ECCAK
March/April 2013
the Sinew From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. (Ephesians 4:16 NIV)
High Octane Outreach Uses “Rigs” To Connect With Youth By Kristi Ivanoff Connecting with youth can be a challenge, but Ben The group has faced several challenges along the Harvey, a middle/high school science teacher in way including delays in getting needed parts to vandalMountain Village has discovered that when you bring ism to one of their projects, but they have continued to “rigs” into the picture, interest skyrockets! look for creative solutions to keep the group going. They High Octane is the are currently working name of Ben’s outon a snow machine reach that has teens that was purchased for and young adults $500 and is nearing gathering to do completion. something enjoyBen, who was inable and educavolved at Excelsior tional with an eterCovenant Church in nal perspective. Minnesota, got the The group meets idea for this ministry weekly to work on from a college mentor old or broken-down and fellow Covensnow machines or anter, Greg Bednar four-wheelers to get from Mankato, MN, them restored and who had been doing running. They have something similar snacks together, there. Initially, Kevin Ben shares a short Gwinn, another devotional, and High Octane club members in Mountain Village pose with their project teacher also helped students can share rig, fondly referred to as “The Green Hornet”. The group meets weekly Ben with group before needs or prayer to work on rigs and connect with God and each other. moving to another requests. High Ocschool district, and tane participation ranges in size each week but has had Matt Groen now assists the group. as many as 12 young people involved at a time. Ben, who had been going on mission trips since he was “Octane refers to the level of gas used in an engine-11-years-old, had desired to teach on the Pine Ridge resthe higher the octane level, the higher the performervation in South Dakota. However, after attending a job ance,” Ben explained. His desire is that God’s highfair in the Twin Cities, he chose to accept a teaching job octane love will be experienced by the students in his in Mountain Village noting many similarities between group. (Continued on page 11)
Praying for Life, Rescue, and God’s Will To Be Done by Curtis Ivanoff
There is a scene in I Samuel 7 where God’s people made a plea to Samuel: “Do not stop crying out to the LORD our God for us, that he may rescue us from the hand of the Philistines.” So Samuel cried out on their behalf and God answered his prayer, delivering the Israelites. Then Samuel put up a stone, naming it “Ebenezer” (lit. “stone of help”), to remind the people that “Thus far the LORD has helped us.” We need God’s help. I received a text recently asking me to pray for someone. There seemed an urgency in the request, and when I asked about the nature of the need, the response said, “He’s texting suicidal…” So I prayed. It is an all too familiar matter, suicide. Statistics (according to Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics) show us that we have the highest rates in the nation per capita. They show us that the rates are highest among Alaska Natives; the most at risk. are men ages 15-24. From 2000-2009, 176 Alas-
kan communities experienced one or more suicides. Just like the Israelites, we need God to show up to bring deliverance. ECCAK General Council made a resolution in April 2011 to have an annual day of fasting and prayer to stand against the presence of suicide in the name of Jesus. From the resolution: “We in the Evangelical Covenant Church of Alaska further RESOLVE to come into the bond of unity and fervently commit to a day of fasting and prayer annually for our children and our families that we may be delivered from the peril of suicide in our communities and be healed from the pain that we endure from those whom we have lost already.” April 29th, 2013 is the day we are setting aside to pray and fast. I invite you to join in. Pray as a church, pray as a family, pray in small groups, pray in your own time with the Lord. However, that day is not the only day we pray, may we “pray without ceasing” each day, praying “thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” I would love to hear how God leads you and your church in this time. If you’d like to share, email me at curtis@eccak.org.
