The Lord’s calling can seem challenging, especially when it is a mission trip to fly to a remote island village in the Bering Sea. St. Lawrence Island is the fifth largest island in the United States and home to approximately 1,500 Yupik people. The remote location of the island, along with the many needs of its people, provides a special mission opportunity to win souls for Christ.
The Anchorage Northside Church decided to provide children’s programs, construction assistance and revival series for the St. Lawrence villages of Gambell and Savoonga. In addition to the team of adults, the Lord provided two wonderfully supportive young adults, Mariah T. Kiljoha and Brianna Lawrence, to join the trip. Through these two gifted young people the Lord affirmed and established His work with the children.
On Oct. 3, 2019, the group set out from Anchorage with a forecast on St. Lawrence Island of up to 60 mph winds, but they entrusted God to lead them through. The beauty of Savoonga was amazing — the radiant dark-blue Bering Sea, spectacular sunrises and the glorious sunsets — but most of all, the group was impacted by the beauty of the precious people.
Each day about 20 children came through the church door. Some children showed up hours before, seeking to enter the church to learn more about Jesus. On the first night one child asked, “Are you guys going to be here forever?”
To his disappointment the answer was, “No, we are here for only four days.” The leaders explained there would be a possibility of returning the following year, and suddenly his downcast frame lit right up and his face beamed with joy. Truly, it was most enjoyable to see God at work.
The Lord’s calling doesn’t seem so challenging when you see the results and experience His guiding hand. God has His hand over the people of St. Lawrence Island. As the Lord leads, please pray for the people of this island home. There is a need of a pastoral presence in both Gambell and Savoonga, and we know God hears the prayers of His people.
Jim John, Anchorage Northside Church pastor, visits with Albert and Amy Kulowiyi and their daughter Rosemond.
(From left) Paul Knobloch and Matt Weber, of the Rivers Edge Church, in McMinnville, Ore., along with Shawn McCrery, University Church in College Place, Wash., help with church construction projects.
(From left) Matt Weber, Shawn McCrery and Jim John lead music for the evening revival meetings.
Smiling children gather with program leaders Danya Nicketa-Kiljoha, Mariah T. Kiljoha and Brianna Lawrence.
