Evangelical Covenant Church of Alaska P.O. Box 770749 Eagle River, Alaska 99577-0749 Phone: 907-694-6348 Fax: 907-694-6378 Email: info@eccak.org www.eccak.org ECCAK!
PRSRT STD NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID EAGLE RIVER, AK PERMIT NO. 20
Evangelical Covenant Church of Alaska
Chilling News that Warms the heart! Reaching People for Christ’s Sake from near the North Pole
Mail to “in it together” recipient:
Nov/Dec 2009
New Church in Marshall
Inside this issue:
Name of New Church 2 Plant Another COS Partner- 2 ship Story
George and Eunice Landlord, from Mountain Village and working out of Kako, have been gathering with some folks in Marshall for about 3 years. The group kept getting larger and George kept praying for a larger place for them to meet. Then along comes Franklin Graham and Gov. Sarah Palin to Marshall. After meeting the Landlords, Franklin, touched by their testimony of being saved by his father, Billy Graham. Franklin asked George if there was anything he could do for him. George did not hesitate, ―We need a place for our growing church to meet.‖ Those were the words that put a spark in Frankin’s heart. It is planned for the summer of 2010 to build a church/youth facility as well as 2 parsonages, one for the Landlords and a second for a couple to work with the youth of the village.
Many years ago, there was a Covenant Church in Marshall. It has not functioned in many years. George states that many of the people forming this new church were children back in the days the Covenant Church was there and remember the ―good ole songs‖ they now sing when they gather. George and Eunice have temporarily moved to Anchorage to care for their newly adopted son, Isaiah. He was born prematurely with many medical complications. The doctors are telling them that by spring, he will be healthy enough to travel with them back to Marshall. Folks interested in helping with this building project can contact Samaritan Purse at 907.260.1946. Keep the Landlords in your prayers as they eagerly anticipate all God has planned for them.
Chickaloon Phase One: Moving Along
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Wind Turbines Come to Hooper Bay
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Physical Abuse Happens
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Why Merge?
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Prayer Calendar
8-9
Wanted: Old Pictures
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The Blessing: Herb Stromquist Story
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What’s Happenin’?
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Old Fashion Barn Raising
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The ECCAK mission is: To make disciples of Christ through a diverse culturally relevant witness by healthy missional churches and their supporting organizations.
Church Plant Gets a Name: River Covenant Church What’s in a name? In the Bible, names had meaning. For the most part, that has been lost in the modern American culture. However, when sorting through the maze of possible names for a church, words are important. Pastor Alioto and the launch team have decided on the name of the new church plant to be ―River Covenant Church.‖ This is a small but important step.
But not just fishermen for souls, it will hope to draw those sojourners of life who are in search of life’s meaning, those crippled in spirit who need healing, those lost in the maze of life’s ―unanswered‖ questions, those who are trapped in the web of addictions, those who suffer greatly from injustice, those who are alienated because of the culture or people group they come from. Pastor Frank Alioto and his wife Suzanne The church’s exact locaIn the Bible, rivers [and tion, Kenai or Soldotna, has not been water] provides the reader with a kaleidoscope of determined, but it will be in the vicinity significant metaphorical understanding: the river of of the famous Kenai River, which draws life [Rev. 22:1, tears that flow like a river [Lam. fishermen from around the world. The 2:18], the river where the leaves provide healing River Covenant Church will strongly [Ez. 47:12], justice that rolls like a river [Amos desire to draw fishermen of another sort. Continued page 5...
