Some are led to leave a gift through estate planning for work in Alaska into the future. Credit Card Donations ECCAK can receive donations via credit cards. You can contact the ECCAK office (907) 694-6348 and Sara or Yvonne will be happy to assist you. Teachers or Nurses Christian teachers and nurses often come to bush Alaska to serve in the local Covenant church during off hours. Also, some villages have no one reaching out to the youth. Call the ECCAK office 694-6348.
Through the ECCAK office, you can donate money to help send a child or young person to Bible Camp!
ECCAK mission To make disciples of Christ through a diverse culturally relevant witness by healthy missional churches and their supporting organizations. ECCAK Vision To challenge and assist every local church to become one that GROWS… G = God’s Word R = Relationships O = Outreach W = Worship S = Service The Evangelical Covenant Church of Alaska [ECCAK] is a non-conference “field” of the Covenant Church of America, dependent on the gifts from
churches and people to carry out our mission for Christ’s sake in Alaska.
Field Director: Rodney J. Sawyer Associate Field Director: Nathan Toots Church Plant Consultant: Mike Brown Alaska AVA Coordinator: Melanie Smith Office Manager: Sara Scoles Office Assistant: Yvonne Edmonson 15
A Dee unem p Thot: An plo is nob yed jester ody's fool. My mom said that the economy has gotten so bad that yesterday she received in the mail a pre-declined credit card application.
never tion that An inven grounds. e got off th The secret of managing life is to keep the folks who can't stand you away from the folks who are undecided.
One Whoppin’ Big Catfish or Big Whoppin’ Story! South East Conference Superintendant Robert Owens takes Rodney Sawyer fishing on a river while Rodney was down to speak at their men’s retreat in Georgia. Rodney hooked a whopper! It took both men to land the monster. The catfish eventually broke Rodney’s line at the edge of the river and both men had to jump in the water to hoist this “River Monster” out. Rodney is considering starting his own TV show. Not everyone will take this story hook, line and sinker. For some, this story is the only whopper they see. Some people might even think that Rodney put someone up to doctoring several pictures with some fancy computer software.
Only in Alaska!
So which camp are you in? A real fish or a whopper story? You pick. But don’t be surprised if you see Rodney and Robert on TV’s “River Monsters” show sometime real soon.
l wear little ise hikers wil W a. sk la A pings. You ars in t for bear drop the ones are lots of be ou re e he ey T : an S ep N BEAR SIG constantly ke use they are the trail, and oppings beca bells while on hich droppings are bear dr w can easily tell in them. s ll be le tt with li
James Barefoot Trip Facilitator Village Churches 907-304-1617 artic4jim@yahoo.com
IS YOUR HUT BURNING? The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Learn more at:
Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions.
akmerge.com/how-it-works
But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened; everything was lost. He was stunned with grief and anger. "God, how could you do this to me?!" he cried. Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him. "How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied. 14
Kate Cannon Trip Facilitator Road System Churches 907-227-3420 ktrynr@gmail.com
Merge staff Listens to your team ministry goals. Helps you find ways to cut costs. Leads your team through an orientation to fit your ministry. Accompanies your team for a smooth. effective week of ministry. Encourages and facilitates continued communication and long term relationships. 3
An Elim Alaska Excursion Recently, Rodney Sawyer and Byron Bruckner went to Elim to meet Don Cross and his wife Fei. Rodney and Byron’s host family had a sudden change in plans, so they ended up staying with the Cross Family. Don picked Rodney up at the airport on his snogo and took him to his house, introduced his wife Fei and returned to get Byron. Rodney said he was amazed at what he saw. Fei had three children fussing, two were twin babies [girl and boy], she had a phone strung around her neck and was in the middle of an on-line class with the speaker phone on, she was cooking supper for two unexpected guests, and the most amazing thing, she had a smile on her face! It was a good time of being together with the Cross family. Byron and Rodney spent a good deal of time holding a twin on their knee. The Elim church has asked Don to be their interim pastor as he steps through some processes with the ECC. Previously, Don was involved with a church in Stebbins and also worked several years with Teen Challenge as a counselor. Don grew up as a boy in Elim and loves it there. Fei served as a missionary to her own country of Malaysia before she met Don. She is presently serving as a village counselor in Elim. Her family still lives in Malaysia. Their family picture is located in the middle of this newsletter in the prayer section. Don and Fei shared much of their life story with Bruckner and Sawyer. Their marriage was technologic sovereignty, that is, they met on the internet while Fei lived in her home country of Malaysia.