2013 ECCAK Annual Meeting Mekoryuk Covenant Church May 1-5, 2013
“Fully Mature in Christ” for more information: www.eccak.org/2013-eccak-annual-meeting Services will be broadcast on KICY AM850 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. Col. 1:28 2 //ECCAK Sinew
Healthy Congregations: Culture of Godly Leadership by James Barefoot I moved to northwestern They had their own Alaska as a village youth struggles and weaknesses Healthy pastor when I was 24 years as any of us do, but they old. The Eskimo elders Missional were people of character, taught me their culture in and convicMarker #3 competence how to dress to survive, eat to tion. They were commitsurvive, and recognize trail ted to much prayer, study markers to survive. of the scriptures, scripture They taught me all of these memorization, and a Just as a tripod is a trail-marker guiding a traveler’s things by example, living it childlike faith that trusted journey, this series explores missional markers to out as I watched and folguide us in our journey toward healthy church life. God in every situation. lowed. However, there was a They were humble and yet more important culture they rock solid as leaders, standing for the truth, also lived before me that has given me the skills to yet living for the salvation of others. survive anywhere in the world as a competent and There are many stories of this older generafruitful Christian. tion of Christian leaders. They are all in I had the privilege of learning from “old-reindeer heaven now while I am on my way to beherders-turned-pastor such as Lawrence Gray and coming an elder, hoping to pass on the legJohn Stalker Sr. and women in pastoral leadership acy they gave me. I pray that we will be such as Pauline Harvey and Mildred Sampson. faithful to live before this generation as a Walter Outwater, Fred Savok and Howard particular culture of people who truly love Slwooko were great examples to me. God with all their heart, soul and mind!
WAMT Course Helps Leaders Disciple Youth Sixteen leaders and lay people gathered in Nome in January as part of the Western Alaska Ministry Training (WAMT) to increase their understanding of how to reach young people in their communities. The class, taught by Byron Bruckner and John Hege, focused on practical ways to connect with this current generation of young people. Topics relevant to this call were discussed such as current trends and how media impacts our young people and their families. In each session, participants asked practical questions which led to great group discussion— providing each participant a deeper connection with others who care about young people. “Challenges that young people face are complicated because they often involve complex family systems, significant loss issues, abuse situations and other life issues, “ Byron explained. “Many people aren't sure how to navigate such tricky relational waters. Providing this equipping helps people feel like
they don't have to run or avoid youth.” Joshua Mute, Nome church member who attended the course shared, “It sparked a new interest in practicing and getting to know more about anger in a healthy way— something I’d also like to share with young people I know.” March/April 2013// 3
White Mountain Ladies Sew For Fun and Service By Mary Hansen Last fall we kicked off our ladies’ Bible study in White Mountain with a tea party. At the tea, elder Velma Brown reminisced about the days when there was an active Dorcas group in White Mountain, and other women shared memories of attending Dorcas meetings with a gram or auntie when they were children. Dorcas groups are named after Dorcas described in Acts 9:36-42. Typically a Dorcas group is a regular gathering of women who sew or make items to give to others in need. In this region, it is my understanding that groups typically focused on making things for people in the village. Nationally, you will see Dorcas groups that have a more global focus and may make things to send to missionaries. Several women expressed an interest in craft nights and the desire to learn how to sew. Out of these discussions was born a four-week rotation for our ladies’ group. The first and third weeks we do Bible study, the second week craft night, and the fourth week
Lois “Linky” McManus and Kendalynn Shoogukwruk practice their new sewing skills on bandages the group is making for the Congo hospital. mission sewing. On craft night, women work on whatever project they have going. The evening has provided a neat opportunity for women to observe others and to receive and provide wisdom and instruction. On the mission sewing night, we have been sewing bandages and baby layettes for the people of the Congo as a part of the “From Alaska With Love” program. The mission sewing nights have
been evenings truly blessed by God. Almost all of the supplies we needed for the project we found in the village; sheets were left behind in the old clinic, and flannel had been donated to the church at some point. Many women have come and are learning new skills by sewing the strips of sheets into bandages and cutting the flannel and sewing the baby layettes. Elder Willa Ashenfelter commented the very first evening of mission sewing, “This is good. It is good for us to help others and to recognize that there are others who have things worse than we do.” As we have continued to meet for mission sewing night, Jesus is speaking clearly to us that “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). One neat thing is that I have several women coming to sewing night regularly who haven’t been connected with our church. It is my hope that as we build relationships that it will open up other opportunities. This year has been an “experiment” of sorts, and I feel like God is really moving and opening up new doors.