One of Many Conference Partnership Stories Alaska Project The Northwest Conference sent 24 people—four teams of six—to Alaska this summer. Team members flew to Anchorage and then on to Unalakleet, where they worked for a week. The Covenant partnered with a ministry called Arctic Barnabas in scheduling and supervising the work projects. The teams accomplished a good deal of work, transforming the parsonage. Crews repaired and shingled the roof. In the kitchen we installed new cabinets, new flooring and painted. In addition, new siding was installed, and much of the plumbing was repaired. The pastor and his family are very grateful for the work that was done. Our conference made a significant contribution to the ministry in Unalakleet. Thanks to those who went and for the many who made financial contributions. We plan to go again next year. Perhaps you will go with us? [Copied and pasted from the NWC web site without permission :)] 2
Pray: Our bi-monthly newsletter, ―Chilling News‖, is full of stories about the people and ministry of ECCAK throughout the state. It also has a daily prayer calendar. If you would like to be added to our mailing list, please let us know. Encouragement; Writing and/or calling those who serve in the bush is a great ministry! Want to adopt a church or a pastor? Ask for a prayer card of a pastor. Mission Teams: There are often times when we have need for teams of people to come and join with a local church, camp, college, youth group, etc., for a specific construction project or outreach event. Volunteers: The ECCAK office needs volunteers to assist in administration, grant writing, special projects, etc. Financial: God often calls people to give to ECCAK beyond the normal local church tithe or churches to place ECCAK in their mission budget. Some are led to leave a gift through estate planning to carry on the work in Alaska into the future. Credit Card Donations: ECCAK can now receive donations via credit cards. The perforated tab on the Prayer Calendar allows for this giving option. Also, you can contact Sara Scoles at the ECCAK office (907) 694-6348 and she will be happy to assist you. Teachers or Nurses: Christian teachers or nurses often come to Bush Alaska as ―missionaries‖ and serve in the local Covenant church during off hours. Pastors/Youth Workers: Often we have empty pulpits and are in need of pastors, short and long-term. Many villages have no one reaching out to the youth. Donate Air Miles: Many people accumulate free air miles. Please consider donating some to ECCAK to help a bush pastor and family get away for some R & R.
The ECCAK Vision is: To challenge and assist every local church to become one that GROWS… G = God’s Word R = Relationships O = Outreach W = Worship S = Service The Evangelical Covenant Church of Alaska [ECCAK] is a non-conference ―field‖ of the Covenant Church of America. We are dependent on the gifts from churches and people to carry out our mission for Christ’s sake in Alaska. Field Director: Rodney J. Sawyer Associate Field Director: Nathan Toots Office Manager: Sara Scoles Office Manager: Yvonne Edmonson
Ten Most Useless Inventions 10. Black highlighter 9. Braille driver's manual 8. Clear correction fluid 7. Fake rhinestones 6. Inflatable dart board 5. Mesh umbrella 4. Motorcycle air conditioner 3. Sugar-coated toothpaste 2. Super-glue Post-It notes 1. The system that allows you to report power failures via the Internet
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A celebrity is someone who works hard all his/her life to become known and then wears dark glasses to avoid being recognized.
The mathematical formula on how life began...
Chickaloon Phase One: Moving Along At the time of this writing, the two cabins have finally been ―dried in.‖ That means we can start using volunteers for ―inside‖ work, unless you just like chain sawin’. Ted Pullen worked fast and furious with several crews while the weather was still warm and the snow was held at bay. Now, we can begin working on stairs inside, place a wood stove and a fuel oil monitor into their positions, insulate, put in electrical, etc...all inside work. Phase One is still in need of two things: (1) people to volunteer [call Scott Swanberg for dates at 696-7731] and (2) people who feel led to donate towards the funds needed to complete the cabins. We still need funds to run permanent electricity, buy flooring, kitchen counters, furniture, etc. Our plan is to get cabin number one done first so as to see it utilized ASAP! Please mark the enclosed envelope if you would like to help. For more information on Chickaloon, go to our website www.eccak.org.
Where’s Al Hecker when I need him?
Part o ft bers v he ECCA K isit C hicka General C loon to see ouncil me m its pr ogres s.
You know its going to be a bad day when…
―This will only give the Christians a lot more ammunition.‖ 14
PROOF: No experience required as shown above by Pastor Mark Meredith of Eagle River Community Church nailing down the trusses with hurricane braces.