World Book Encyclopedia Stars The picture on the left is of Ja Thelma The picture appea ck Brown and his sister red of W orld Bo ok Encyclope in the 1940s’ Edition dia. Jack no Golovin and Thelma lives in W hite Mou w lives in ntain.
As per Pastor Greg Asimakoupoulos (who also provided the picture) the sister and brother picture above appeared for decades in the World Book Encyclopedia article on Eskimos. Apparently the Brown family was chosen to tour the USA back in the forties as part of some marketing campaign. 4
“Grandpa Ost’s Stories Warm The Heart” In 1979, Jan-Olov Schroder wrote a biography on L. E. Ost, better known as “Grandpa” here in Alaska. Unfortunately, for non-Swedish speakers, Schroder wrote the book in Swedish. But English-speakers-only were not to be denied the stories of Grandpa Ost. Sometime later, the late and long-time Covenant missionary and North Park Prof. Sigurd Westberg translated the book into English. Copies of his translation have been floating around for several years. Now, a few lucky people can read stories like:
The book was named : Grandpa: A Mission in Alaska
“The Wedding in a Sleeping Bag” Or “Grandpa Killed a Grizzly With One Shot Through the Wall.” There is so much history of the beginning of the Covenant in Alaska woven throughout the book.
ECCAK is making a special offer for those who donate $200 or more to the ministry. The English translated version has been digitized, reformatted and fitted into a beautiful hard bound hand-crafted wooden cover. For your treasured copy of this limited supply, please fill out the enclosed envelope right away. Copies will be manufactured and mailed to donors on a first come basis.
What is your legacy? How can we help you build it? Both current and legacy charitable gifts are part of our stewardship of what God has entrusted to us. Even if we cannot afford large gifts during lifetime, a legacy gift from our estate can be significant. These gifts can continue our involvement with ministry long after current gifts have ceased, and can fund special projects or programs that may be close to our hearts.
Alaska Representative is Bill Hickman from Snowqualmie, Washington He can be reached at: 1-888-494-0663 or wchickman@CovenantEstatePlanning.org 13
June 23—July 4 July 4—July 11 TBD Aug. 3—Aug. 8 Aug. 12—Aug. 17 Aug. 13—Aug. 14 Sep. 10—Sep. 11
THE BI G ONE: In Alask a when someone refers to "the BI G one" i t's importa nt to cla r i f y whethe r th e y a re talki ng about a King sa lmon, M t. McKinl ey, or th e 1964 earthqu ake.
Nystrom Family Work Team at Chickaloon Kentucky 10 Work Team at Chickaloon Alaskan Work Teams at Chickaloon Vision Camp at Unalakleet Scheibe Family Work Team at Chickaloon RFD Search Committee Meeting at InterAct ECCAK GC Meeting
Covenant Newswire: www.covchurch.org—click on Newswire button Covenant Bible Camp (CBC): www.cyak.org/bible-camp.html Advocacy for Victims of Abuse: www.covchurch.org/women/ava Evangelical Covenant Church of Alaska: www.eccak.org Covenant Youth of Alaska (CYAK): www.cyak.org New Hope Counseling Center: www.nhccak.org check out... Websites to Alaska Christian College: www.akcc.org Amundsen Educational Center: aecak.org Arctic Barnabas Ministries: www.articbarnabas.org (view new updates!) KICY: www.kicy.org
The “In It Together…” ECCAK Ministry Team Nome Covenant , White Mountain Covenant, Golovin Covenant, Elim Covenant, Koyuk Covenant, Shaktoolik Covenant, Unalakleet Covenant, Fairbanks Covenant, Mat-Su Covenant, Eagle River Covenant, Korean Hope Covenant, New Song Covenant, Anchorage First, Bethel CoJvenant, Mekoryuk Covenant, Hooper Bay Covenant, Scammon Bay Covenant, Mountain Village Covenant, Kalskag Bible ECCAK Churches Chapel, The River Covenant Church Our Supporting Organizations New Hope Counseling Center (NHCC) Campus Christian Fellowship (CCF) Covenant Youth of Alaska (CYAK) Alaska Christian College (ACC) Covenant Bible Camp (CBC) KICY Radio 12
in need of staff:
Shaktoolik Covenant: Pastor
From 2010 Covenant Bible Camp… by Rev. Mary Putera Goiiiinnnnnngg!!!! To BIBLE CAMP!!!!! Wanna COME??? Yes, that’s the word on the street, the roads and the water ways and Facebook pages of North Western Alaska’s Youth! It’s time for FLYING into Unalakleet and heading up to North River for Covenant Bible Camp. Covenant Bible Camp is a safe place for kids to grow closer to Jesus, stronger in community, deeper in the word and more prepared than ever to live our Christian mission. The photo shows us gathered on the front porch of our newest building know as “The ARK!” It was our first week of camp 2010 known as Leadership Week! This is a time to invest in campers and staff by going deeply into the word and our own life stories, listening for God’s work in the midst of the community and our own lives. Adam London brought this group through texts flushing out what it means to willingly choose to be a slave to Christ. Tom Mute and Rev. Mary Putera brought the group through explorations of what it means to live a life of worship as we worked on “finding our lives in the Text!” God so faithfully cared for us all during this time. Many of these young leaders are now serving as camp counselors and staff for the next five weeks. Such Great Goings On at Covenant Bible Camp! Wanna Come Alongside? We have students in greater numbers desiring to attend. Families and villages are suffering greater economic struggle than ever before. We have way more scholarship requests than we can cover and yet truly know God’s glory is grown in our youth’s participation in Bible Camp. We remain determined to say Yes! Come! We know, as we make this appeal, that economic tension and deep struggle are a part of this nation’s story right now. Yet, our God is Great and we in Him boldly invite you to help us. We have a gap of $15,000.00 to fill through the blessings of others. As the Holy Spirit leads, please mark the enclosed envelope and mail. We thank you and may God bless you! From all of us whom serve with you at Covenant Bible Camp, Unalakleet, AK.