Alaska Covenant Women initiated a state-wide project for the month of February to partner with the on-going nationwide outreach to serve Covenant Medical Missions in Congo. By gathering eye glasses, rolling sheets for bandages, sewing baby layettes, and raising money through bake sales, Alaska ministries will be sending a huge care package of love to Congo. The pictures on page 5 are just a few images from workdays hosted by different groups. 4 //ECCAK Sinew
Pictures were sent from First Covenant Anchorage, Chugach Covenant, Arigaa Anchorage, Unalakleet Covenant, Nome Covenant, Bethel Covenant, and New Song Covenant. March/April 2013// 5
March
ECCAK Prayer Calendar
SUN
Gail Caldwell ACC/The River Soldotna/Kenai
MON
Tim & Mary Beth Daniels Unalakleet Covenant
TUES
Sandy Gold Community Covenant Eagle River
WED
Irene Houdek Alaska Christian College
THU
FRI
SAT
Tricia Ivanoff Unalakleet North Park University
Curtis & Kristi Ivanoff ECCAK
Gary & Lynda Bekoalok
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God’s light and love to reach those that our lives touch that need the redeeming power of the Lord in their lives For Jacob, Tacy and Caleb—to have wisdom as they mature and face “real-world” situations and challenges
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That we may not fear evil. Psalm 23:4 That we may become preoccupied with gladness of heart as we toil in our lot, for this is a gift of God— Ecclesiastes 5:20
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For family medical issues For two women I am helping to transition from prison to community life through Open Table Ministry Counseling/prayer ministry at Hiland Prison—for the staff and women participating in faith based program
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Wisdom, guidance and skill to keep technology running well to assist staff/students accomplish their goals Relationships with students that they would be encouraged and see Jesus in me and through me Deeper walk with Jesus
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Safety and health while traveling to/from India and within New Delhi ( March 8-17) with North Park mission trip
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That God would reveal himself in the context of a different culture and minister to the group and those we meet
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For compete healing in Kristi as she recovers from surgery For wisdom for Curtis as he leads and cares for churches and discerns healthy boundaries for ministry and family For protection and care for Charis, Nathan and Joshua as they deal with Curtis being gone often for ministry needs
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Sincerity, truthfulness, honesty, and dedication Application of 2 Chronicles 7:14—that we would humble ourselves and pray, seek God’s face, turn from wicked ways; that God would hear, forgive our sins, and heal our land
April April
ECCAK Prayer Calendar
James and Evelyn Barefoot ECCAK
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For transition as James’ mother moves to Wasilla from South Carolina to live with us
SUN
· · ·
Safety as I travel Continued prayers for my children's safety and health For continued financial support as I travel.