You get the job of digging a hole for an outhouse and your son is your supervisor! Not really. But when the nearest outhouse to the new cabins is too far away, just dig a new hole and move the outhouse. That is the way things are done at the Chickaloon property. Pam Swanberg and her son, Peter, pose for the camera man. 3
Old Fashion Barn Raising
Wind Turbines Come to Hooper Bay
Doug and Lori Lange of the Fairbanks Covenant Church were gifted with an old fashion barn raising. Many church members showed up one Saturday and helped build their new barn. With winter just around the corner, their newly acquired milk goats would need to get out of the frigid temperatures that can hit this northern community. Fairbanks sees some of the most extreme temperatures in all of Alaska recording its highest of 96 degrees and its lowest of a minus 62 degrees below zero Fahrenheit. In the picture at the right, Spencer Rowley and on the left Dennis Eames are representative of many who gave a helping hand on that beautiful fall day that lingered and blessed beyond most expectations for that time of year.
The October issue of the Alaska Village magazine featured an article on Hooper Bay’s new wind turbines. Hooper Bay is located on the west coast of Alaska with a population of 1160. The article stated how Alaska Village Electric Cooperative [AVEC] has been working with the community to reduce the costs of electricity which came from a diesel generator. With the increased costs of fuel, ―retail rates were as high as 65.55 cents per kWh or five times as high as some of the Alaskan and lower 48 areas.‖ With the installation of three new 100-kW wind turbines, they expect to generate 600,000 kWh per year ―which will displace about 44,500 gallons of diesel fuel used for power generation.‖
g; result in a belief in nothin A disbelief in God does not ng. thi any in ief ults in a bel disbelief in God usually res
nant websites Check out these Cove re button g—click on the Newswi or h. rc hu vc co w. ww : rvice men/ava Covenant Newswire Se www.covchurch.org/wo e: us Ab of s m cti Vi r l Advocacy fo cyak.org/about/cbc.htm w. ww ): BC (C p m Ca cak.org Covenant Bible ch of Alaska: www.ec ur Ch nt na ve Co al lic Evange .org ka (CYAK): www.cyak Covenant Youth of Alas rg .o Center: www.nhccak New Hope Counseling ge: www.akcc.org Alaska Christian Colle
High Costs Drive Some Villagers to Anchorage When the prices of fuel skyrocketed in 2008, there was an increase of Native students who enrolled in Anchorage schools, some estimates were to be around 400. For the typical village youth in high school, this would mean that the school they now find themselves a part of is larger than the village where they used to live. According to the Anchorage Daily News, ―... this year the poorest 20 percent of rural residents were paying 47 percent of their income in energy costs.‖
Ps 78:26 He let loose the east wind from the heavens and led forth the south wind by his power. 4
Getting What You Asked For The power of friends, Linda Olsen and Nancy Sawyer— Pr 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
A Lower-48 person was vacationing in Palmer. He approached a local villager. "What's the quickest way to get to Homer?" The local scratched his head. "Are you walking or driving?" "I'm driving," said the Lower-48er. The local villager said, ―That’s the quickest way.‖ 13
Physical Abuse Happens in Christian Homes, Too 2009 ECCAK Pastor/Leader Retreat ACC Fundraising Dinner ACC Board Mtg YK Delta Travel
Nov. 3-6 Nov. 13 Nov. 13-14 Nov. 15-18
Palmer Eagle River Eagle River Bet/Mek
Jan. 8-9 Jan. 10-16 Jan. 23-25 Jan. 25-28
Anch. Chicago Denver Denver
2010 ECCAK ECCAK GC Mtg. COS Mtg. MW Connnection MidWinter
se rci n e p r is x e e dow the picke d a l f o l o A rries used nd wi g. A g to be r up. y ca ing andin l e e s i ot h ho mone ne d st t w r k a f o he p an one his ot o go me here o be. the d hel o r A l o u in s t w fo an y es tur
ECCAK Churches in need of staff:
Shaktoolik Covenant Church: Pastor Elim Covenant Church: Pastor Kalskag Bible Chapel: Pastor No Name Church of Anchorage: No Name Church Planter
ACC to Hold Annual Banquet On November 13th, Alaska Christian College will hold its annual fundraising banquet at the Eagle River Community Covenant church. It will begin at 6 PM. Please plan to attend to hear about all that God is doing in the hearts and minds of our Alaskan youth people. It is a great opportunity to make an eternal investment!
