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Print magazine

Bethel Believers Seize Unique Opportunity to Serve

By Nita Larson, Nita Larson, July 24, 2014

The only way to visit Bethel is by air. A full 400 miles west of Anchorage, the cost of living there is high as food and fuel must be flown or barged in. But the company of believers in Bethel has a unique opportunity to serve God. Being an ethnically diverse church with eight different cultures represented, these worshippers are able to welcome and relate to the various visitors and immigrants to Bethel. 

Many of the members are professionals working in the fields of law, social services or medicine. God has given them the opportunity to share their skills and His love with the 56 villages surrounding Bethel that have no Adventist presence. Each Sabbath several non-Adventist members of the community come to the church to enjoy Sabbath lunch with the members. And each Tuesday and Friday evening the members come together to study the Bible and pray for their communities.

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The remote company of believers in Bethel represents eight different cultures, which uniquely positions members to reach the diverse communities in their area.

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Featured in: August 2014

Author

Nita Larson, Nita Larson

Anchorage Northside Church elder
Section
Alaska Conference

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The Gleaner is a gathering place with news and inspiration for Seventh-day Adventist members and friends throughout the northwestern United States. It is an important communication channel for the North Pacific Union Conference — the regional church support headquarters for Adventist ministry throughout Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. The original printed Gleaner was first published in 1906, and has since expanded to a full magazine with a monthly circulation of more than 40,000. Through its extended online and social media presence, the Gleaner also provides valuable content and connections for interested individuals around the world.

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