MON
Dorothy Bekoalok Anchorage
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God's wisdom as Jay and Myra work on their masters degrees Safe ferrying of 'new' plane from Oregon and safe summer travel
TUES
Myra, Jason & Romay Harris Galena
WED
Tom & BeeJay Gray Nome Covenant
THU
Nathan Hanna & Sandra King Mekoryuk, AK
For unity among believers to grow as the church seeks for a new pastor For the youth to grow and mature in their knowledge of Christ and desire to live in Him fully That God’s angels would surround the village to combat the schemes of the enemy
FRI
Hooper Bay Covenant Church
For ministry momentum to continue For health protection as we serve at AEC For discernment to clearly define His call for us to serve in Alaska
SAT
Jason & Sara Battiest AEC/ The River Soldotna/Kenai
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For financial provision as business clients have changed That God would give direction for new opportunities Praises that BeeJay’s 2-year chemotherapy regimen is complete; for positive results and healing
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For the preparation of hosting the ECCAK annual meeting Healing and strength for many facing serious health issues For wisdom for community leaders
· · · · · · · ·
Creative Giving Options Extend ECCAK Travel Resources by Kristi Ivanoff Anyone living in Alaska knows that travel expenses are a regular consideration when establishing a budget. Whether it be for gas for your snow machine or boat to plane tickets for traveling on vacation or to the closest “hub” to buy groceries, dollars spent on travel are essential to life anywhere in Alaska. For ECCAK, the same is true as a large part of the budget is dedicated to travel expenses for many different purposes. Among them is pastoral care for the men, women and families who serve in the villages. “Pastoral care is one of the five ministry priorities that ECCAK has established to guide its ministry efforts,“ Curtis Ivanoff, field director explained. “A large portion of ECCAK personnel, time, and financial resources are dedicated to providing ongoing care to pastors and their families. Travel needs are right in the middle of it all.” As supporters give to the work of ECCAK they are directly supporting
8 //ECCAK Sinew
the men and women who serve in pastoral ministry. With 12 of 20
In February, ECCAK helped pastors from both villages and road system
“There is no way I would have been able to attend midwinter without the help of ECCAK,” explained Scammon Bay Pastor Jason Stromstad. “It ministered to me deeply. I left renewed to be the hands and feet of Jesus back in the bush.” churches being located in rural locations, travel expenses are a significant percentage of allocation of funds. “Ministry in rural Alaska presents the challenge of expensive travel. Ministers and their families are isolated by large distances from the help and ministry they themselves sometimes need,” Fei Cross, a pastor’s wife explained. “Recently we needed some help in our personal lives and ECCAK stepped in and graciously provided travel expenses for our whole family. We extend our gratitude for the care that we received from ECCAK.”
churches attend the midwinter conference, located in San Diego. “I was encouraged to go to the conference, and with a mileage ticket from ECCAK, it became a reality,” said Frank Alioto, pastor of the River Covenant Church in Kenai. “There is no way I would have been able to attend midwinter without the help of ECCAK,” explained Scammon Bay Pastor Jason Stromstad. “It ministered to me deeply I left renewed to be the hands and feet of Jesus back in the bush.” Providing opportunities for pastors and their families to travel for care and
encouragement opportunities is only one of the ways ECCAK uses travel funds to care for its own. In recent months, funds have been used to help one pastor’s wife and three college students travel out-of-state to a conference that explored current issues facing Native American Christians. Chad Woods, a young man from Unalakleet being mentored by youth ministry director Byron Bruckner, was enabled to travel to the mid-winter conference through ECCAK travel resources as well. In 2012, ECCAK field director Curtis Ivanoff and associate director James Barefoot traveled extensively throughout rural Alaska. Between the two of them, there were 30 visits made to villages to meet and pray with pastors, church leaders and lay people. “There are several ways that people can partner with us to provide assistance for travel expenses,” explained Curtis.
(Continued on page 11)