The ECCAK Ministry Team — “In it together...” Our Churches Nome, White Mountain Covenant, Golovin Covenant, Elim Covenant, Koyuk Covenant, Shaktoolik Covenant, Unalakleet Covenant, Fairbanks Covenant, Mat-Su Covenant, Eagle River Covenant, Korean Hope Covenant, New Song Covenant, Anchorage First, Bethel Covenant, Mekoryuk Covenant, Hooper Bay Covenant, Scammon Bay Covenant, Mountain Village Covenant, Kalskag Bible Chapel, River Covenant Church
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Our Supporting Organizations Campus Christian Fellowship (CCF) Covenant Youth of Alaska (CYAK) Alaska Christian College (ACC) Covenant Bible Camp (CBC) KICY Radio
CHICAGO, IL (August 20, 2009) – Yvonne DeVaughn sat in churches wishing she could tell another person that someone had sexually assaulted her from the time she was six years old until she turned 17, when he impregnated her.
Even if they are able to escape the violence, victims frequently wind up in other abusive situations, she finds. DeVaughn, 60, has been married 41 years to a husband she says has been wonderful. ―I’ve been one of the fortunate ones.‖
It would be years later before she told anyone. ―I wonder if my life would have been different if I had known that it was okay to talk about it,‖ she says.
People also suffer spiritually when they are physically abused. It is common for victims to turn from their faith in God as a result.
―I think there’s a real misperception out there that this doesn’t happen in Christian homes, or at least not as much as in non-Christian homes,‖ says DeVaughn, the director of Advocacy for Victims of Abuse (AVA), an initiative of the Department of Women ministries. ―It happens in Christian homes as much as in non-Christian homes.‖ ―There is such a need for awareness and sensitivity in our churches so victims feel it is a safe place and not just a healing place,‖ DeVaughn says. ―There is so much shame around battery and sexual assault that people are terrified of coming forward. It’s almost like having a scarlet letter put upon you, and you’re afraid that people will look down on you.‖ People often stay in abusive situations because they don’t know where to turn for help or how they will survive, she says. That is especially true if the victims don’t have financial resources to live independently.
―It’s just a part of your soul that gets torn up and conflicted,‖ DeVaughn says. Churches increasingly are addressing the issue of domestic violence. In February, the men’s group at Congregational Covenant Church in North Easton, Massachusetts, raised $36,000 for two local agencies helping battered women. Still, DeVaughn says, much work remains. Congregation members and pastors may find it hard to accept that someone who is a friend also is abusing their spouse or children. Additionally, churches may not know where to turn for resources. DeVaugn notes that the denomination offers numerous resources or links to information. The AVA network also includes trained regional coordinators. The coordinators equip local churches to minister to victims of domestic violence and childhood sexual abuse. Originally appeared online New Website—Copyright © 2009 The Evangelical Covenant Church—Used by permission—All rights reserved.
River Church continued...
5:24], the place where God will rule from ―the River to the ends of the earth [Zec. 9:10], water baptism compared to Holy Spirit baptism [Acts 1:5], and the list could go on. The reality of how all this will play out has been entrusted with those who believe God will reach people in the Soldotna/Kenai area who are lead by the providential hand of God. May it be so.
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Why Merge Ministry in Alaska? The Rational Merge Ministries has served ECC’s World Mission for 16 years. It serves the field by hosting church groups who desire to grow in their faith through serving others from another country and/or culture. Their primary focus over the years has been in Mexico, Central and South America, and Spain. However, when Dale Lusk and Rodney Sawyer met, a kindred spirit led to expanding Merge Ministry to Alaska, with an emphasis in the Native Bush villages, where the rich Eskimo culture flourishes. Subsistence hunting, fishing and gathering of berries have been preserved over 1000’s of years.