Kalskag Bible Chapel: Pastor No Name Church of Anchorage: Pray God raises up a church planter and a location in Anchorage Youth Pastors/Workers
Great Book : es ver, the purpos stand firm fore d ) or L IV e (N th 1 of :1 s . Psalm 33 ns But the plan tio ra ne ge l ugh al of his heart thro
“The Hole in Our Gospel” by Richard Stearns Direc tor o World Visio f n 5
Scammon Bay asks: “Remember us…”
Radio Network: I AM, Nenana, AK ECCAK and other Christian organizations have long been blessed to partner with the folks from Voice for Christ Ministries out of Nenana, AK. We were all saddened to hear of Bob Eldridge’s passing on. We will miss him and ask for your prayers for the families and workers at their radio stations in Alaska. The following is from the “Voice for Christ Ministries” Newsletter:
Left to Right: Billy Rivers Jr., John Uttereyuk, George Smith, Clifford Kaganak Sr., Jacob Rivers, Byron "Johnny" Ulak. An email was sent to ECCAK stating in the subject area, “Remember us…” It came from Pastor John Uttereyuk, who shares the load with their new pastor, Jason Stromstad. An excerpt from the email stated: “The BRETHREN, pike fishing at the Mud Volcanoes, 60 miles east of Scammon
Chickaloon Phase I Update. Teams from the Lower-48 are scheduled to come up this summer from the east to the west coast and Alaska teams are being developed. How we thank God for this marvelous provision. Funds continue to come in as we look to complete the two cabins this summer. The Chickaloon vision states: “To provide a place where sojourners encounter God through multifaceted opportunities that take place in the untamed splendor of Chickaloon.” It is almost as if you can hear the words from Ps. 34:8 “Come and taste and see that the Lord is good.” Chickaloon is a safe place nestled within the boundless borders and cloud catching peaks which surrenders itself to sojourning souls. God’s presence is easily sensed when on the sight which is tucked in between King and Castle Mountains! Donations to help finish Phase I can be made using the enclosed envelope. 6
It is with deep sorrow that I must report to you that Robert (Bob) “Eldridge, the pioneer founder of Voice for Christ Ministries, General Dikrector for 28 years and President Emeritus, has been promoted to glory. At the same time we have the joyful assurance that Bob is now in the very presence of of his Lord and Savior. Jesus Christ. During the last few months Bob has endured several difficult operations including eye surgery and the removal of a canerous kidney. In his usual humorous imagery, he compared his body to that of an old Model-T Ford with lumpy tires, broken parts, and pieces falling off, but still bumping along as it wobbled down the road. He was anticipating yet another medical operation in the middle of May to correct a surgery-related hernia. That surgery never took place. Late in the afternoon of May 11 th at his home near Nenana, Bob was seriously injured when he was accidentally pinned between two pieces of heavy equipment. His wife, Dee, wisely called "911". Given the situation and Bob's severe injuries, however, no human intervention could save his life. He passed away before the ambulance reached the hospital. He was buried a week later on a beautiful warm sunny evening in the community cemetery just a few miles from his home. Most of the funeral and burial were according to the customs of the local native Alaskan people for whom God had given Bob such a great love and to whom Bob had dedicated so much of his life. The beautiful wooden casket was carefully hand-crafted and beautifully decorated by local village people. The burial service included a flyby of single-engine bush planes, very similar to the one he began using 41 years ago to minister to rural Alaskan villages as an itinerant flying pastor. In accordance with the Athabascan Indian tradition, the burial was followed by a celebration of Bob's life at the local tribal hall. His life and legacy were also remembered at a memorial service at Fairbanks in the Bethel Church.
art the The Lord set ap : is th f o re su e I call You can b ill answer when w rd o L e h T . lf godly for himse 4:3 (NLT) to him. Psalm
Never allow the thought“I am of no use where I am;” because you certainly can be of no use where you are not. Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest. 11
ACC 2010 Graduation
WANTED… OLD PICTURES!