Chugach Covenant Hosts “Hope Sunday” for Congo Kids By Kristi Ivanoff and Matt Cisneros, Chugach Covenant Associate Pastor said. “We hope that in the following weeks the Chugach Covenant Church, Alaska’s newest remainder of the children will be spoken for.” church-plant located in Anchorage, was the first Reesheda Washington, the project’s leader exAlaskan church to sponsor a Hope Sunday to give pressed how organizers are inspired how small members of their congregation an opportunity to congregations and new church plants like sponsor a child in a part of the world where war, Chugach Covenant “ have worked by faith to famine and disease are touching our sister Covenant commit to the equivalent of 25 percent of their ministries. congregations’ regular attendance in child sponCovenant Kids Congo (CKC) is the historic undersorships.” taking by the Evangeli“Our short but succal Covenant Church cessful history supports (ECC), World Vision the fact that these goals U.S., World Vision are reasonable and atCongo, and the Congo tainable,” Washington Covenant Church said. “However, it will (CEUM) to focus miltake all of our churches lions of dollars in Geoperating as one larger mena, Democratic Rechurch committed to public of Congo. The this common goal for us funding will enable a to address the needs of holistic ministry that our friends in Congo in will provide water, sustainable ways that health and hygiene, food A packet containing literature about sponsoring make a huge impact.” and agriculture, educachildren from the Congo and how to host a Hope Churches of any size tion and literacy, and can host a Hope Sunday economic development. Sunday can be requested at www.covchurch.org. and the project is ongo“The ‘Hope Sunday’ was a great opportunity for ing, so if you are interested in the project, talk us to demonstrate the love of Christ to our commuwith your pastor or church board to select a date. nity, not just around us, but around the world,” exMaterials can be requested online from plained pastor Dan Krause. “Many of the people attending our church, are not from a Covenant back- www.covchurch.org/covenantkidscongo. In a video that is posted on the covchurch.org, ground, so this was also a chance to learn about the Pastor Dan Krause exhorts other pastors, “Don’t ECC’s history of serving globally.” let fear stop you. Maybe you are concerned that The service featured readings that reminded us not people who give to Hope Sunday will give so out to close our eyes to the vulnerable around the globe. of their tithe. This is not a concern that is coming Pastor Dan’s sermon was on practical ways to demfrom God. Let me remind you, our God has cattle onstrate and declare the great story of Jesus and he weaved into this message the tangible ways in which on a thousand hills. This isn’t our church, it is His church and he will provide.” we can do this as a community by sponsoring children through CovKidsCongo. Following the service, those in attendance were invited to a table set up with information about Some information for this article was obtained CovKids Congo. “We are pleased to announce that from Covenant Newswire more than half of our kids were sponsored!” Dan March/April 2013// 9
KICY CareForce Serves Western Alaska with Prayers by Dennis Weidler, KICY general manager If a radio station is defined by its programming, Lower Kuskokwim and Seward Peninsula regions. then KICY AM-850 can be defined as the station Our staff also stands-by to answer prayer request that prays with and for our listeners. Every weekday calls as they come in during the broadcast. We have morning at 9:02, we quiet our hearts and turn to the all taken the time to pray over the phone with listenLord in prayer. ers before we take their requests to share on the air. We are blessed to have a roster of pastors who vol- The pain, loneliness, grief and loss are shared by so unteer their time to host CareForce. Local Nome many. pastors from the CoveAs one who nant, Baptist, Methodworked in comist, Lutheran, Assemmercial radio for bly of God and Sevover 10 years in enth Day Adventist the Lower 48, it is churches take their often difficult to seat behind the microthink that the raphone in the main studio station is dio. where one would Pastors from the turn for prayer. road system and the But it is. Many of villages of western the villages we Alaska, and even some serve have no from the Lower 48, church or no pascall in on our toll-free tor. KICY is the line. We make sure church in their we provide the most village. KICY is Lon Swanson is the administrative force behind CareForce. recent prayer requests where listeners Listeners send in requests that are lifted up in prayer daily. (and a subtle reminder) turn in times of to each pastor by e-mail the day before they are trial. KICY is often the source for Christian spirischeduled. tual growth. During the annual meeting each spring, we take We all take great delight when a listener calls to CareForce on the road and invite several attending share a praise for prayer answered. pastors to join us for the broadcast on Tuesday, A special thanks to Lon Swanson, the KICY staff Wednesday and Thursday of the conference. member tasked with scheduling, coordinating and Each CareForce broadcast begins with a short de- reminding CareForce pastors of their daily particivotional. Then, the prayer requests begin. We have pation. We think it's our most important program. had as many as seven pages of requests, mostly from If KICY is known only as the station that prays for the 40+ villages we serve in the Lower Yukon, our listeners, that's okay with us.