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that desire to come to Alaska. 3. The prospects of the visiting group and the receiving village having a positive and life changing experience is greatly increased. This is due to the fact that Merge Ministry personnel do a great deal of prepping and training before, during and evaluations after the event. Following are the areas where Merge Ministry personnel focus which greatly increase the chances of a positive experience for the team and the village: (a) Travel to and inside Alaska falls on shoulders of Merge personnel. (b) Meals are planned and the food is shipped to the visiting location just prior to the team’s arrival. The team is prepped and ready So why did ECCAK and to cook for themselves. (c) Merge decide to appoint Cultural training provides James Barefoot and Kate awareness to newcomers Cannon as Merge Ministhat allow them to adapt to try Facilitators over their new environment and Alaska? What was the to be sensitive to cultural rational? There are many norms. (d) The team’s reasons why we believe this safety is utmost important and Field Director Rodney meets with collaboration will allow ECC Kate Cannon and James Barefoot to Merge personnel keeps visitors greater opportunities to exout of harm’s way and/or minimap out fundraising needs. press that we are ―in it tomizes danger should something gether‖. unexpected happen, like an encounter with a 1. In the past, teams have dealt directly with the bear or another critter. pastors of the local church. Since many of 4. Emerging one’s self into the Native Eskimo culthe trips happen during the summer, this ture with a teachable spirit will allow visitors to puts a lot of extra pressure on the pastor’s leave Alaska a changed person. Western Alashousehold and the church leaders since they kans offer a unique perspective for Lower-48 are responsible for all of the logistics. With people to learn about faith and practice. summer being one of the busiest times for 5. Valuable time will be spent with village personsubsistence fishing, it creates huge presnel by Merge Ministry Facilitators to determine sures. Merge personnel will now take care how a group can best serve the church and/or of 99% of the logistics, freeing the pastor to the community. This information is communibe the pastor at a busy time of the year. cated to the mission team and provides a vital 2. The ECCAK office staff would love to assist link of communication that often gets lost or in helping with the above, but are undermisunderstood in emails, faxes and phone constaffed and not able to oversee the groups versations.
The Blessings of Health, Strength and Sound Mind Herb Stromquist is a name well known to many of our bush villages. Herb has been working and ministering in Alaska since 1987-88 when he worked as a substitute teacher in Mekoryuk. He seemed to hit it off with the Nunivak Islanders of Mekoryuk because they asked him to come back in 1989. You cannot get to Mekoryuk without going through Bethel, so in 1992, he served the church for a couple of months by preaching. Word
gets around and in 1993, Herb spent a couple months in White Mountain. A few years lapsed, but the memory of his graciousness stuck in the minds of Alaskans and in 2005 through 2009, Herb has filled the pulpit, at times on multiple occasions, in Mekoryuk, Shaktoolik, Bethel, Scammon Bay and Elim.
Rodney and Herb pose as Nancy snaps a picture while in Elim.
Herb is 86 years old and the Lord has blessed him with health, strength and a sound mind. ―Thank you Lord for this man who continues to give in so many ways!‖
Joshua 14:10-15 ―Now, as you can see, the Lord has kept me alive and well as he promised for all these forty-five years since Moses made this promise—even while Israel wandered in the wilderness. Today I am eighty-five years old. 11 I am as strong now as I was when Moses sent me on that journey, and I can still travel and fight as well as I could then. 12 So give me the hill country that the Lord promised me. You will remember that as scouts we found the descendants of Anak living there in great, walled towns. But if the Lord is with me, I will drive them out of the land, just as the Lord said.‖
Learning the Language of Churchease Learning a new language is difficult. Those who speak two or more languages have an advantage in life over those who only speak one language. It is no different for those who speak the language of Churchease. When new people who have never been in church enter into the Church culture, little do they know that it will take years to really understand what is being said. For example: When the pastor says, ―We will only sing the last stanza of our closing hymn‖ what he/she means is, ―I have preached too long.‖ When a Christian says, ―This is the best book I have read on this subject‖ what they mean most of the time, ―This is the only book I have read on this subject.‖ When a married person says, ―Everybody is saying…‖ what they really mean is, ―My spouse told me…‖ When the church board chair says, ―We are a close-knit loving family at our church‖ what they really mean is, ―We can’t remember when we had our last convert.‖
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Time to Realize…
Wanted...OLD PICTURES! Show me a piano falling down a mine shaft and I'll show you A-flat minor. Drop a piano on an Army base and I'll show you A-flat major!
