ALASKA
ST. LAWRENCE ISLAND ADDS TO CHRIST’S KINGDOM
CONFERENCE // NEWS
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n mid-March, Arctic Mission Adventure volunteer Petu “Chris” Koonooka, elder of the Gambell Adventist Church, started Bible studies with Ina Koonooka, 19, and Ila James, 17. Fear of the COVID-19 pandemic inspired them to study in preparation to be ready for Christ’s return. Each evening, the four would review two Native New Day lessons in addition to regular Tuesday and Saturday evening meetings. The small group continued to meet during the pandemic. Some Sabbath services would be just have three in attendance because folks were remaining indoors. Solomon Koonooka, 23, joined in the studies and also used the Native New Day lessons. As they neared the end of the series, Ina and Ila were convicted by the Holy Spirit and chose to be baptized. Chris reviewed the 28 Fundamental Beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church with Ina and Ila, who were anxious for baptism, and a request was made for the pastor to come to Gambell. However, due to regional travel restrictions
Aiden Blair (left), Melanie Seater (back center), Eli Seater (center), Joleen Seater (front center), Matthew Loop (back right) and Jonathan Loop (front right) prepare to be baptized.
BAPTISMS GO ON DESPITE PANDEMIC
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hen the COVID-19 pandemic hit with full force and mandates for church closures were announced, churches across the nation closed their doors. The impact the pandemic made on evangelistic meetings that were in progress, baptisms that were scheduled, prayer meetings and many other events was devastating to so many lives as family, friends and acquaintances struggled to stay safe. In several Alaska churches, the local church pastors and leaders forged ahead and came up with ways to continue reaching their congregation through Zoom, Facebook Live and personal phone calls. For those anxiously awaiting at home to be baptized without violating any mandates that were in place, Don Barnt, pastor, made the decision to forge ahead with several youth baptisms. On Friday evening, July
10, six young people who had been attending the Midnight Son Church in Kenai were baptized after making their commitments in February, shortly before all churches were shut down. Three siblings from one family, two from another and one young man from a third family all gave their lives over to Jesus at the church. Keeping in mind mandates for masks, social distancing and numbers that could congregate, family members and a few friends were able to attend the service. They praise God for these young people who have accepted Jesus as their Savior and committed their lives to Him. These new, energetic members are happily welcomed into the fellowship of the Midnight Son Church. Denise Tank, Midnight Son Church head elder
resulting from the coronavirus, it was not possible. Tobin Dodge, Arctic Mission director, spoke with the conference, and approval was granted for Chris to conduct the baptisms. Meanwhile, Solomon made the decision to be baptized as well. The date was set for May 16, which coincided with the birthday of the person both Ina and Ila were named after, which made the day even more special. Using pots of heated water, the church prepared a small swimming pool that former Gambell Church pastor Leon Ringering left behind for baptisms. During the service, a Yupik folklore story was shared and verses from Matt. 2:11–17 and 28:18–20 and Rev. 14: 6–7 were read. The water wasn’t as warm as hoped, but that didn’t stop them. Tears of joy were shed from grandmas, and a happy atmosphere was felt by all. The three newest members of the Gambell Church found peace in God. Chris Koonooka, Gambell Church elder
(From left) Ina Koonooka, Ila James, Solomon Koonooka and Chris Koonooka studied the Bible together to find peace during the pandemic.
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september/october 2020
