The Gospel Goes to Kasigluk

JOY ANDERSON AND COLETTE REAHL, BETHEL ARCTIC MISSION ADVENTURE WORKERS, ARE EXAMPLES OF HOW GOD IS USING BELIEVERS TO TOUCH UNREACHED VILLAGES IN ALASKA. REAHL SHARED HOW THIS HAS HAPPENED IN KASIGLUK, 25 MILES FROM BETHEL, WHERE SHE TRAVELS AT LEAST FOUR TIMES A YEAR.

One day, Reahl treated a child in the Bethel clinic who was from Kasigluk, staying late to address her medical condition. Later in the month, when visiting the village, Reahl went for a walk when the child she had treated recognized her and was very excited to see her. She introduced Reahl to her friend and told her mom Reahl was in the village.

Her mother made a followup appointment for her child, which provided an opportunity for Reahl to share the AMA ministry and the wish to have programs in villages. The girl’s mom thought it would be well-received in Kasigluk and volunteered to help.

The mother arranged everything for the AMA visit, and a group started out by boat. But Satan was at work and the boat ended up stuck on a sandbar for three hours. Although delayed, God impressed the crew to continue.

Due to the late arrival, the program had to be shortened and focused primarily on the kids’ program. Announcements were made on the VHF radio, but only a few kids showed up. Fifteen minutes later, there were 50 kids waiting for the program to start! A few parents attended, and three adults filled out contact cards wanting prayer or to connect with the workers.

“We pray that with introducing ourselves to Kasigluk through our programs, we will build lasting relationships with those we meet there and plant churches as opportunities arise and God leads,” said Reahl.

AMA is an outreach ministry of Alaska Conference. Currently, pastors and/or volunteers live in Alaska Native Bush communities with the goal of integrating into village life and building relationships through ministries that meet the needs of both old and young. Their sole priority is to present Jesus through transformative evangelism.

The goal of AMA is to develop Centers of Influence in the nine Alaska Native hubs, like Bethel, that would include hub-to-outlying village support through radio, dedicated Bible workers, parsonages, day camps, food and clothing programs, and sound spiritual support.