April 29 May 1-5 May 5 May 6-10 May 29 August 15-18
Important Dates Statewide Day of Prayer and Fasting for life and hope for Alaskan individuals and communities ECCAK Annual Meeting —Mekoryuk, AK Alaska Christian College Commencement, Soldotna, AK WAMT class: Survey of the Old Testament — Bethel, AK Covenant Bible Camp summer season begins— Unalakleet, AK Triennial Women’s Conference— San Diego, CA
10 //ECCAK Sinew
High Octane Ministry (continued from page 1)
Estate Gift Blesses ECCAK Robert and Sheila Fortuine’s contribution to Alaska continues, even as they have made their new home in heaven. ECCAK has received a generous gift from their estate and we rejoice that their giving lives on. We remember their many years of faithful service to the Lord.
rural Alaska and the Reservations. The group meets in the school shop but is looking to move to the building that was built through the Alaska Village Partnership with the Midwest Conference churches. “It’s really exciting to me to see what the group is doing,” said pas- If you are interested in giving through your tor Don Cross. “There’s an aspect estate, contact Covenant Trust Company. to this that grabs young people’s attention that a regular church service won’t. This is a clever way to Ministerial Transitions connect with young people.” Two village pastors recently announced their resignations. Grant and Lenna Funk have been in Hooper Bay The Evangelical Covenant for 13 years and plan to depart the end Church of Alaska of July. Amil and Amy Carter have [ECCAK] is a nonserved in Shaktoolik since November of conference “field” of the Covenant Church of Amer2011. We are always grateful for people ica, dependent on the gifts who serve our churches and communifrom churches and people ties with great fervor and love. Please to carry out our mission for lift them each up for God to grant clarity Christ’s sake in Alaska. on their future steps. Vincent Eben has been called as AssoMinistry Priorities ciate Pastor for First Covenant Church, Pastoral Care Anchorage and began serving Feb.1. Youth Ministry Leadership Pathways Congregational Vitality Church Planting Field Director: Curtis Ivanoff curtis@eccak.org Associate Field Director: James Barefoot arctic4jim@yahoo.com Office Manager: Sara Scoles info@eccak.org 907.694.6378 Sinew Editor Kristi Ivanoff kristi@eccak.org
Rejoicing We welcome baby Tobias Robert Taalak Yee Te London born to Adam and Shirleen London on February 11 at 2:30 a.m. weighing in at 6 lb 15 oz. Adam serves as the youth pastor for Unalakleet Covenant Church.
Travel Blessess Many (Continued from page 8)
“Other than giving money directly, friends can donate mileage, unused companion tickets, and “buddy passes” or id-90 tickets. By joining ECCAK’s Easybiz group through Alaska Airlines, both the person flying and ECCAK receive award mileage for the miles traveled.” With partnerships that have been formed between commuter airlines and Alaska Airlines, it is possible for someone to travel all the way from places like Mekoryuk to Anchorage for 10,000 award miles. This same trip would cost close to $1000 dollars otherwise! Most of our Covenant villages are serviced by such airlines, so helping ECCAK to accrue additional mileage is a real help. Please contact Sara at the ECCAK office (info@eccak.org) if you are interested in joining the Easybiz group or wish to purchase or transfer award miles to ECCAK from Alaska airlines or any other major airline.
Alaska Representative - Bill Hickman Snoqualmie, Washington 1-888-494-0663 wchickman@CovenantEstatePlanning.org
Covenant Trust Company
www.covenanttrust.com
Our mission is to serve the members, friends and ministries of the church as a lifetime financial services partner. CTC can also assist with retirement planning. www.covenanttrust.com
March/April 2013// 11
Newsletter Title Page 12
NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID ANCHORAGE, AK PERMIT NO. 537
Mail to “IN-IT TOGETHER” recipient:
Evangelical Covenant Church of Alaska
P.O. Box 770749 Eagle River, AK 99577
Phone: 907-694-6348 Fax: 907- 694-6378 E-mail: info@eccak.org
We’re on the web www.eccak.org
Lanette Forbes Bethel
Frank Alioto Kenai
Donna Erickson Unalakleet
Jane Atuk Anchorage
Ed Shirk Fairbanks
Sandra King Mekoryuk
Harvey Fiskeaux Nome
Betty Jackson Shaktoolik
Joshua Mathlaw Mountain Village
Elected General Council