ECCAK Office Gets Help…
To realize the value of ONE YEAR, ask a student who has failed his exam and has to repeat a grade. To realize the value of ONE MONTH, ask a mother who has given birth to a pre-mature baby. To realize the value of ONE WEEK, ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.
Warning Labels That Never Became Law
Contribu
ted by M agg Can you ie Olson of Golov find Mag in. gie?
We hope that many of you have received and are enjoying the new 2010 ECCAK calendar. If you did not receive one in the mail, please contact our office and we will be glad to send you one. As we think about putting out another calendar for 2011, perhaps you have some old pictures from the “good old days” that you would like to share with us. Please send them to: ECCAK—PO Box 70749 Eagle River, AK 99577. We will scan them and return them to you. Be sure to provide us with your return address. 5I
On a roll of Life Savers: Not for use as a flotation device. On refrigerators: Refrigerate after opening. On a disposable razor: Do not use this product during an earthquake. On a handgun: Not recommended for use as a nutcracker. On a piano: Harmful or fatal if swallowed. On Odor Eaters: Do not eat. On a blender: Not for use as an aquarium. On children's alphabet blocks: Letters may be used to construct words, phrases and sentences that may be deemed offensive. On a wet suit: Capacity: One
remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. 6 I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Selah Psalms 143:5-6 (NIV) 10
To realize the value of ONE DAY, ask a daily wage laborer who has eight kids to feed. To realize the value of ONE HOUR, ask someone who is on his deathbed. To realize the value of ONE MINUTE, ask a person who has missed the plane. To realize the value of ONE SECOND, ask a person who has survived an accident.
You may hear a new voice when you call the ECCAK office now. Yvonne Edmonson [in the forefront] receives training from Sara Scoles in the above picture. Yvonne will help to expand the office hours at ECCAK to provide greater coverage and service through the work week. The new office hours will now be from 8:30 AM until 5:00 PM. Please join us in thanking the Lord for the provision of people power to serve all of you!
To realize the value of ONE MILLISECOND, ask the person who has won a silver medal in Olympics. Treasure every moment you have… Ephesians 5:15-16 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Late one nigh t, a man walks into a dentist's office. Man: "Excuse me, can you he lp me? I keep thinking I'm a moth!" Dentist: "You don't need a de ntist. You need a psychi atrist." Man: "Yes, I know." Dentist: "So w hy Man: "Well...th did you come in here?" e light was on ..."
Point Proven A man goes to a psychiatrist. "Nobody listens to me!" The doctor says, "Next!"
A A A A
careless word may kindle strife. cruel word may wreck a life. timely word may level stress. loving word may heal and bless.
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ECCAK PRAYER CALENDAR
ECCAK PRAYER CALENDAR
November 2009
December 2009
DAILY PRAYER BY NAME AND BY PICTURE
SUN
DAILY PRAYER BY NAME AND BY PICTURE
Richard and Jane Atuk
Joe & Ida Murray
SUN
Anchorage
Daniel & Trudy Olrun
Elim
Mekoryuk
MON
TUE
WED
Keith and Cynthia Bergstrom
MON
Eagle River
Ron & Kathy Bowerman
Mike, Barbara & baby Isabella Swanson [Shannah missed photo op] Wasilla
TUE
Bethel
Jim and Sherry Libby
WED
Big Lake
Brad & Julie Olson Golovin
Duma & Rosemary Otton
Joel & Olga Oyoumick Unalakleet
Anchorage
THU
FRI
THU
Anchorage
Mike and Sara Scoles Eagle River
FRI
Rodney & Nancy Sawyer
Chip & Joanne Swanson
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Dave & Shelly Olson Minneapolis
Unalakleet
John & Carolyn Uttereyuk Scammon Bay
Mary Putera Wasilla
Eagle River
SAT
Nancy & Gary Walter Chicago
Koyuk
Bruce & Pam Markwood
Max & Helen Lopez-Cepero
Linda & Gary Bekoalok Shaktoolik
Carl & Marcia Elwood
SAT
Mountain Village
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Dennis & Candice Weidler Nome 9