By Jeff Seimers
Walrus Boy: Francis Neevak of Toksook Bay
Alaska Christian College held Commencement for it’s ninth graduating class on April 25, 2010. The year began with the largest class in ACC’s history and completed in the same manner. Forty-one students participated in the day’s exercises. Eighteen finished certificates this year, either the oneyear Certificate of Biblical Studies or the two-year Certificate of Biblical and General Studies.
Picture provided by James Bruckner at North Park Seminary, Chicago Boy identified by Mary Smith, formerly from Toksook Bay
2010 you are enjoying your We hope that many of lendar! ECCAK ca one in the mail, If you did not receive ice and please contact our off you one. nd se to we will be glad 10
Perhaps you have some old pictures from the “good old days” that you would like to share with us.
Please send them to: ECCAK—PO Box 770749 Eagle River, AK 99577 We will scan them and return them to you. Be sure to provide us with your return address.
Students in the program represented 17 different Alaskan communities; nine communities were represented from Covenant church areas: Mountain Village, Bethel, Anchorage, Scammon Bay, Mekoryuk, Hooper Bay, Eagle River, Shaktoolik, and Unalakleet. The service was broadcasted on KICY for friends and families of the graduates to listen. The commencement included congregational singing and selections by the ACC choir. Isaac Wood V of Dillingham gave a testimony while Aaron Towarak of Unalakleet shared a class response. Students of the Year were recognized. Melanie Shavings of Mekoryuk and Aaron Towarak of Unalakleet received these highly respected awards (followed by many cheers from their classmates).
The students, staff, and faculty members of ACC select the Students of the Year through a vote. These students will have their names engraved on a plaque at the campus of ACC. This year’s valedictorian, Matt Blair of Anchorage, was recognized as well. Guests enjoyed the commencement address given by Governor Sean Parnell. Parnell encouraged students to continue their educations and be productive community members in Alaska. He also provided his perspective on the integration of faith and learning. ACC continues to offer a biblically-sound, Christcentered education. The school’s programs include academic classes, mentoring, counseling, and extensive opportunities for fellowship and Christian growth. Recruiting for Fall 2010 is well underway. If you know of a college-age student who would be interested in attending, contact Curtis Ivanoff in Admissions at 907-260-7422, ext. 3001 or curtis@akcc.org. You can learn more about ACC or download an application at akcc.org. 7
July 2010 DAILY PRAYER
SUN
Carl and Marcia Elwood [ Mt. Village ]
MON
Harvey and Nancy Fiskeau [ Nome ]
TUES
WED
THU
Wass and Jean Mute [ Koyuk ]
SAT
by PICTURE
Interim Pastor Don and Fei Cross with twins Kadyn & Katelyn and Jared (their oldest, shy and hiding in photo) from Elim
Mark and Joanna Hill [ Soldotna ] John and Wendy Hege [ Fairbanks ]
FRI
8
by NAME
by ern Lights taken Picture of North ee lw Rachel Joy McE in of White Mouta
Mike and Peggy Nystrom [ Washington ]
Henry and Betty Oyoumick [ Unalakleet ]
August 2010 DAILY PRAYER
SUN
MON
WED
CYAK Board Members: Left to right—Byron Bruckner, Doug Swanson, Rev. Mary Putera, Rodney Sawyer, David Helwig and Dr. Kaye Zwiacher, MD
by PICTURE
Dave Thompsen [ Eagle River ]
John and Carolyn Utteryuk [ Scammon Bay ] Sherry and Jim Libby From Mat-Su Covenant
TUE
Nathan & Karli Hobbs from Nome [Karli fighting cancer]
by NAME
THU
FRI
Max and Helen Cepero [ Anchorage ] Josephine Daniels of River Covenant in Kenai
John and Julie Wenrich [ Chicago ] Ron and Kathy Bowerman [ Bethel ] Tim and Mary Beth Daniels [ Unalakleet ] Betty Kay and Lynn Jackson of Shaktoolik
SAT
Hugh and Lynette Forbes [ Bethel ] 99